Chicken And Egg - Chicken And Egg, Best stage to choose effects? Options

[Bonzo3]

After messing around in Garageband, I've just put together the first song I'm pleased with and and in the process of mastering it. When laying down each track, I had set effects to give each instrument the right feel. Now I'm setting the master volume and have a choice of different effects and settings for the song as a whole. Some of these make the song sound great in places, but throw certain instruments out (particularly those I already set effects for).

I'm just wondering when is the most logical stage to employ effects – at the recording stage, or the mastering stage, or both? Something's telling me I was a bit too specific early on, and I should have waited till I had the broader picture. Any advice from more seasoned Garageband users?

Thanks...

[B3 Basher]

There are some great books on mixing out there. It sounds like you are refining each sound individually and when they all go together they seem to trample on each other. Mixing/Mastering is about how the individual tracks 'fit', in EQ, panorama and style. Have a look on Amazon for the advice from the Pro's. Even Garage Band songwriters will find much to help them.