A Quiet Mixdown?

[GDOGG]

When I've been mixing down my tracks I'm finding that the master output seems to peak around -3db to 0db. However, I've been comparing my tracks to other songs that also are peaking around 0db and they seem considerably louder than my track, volume wise. Is there something I'm missing or is this volume boost a result of their mastering? For example the track I'm working on atm peaks on the master at -0.34DB and to give you an idea my kicks are set at -14/-15db. The ghost track I loaded up to compare it with peaks at 0DB dead but sounds considerably louder.

Any help?

[KrisM]

If you have frequencies fighting for the same sonic space, you get a perceived lack of loudness as they wage war on one another. Use EQ to cut and clear room for various elements. Clear out mud, and gain clarity and perceived loudness. This will also give you more headroom.

[störgeräusche]

is this volume boost a result of their mastering?

yes

[Eventful]

is this volume boost a result of their mastering?

yes

Yes.
Image-line sells a plugin called "Maximus" designed to make your tracks louder (without making them literally louder.)
It's expensive, but powerful.

Note that it's NOT a replacement for good mixing and mastering, though.

[Tarekith]

is this volume boost a result of their mastering?

yes

This. Here's a easy guide for mastering your own material, perhaps this will help you:

http://tarekith.com/assets/pdfs/Mastering.pdf