Hey CD
I understand what you are saying about the phantom image, but I did not get the sense that the vocals were not in your face. It was just something I was trying. To me it sounds like he is everywhere. But technically you are correct.
Bob
They're competing for space with the other wide panned instruments, you'll probably find if you pop them back to the centre they'll snap back into focus and the track will have more 'solidity' and a bit more space around the vocals.
It's an effect to be tried for sure, probably more effective in small doses or if you'd panned the guitars central so the normal panning roles are reversed.
Thankfully it's mono compatible , the song sounds good in mono and the instrument balance works well.
CD
We never finish a mix... we simply abandon them.
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