I know this post is late but better late the never. I been taking a break from mixing to listen to music as an consumer and not an engineer. While I was on this break I discovered what was so different between my mixes and pro mixes. That different was stereo image. All pro mixes have some type of stereo widener plug-in during the mastering phase. I tested my theory and the results where excellent. I could tell all my hard work in the mixing phase had really paid off because the clarity was unmistaken. The MIds and Hi frequencies literally jump out the monitors. Thanks again Recording Connection and Atmosphere Recording for helping me achieve my goals of becoming an Audio Engineer.
Thanks, John Johnson JR