master level

hey huys, i was wonderin... since i can set the master level to +12db MAX what is the setting yall use? I know pro's like to keep headroom for compression and fx etc. but how much is the max setting i should use? or should i just use -6db? i don't really get it... help me out yall!

I just keep mine at 0db and fix the levels on my mixer and my sh*t bangs.

Most pros run their drums a little hot- they actually clip them. Jazze Pha discussed this in his interview with Remix Mag.

So when your making the beat in your MPC -you want to run them a little hot...do some experimentation..what ever sounds good to you...I find +3 DB works good for me.

But after you track it in to your D.A.W., and are mixing, you want to keep the sound low to leave headroom for the Mastering Engineer.