I track through the outboard pres or the DA7 pres to the Adat XT-20's and lock up to Performer - the old version 4.2 - and mix to the Masterlinks 9600. As I track, I try to keep the dynamics in check, using the Avalon 737's compressor or the DA7 compresors, and when I mix, I use the DA7's compressors. On the Masterlinks, I will often Normalize (unless the CD is going out to be mastered) BUT everyone says that the levels on the Masterlink's CD are much lower in volume than pro CD's. Aside from using the compressors on the Master strip of the DA7 or compressing individual tracks even more, how do I get the CD up in volume - using the equipment I have now? I find compressing can dull a sound. I have tried limiting the signals as I track and compressing during mixes. How do the rest of you do it? Hopefully, I will be using Digital Performer in the new year. Thanks.
CB