How to get predictable "final" levels?

[johnsmith1]

Depending on the master fader level, the final levels are going to differ (of course). So what's the best way to know what level my bounce is going to be at? Do you route everything through a master-ish track and just leave the real master fader alone?

[markblasco]

I always use a stereo master fader with a limiter plugin (such as the massey limiter), and use the output of the limiter plugin to raise up the levels until they are just under the 0 point. I then raise up the input of the limiter until I get the amount of gain reduction that I want. If you are having your tracks mastered than you would skip that part, but for one off songs it makes it really easy, since it is always the same process.

[zedhed]

The only plugin I use on the master is maxim.

[YYR123]

Mark and Zed,

What do you guys use to dither.......(Since we are talking about the master strip)