Writing song with mastering in mind from start- NEWBIE help

[grandpa sekno]

Ive did a few songs(techno) and when I mix them on decks/turntables with other tunes my songs always sound low in volume compared to others(for same db readout on mixer). They just don't stand out as well. So been trying to find out how to get that "loud" sound.

Ive been writing all my songs and trying to get my master to peak at 0db as comin from dj background i thought this is what you want.....now i read differently.

So, to do it right from the start so it can be mastered correctly and hence sound "loud" what are the basic rules I must adhere to??? -

ie- levels for drums/synths/bass etc and what my overall master level should be.

Also when i use the spectrum analyzer i always seem to have much more volume in the low frequencies...should i be looking for a more flat response across freqs? This would maybe explain why my music takes more power(db) than others for a lower perceived volume??

Tips on using the spectrum analyzer from start of track, to make sure i dont "cloud" my bass freqs too much etc would be helpful for me too.

Any tips greatly appreciated...

[sleepymoose]

AFAIK, well applied EQ8's and compressors; to beef up certain groups (side-chain compression) and compressors on the main mix itself.

You'll be amazed at how loud your tunes will sound once you start mastering, or even just using those. Compressors can also squeeze out sounds you never really expected.

When shit peaks, use Limiters

[DJVespers]

Hey mate. I just did a 3 part free tutorial vid series on mastering in Live with iZotope Ozone. Might find this usefull. Cheers!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMFq0c0T ... playnext=1

[grandpa sekno]

thanks peeps...and grood well explained vids vespers...

i just need to write a track with the levels correct in the first place with headroom for mastering...then ill try these tips.