How come my mixes don't sound as wide and full as professionally produced music?

Answer 1

Layering layering and layering! If you look at pro pop mixes, there are so many layers. It seems silly until you try it. How do you get huge vocals? Sometimes, it's done by layering up to 15 takes of the same exact line. How do you get a huge bass? Sometimes, you have to layer a grand piano, playing the lowest octave, doubling the bassline and tucked away in the mix. Layering is essential.

Another thing is using delays. Delays, with short times and some panning, can give a sense of space. This works like reverb, but without the muddiness that can come from it.

Answer 2

It's all about how it was recorded, (equipment and setup), who's recording it, (they sound good, don't they) and mastering. Every producer/sound engineer is going to be different, and that's what makes their sound. But all of them will point to my first sentence. FInd out who you wish to sound like, find the studio and engineer that did the recording, CALL THEM, and ask some questions. You'd be surprised how many people will take the time to answer your questions.

Good luck, and don't give up. It takes years to get really good at sound engineering.