I've sort of changed my flow, so far, I think it's okay.
-Nothing on the mixbuss before exporting, mix left around K12 levels.
-Import into new project.
CHAIN
-Pre-Gain from DAW
gained up until loudest peak hits full scale.
-Klanghelm DC8C
ext sidechain set up to ignore bass fundamentals ~110HZ
Threshold/att/rel set up as mix buss compression to gel/massage, tighten dynamics, move with the beat. No makeup gain.
Waves RS56
sweetening if necessary, possible narrow dip at 30HZ, possibly scoop around 512, possible high shelf for shine. No gain.
33609
no more than 3-4 db compression, occurring during aggressive passages, kept as transparent as possible, highest threshold. No gain, attenuation if needed.
Satin Tape
this is just here to hear if improvement, or not. Depends on the song, even a little bit can diffuse transients, may not be appropriate.
Final EQ
Ozone? Been using Cambridge, tried BX Digital. This is the EQ I use while monitoring thru all my sources, flipping thru and tweaking for overall balance with a selection of reference music.
Final Limit
P Lim. Usually only need 2-4 db to get it competitive. Occasionally Limiter 6 or Ozone for problem mixes, where I'm done with 'going back in the mix'.
This setup allows me to A/B level matching the entire chain as well.
Any thoughts on this, anything could be improved?