Mix bouncing between 404 and Ableton

[Jboogie]

So I've been experimenting a lot lately with mixing lately to discover my own distinct sound, and I was wondering if anyone had any tips on how to improve my mixdown game? I usually bounce either a sample or full beats to my 404, use compression/vinyl comp for more more warmth and then back into ableton for a final mixdown/slight EQing to make it sound more lively and full...but for some reason it seems like it's doing the opposite.

Any advice on mixing in general whether it's before or during the bounce to the 404 would be appreciated. I know most people would say just to experiment till I find something that works but im kinda struggling to figure out new ways lol. Hope this wasn't confusing.

[THEGREAT]

404 can muddy mix at times . Ableton .. the filter is good for eq'ing in it's own way . use reverb sparringly .. keep every channel sounding neat & unclusterred .

Mix so nothing clashes sonicly .. allow each layer to have it's own space in the mix . through panning or eq / filterring