My mix sounds awful when bounced to MP3

Strange since the WAVE file and the CD should sound the same. Did you make the CD from the WAVE file? At what data rate did you make the mp3 file? Was it made from the WAVE file?

What program you used to listen to the Mp3? Was it iTunes? If yes, check you don't have the sound "enhancement" (in preferences) feature turned on! Messes the sound completely... -Z

Yeah, Wav files and SDII files should sound the same. Try using Itunes but set it to 192khz.

Park, the CD was made from an AIFF file as was my first MP3. The rate was undoubtedly too low. Zues - you're right. Sound Enhancement was engaged and it absolutely made the mix sound worse. Producer, thanks. I did try Itunes at 192khz and that too made a difference. And Koko, I appreciate the blunt reply. I want to learn. I come to Pro Tools through the back door so to speak, as a composer and what I don't know about engineering would fill volumes. In the past, most of my radio mixes were sent to other studios on DAT or audio CDs for distribution. However, until this recent experience the occasional MP3 I sent was fine. I'm looking forward to following your protocol the next time I send out an MP3. Thanks again everybody. Marindakim