GAIN STAGING — the boring step that fixes most mixes
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1. Set every track so its loudest section peaks around -12 dBFS before any plugin.
2. Mix with the master fader at 0 and no limiter engaged.
3. Match input and output level on every compressor and saturator you add.
4. If the master is clipping, pull the group faders, never the master.
5. Take the level down 3 dB before you decide the mix is bad; loud always sounds better.
