[Paul Cavins]

I am no expert, but would caution you against doing mastering functions in your mix. I guess this applies to mixes that will become part of a record that would be sent away for mastering. You should leave that work for someone with the skills and gear for the job. I do sympathize, though. I made the mistake of playing one of my mixes on my boombox and then loading in a commercially released CD. The difference in size and loudness was depressing, but I imagine my mix would gain some ground after it was mastered.

PC