Here is some background:

I am in the process of trying to perfect some of my recording
techniques: trying out all kinds of different styles, recording
methods, mixdowns, EQ's, setup, you name it. I have three different
recordings to demonstrate, and I would appreciate any feedback in terms
of sound quality, mix proportions, frequency response, etc:

Here is my current setup:

1) For recording duties, I am using a Windows based DAW running Sonar
Producer version 4
2) For miking, I am using the preamps in a Mackie VLZ1202 Pro: I am
pulling the recorded signal from the pre-fader sends so that all of the
Mackie internal circuitry is bypassed except for the preamps
3) For miked guitar, I am using one (or several) SM57's
4) Most drum parts are played on a Roland VDrum setup with live pads,
however I also use some MIDI triggered sounds
5) Bass is recorded direct using a Sansamp RBI preamp and a cabinet sim
6) For A/D and D/A duties, I am using a MAudio Delta 1010 rack mount
setup
7) For compression (recorded compression) I am using a RNC
8) All effects that I use (like modulation, EQ, reverb, overall mix and
multiband compression) is coming from the Sonitus:FX DirectX plugins
(that come with Sonar)

As you can see, I am really shooting for a near-silent recording setup
that I can use at home. I record most everything direct, except in
cases where I just can't get the sound I want through any of my
preamps.
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Recording #1 - Heavy Metal
http://www.llamamuds.com/uploads/TheGrindOwnzJ00.mp3

This song clip is mostly recorded direct on drum parts, bass part, and
rhythm guitar part. Distortion is coming from a Vamp into a cabinet
simulator. There is significant compression on the rhythm and bass
parts to get that 'squashed sound'. Also, the guitar parts have some
amount of low-mids chopped out to clean up the mix.

Recording #2 - Middle Eastern Instrumental
http://www.llamamuds.com/uploads/PersianMoon.mp3

This features an acoustic guitar, recorded direct through peizo pickups
blended with a large diaphram condensor mike for some string click
effect. The drum part was recorded live using two SM57's. This is
mostly recorded in a more traditional fashion, using mikes on the
instruments. The high pitched tones were recorded direct using an ebow
and a cabinet simulator. No EQ'ing done, however the is some
compression on the entire mix. The asoustic guitar part sounds heavily
compressed, however that 'thump' is coming from the peizo pickups
responding to the pick on the strings.

Recording #3
http://www.llamamuds.com/uploads/slow-blues.mp3

All parts are direct except for rhythm and lead guitar parts. The drum
part is a Roland Vdrum kit set in brush mode, bass is recorded direct
using the RBI. Guitar parts were done with a class A tube amp recorded
with an SM57.
================================================== =======

I believe I can get decent recordings using this setup, considering I
didn't invest a large amount of money into it (compared with more
'professional' setups). If something sticks out as being a weak link,
please let me know.

If you aren't into these genre's of music, that is fine too, however I
am more trying to tweak my recording and mix setup at this point.
Thanks in advance!