I think not. What's most important imo is the initial take. GIGO.

If the initial recording is done on a poor quality microphone, then all the tweeking on earth won't improve it much--unless you don't mind spending days on the mix.

There are basically three parts to a project.

1) Recording

2) Mixing

3) Mastering


If you record with a good set of microphones, then you're assured of basic clarity and sound. Mixing will take the various tracks (let's say there are four) and get them balanced in relation to each other.

Bring up the voice, drop the rhythm guitar, increase the lead guitar and give som spazz to the mandolin. (I opted for some reverb on two songs and liked the effect. However, a full CD worth of reverb would be a drag.

Mastering is the process where all the finished takes are set so that they are the same loudness. Say ya play cut one and it is comfortable to listen to at 6/10 on your sound system. Then cut two comes on and your system is still set to 6/10. And BLOOOOOOOOOOM, you get knocked outta yer chair because it's way too loud. Mastering makes all the tracks play well at 6/10 (or seven or . . .).

If you don't have something good to begin with, all the mixing and mastering in the world ain't gonna help it.