How to make your recording sound professional?

[Aff]

cheers guys, i've taken the tips on board. i think i got my mixing down and mastering mixed up. mastering was what i was referring to with regards to software and mixing down was what they do at the studio anyway.

in any case, i think i managed to help myself by taking a day out then going back to the finished product to mix down. previously i'd still been working on it and trying to get in there with semi-tired ears. in the morning has proved to be quite at good time with a cup of coffee.