Hi guys,
I'm in exactly the same boat. I still use PT Mix Plus on OS9. About 2 years ago, I replaced my Digi hardware with an Apogee Rosetta 800/96 (although I record at 44.1). I also got a pair of nice Brent Averill 1084 mic pres. Bottom line, by improving my front end and convertors, it made a big difference.
However.. having said that, I am still struggling with the overall sound of my mixes. I use a lot of plugs as well (mostly Waves Renaissance EQs and compressors)... and I agree that for some reason, my individual tracks (when solo'ed) sound great... but once everything is in the mix together, things get rather small and mushy sounding. I've done extensive research on that issue over the past year... and like most people, I have considered analog summing... but haven't tried it yet.
Another thing to consider is to do an internet search on Paul Frindle. He has a lot of really interesting things to say about how to improve your ITB sound. Apparently, a lot of it has to do with your digital levels ITB. Apparently, regardless of what your Pro Tools meters show you (i.e. even if you are not in the red)... you may be clipping your signals a good deal, without even realizing it. Honestly, I have not had the chance to try Paul's suggestions for myself yet... but it's worth investigating. My understanding is that he is a pretty smart guy, who knows what he is talking about.
Interesting thread.. I'll keep watching it, and hope to learn a few things myself.
