Several Questions including Playback and Mastering

[Pogrom]

Would using a stereo instead of using headphones to hear playback help more or less when doing final mix and master?
I use headphones right now, and there are times when my recordings sound much different once I burn them onto a CD than when I listen to them through the MBR. Sometimes the entire track is quieter, or even sections. For example, I used a sample in one song, and once I burned the song to CD I couldn't hear a thing where the sample was, but I could hear it perfectly in the headphones connected to the MBR. Why is this?

Another question: I use a Roland Cube Bass 100 amp. Can I connect the amp to the Micro BR directly and use the onboard effects/sounds from the amp in the recording?

[Glenn Mitchell]

I find using several different playback configs really helps. Each config has it's own biases and if you can get it to sound good on all, you have a hit.

Hooper discussed how he uses the on-board MIC mode and placed in front of the amp for this with good results.

[xicpanad]

The best way is to record everything with headphones in. Then, when bouncing tracks and final mastering, use some pc sound speakers or an Hifi system. The problem you mentioned about not earing a sample, is probably due to the use of some compression in the mastering effects (I think). Once i did the same thing, changed a lot the mastering effects settings, and it sounded good on my headphones. When i exorted to mp3, and listened on my PC, the song levels droped in every beat of the rythm track. Now I allways choose some preset on the mastering effects while i´m listening realtime on my speakers and I barely touch it´s settings.

[Greeny]

It definitely alters the sound when you listen back to the mp3 on a different device (normally on a pc via headphones in my case). I actually prefer how it sounds off the BR, because it can sometimes sound a bit harsh and 'in your face' on the unit itself. I haven't tried mastering through external speakers, but it sounds like a good suggestion 

[AlchemyMN]

I have found that my trusty Sony headphones are the most consistent for mixdown purposes, but I always play the final product through monitor speakers, home stereo, both cars, boombox, and finally my PC.  I still get some suprises in one of my cars and on the PC speakers.

For mixing down Reason tracks on the PC, M-BR, or home studio, I have gotten more comfortable using my Shure E-500 in-ear headphones - something about the clarity of these is better for the subtleness of some of the Reason patches and effects.

[guitarron]

i use my AKG K240 headphones
tapco monitors, pc speakers and my car
this works for now anyway

[hewhoiscalledj]

I agree with what the others have said about using several speakers/monitors to hear and tweak your mix.

With regard to the sound levels of different parts sounding quieter/louder, this is something that using the compressor should help with. Without overdoing it, the compressor will "squash" the dynamics somewhat to give a more even level across the boards. Just be sure to mess around with it as it does take getting used to. Also be sure to raise the output level maybe 3db or 4db (tricky because while on the Mastering effects Edit screen, you have to push the cursor button over to the right so you see "OUT." This is the control for boosting the lower levels after compression. You will also have to mind each tracks levels prior to bouncing.

i've found this website very helpful with understanding mixing/mastering and compression settings: http://www.tweakheadz.com

good luck.