What options for a clean slightly harsh digital mix?

[Roman]

I am making beats with hardware samplers and MIDI modules etc. I record through an M-Audio Delta 44 soundcard.
I plan on getting an Apogee Ensemble in the future.
At the moment I am thinking of going to a professional studio just for a simple bounce to tape of my final mixes. I think I can mix pretty good and I think I can even master pretty well also.
I am wondering what boxes could be beneficial on the way to tape. I was thinking a box that adds harmonics and makes the mix sound bigger and warmer.
I am going to ask the studios what they think could be inserted before the 2 track tape machine.

I thought I may as well ask the anonymous masses here at GS just for food for thought. I am recording vocals over MIDI sequenced instrumentals. Mostly reggae and hip hop stuff. I definately like a slightly older thicker sound.
Thanks,
Roman.

[A LaMere]

Hey Roman....

You've got a pretty wide world of things to run through while bouncing over to tape...

What you run through depends on what you're trying to get out... sometimes running through a nice limiter will make the mix louder and let you hit the tape harder/properly... recently, I've been wanting a stereo or multi-mono eq that I can specifically run through in order to smooth the mix and give it some MOJO.

I've been looking at the a-designs 'hammer' but.. haven't done enough research to really make a decision yet. Also in that vein the api560 graphic eq's work decently and easily.

Seriously, you've got a lot of choices... Running mixes through a compressor or limiter with the meters just barely moving is another way to give it some vibe and hopefully some depth....

best of luck!

[stagefright13]

2 LA2a's on the 2 buss will give that sound. Example is on my site under samples/mastering. Total digital mix into la2a's. Different music style tho. Then you can approximate the additional color tape would give you on top of it.

But as said there are a million options. Your description brought this to my mind instantly tho.