I typically gain change the track to just before it would clip. I can always mix DOWN in the final mix but I can't go past as loud as it will ever get. That's like people who prefer hot to cold. I prefer cold. I can always wear another sweatshirt. When it's hot, there's only so much you can take off and not get arrested.

If my tracks are on the hot side, I can make them softer, but if they are on the cold side, I can only boost so much until I hit 100% and then there is no more boost to boost.

This is where you get into amplitude vs volume. The gain stage (amplitude) has to be strong so you DON'T need to push the track during mix (volume).

That being said, I gain change 2db at a time, and never to where it flatlines against the top and bottom of the track.

I am using the new 1040XTRAEZ form this year. It has just 2 lines.

1. How much did you make in 2023?
2. Send it to us.