I am recording at home into an SE Electronics Gemini II into a UA Apollo Twin incorporating some of the accompanying software plugins like the UA 610-B and Teletronix LA-2A. And then into Logic on my iMac.

I get a nice sound, but the recordings just don't seem to have the same "depth" or magic to them as when I've recorded in professional studios.

The last studio I recorded in I used the same mic as mine, so what is it that gives the studio recordings more of that pro feel? My first thought would be the room, but the last studio I was in was nothing special at all, so is it the AD conversion? Better quality audio interface? Mic preamp?

Any tips or affordable gear recommendations would be most appreciated, thanks.

****Update

Would just like to say thank you to everyone who has shared their advice here. I'm only a novice producer, so all of this info is both informative and really helpful. Obviously trying to obtain a studio sound at home is a little like chasing ghosts, but it is nice to be able to understand the process and at least see where improvements can be made, so thank you all!