Quote:

Do I just monitor the output levels and try to keep each mix as close to the same as I can?




That likely wouldn't sound very musical.

We have a scant amount of things we can work with inside of the Audio spectrum.

Frequency (Pitch), Time and Amplitude. In a Stereo mix, you can add spacial placement to that but should not lean on it as a crutch to avoid getting a good mono mix in the first place.

Amplitude is VERY important, in musial terms we define it as "Dynamics".

For example, when invoking a soft passage, one would not want those tracks blaring out at the listener. etc.

Don't look for pat formulas. Treat each mix as a brand new example and use your ears to blend the parts to suit the situation.

--Mac