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Originally Posted by boo  Wise words from our pointy eared friend.
Research compressor/limiters, that will explain quite a bit. |
Yes, but don't get carried away with compressors or limiters. Both are great tools, in small doses.
I like to limit a track to a couple of dBs below 0dB, while boosting the track a bit, at the same time. There's a fine line there, that you will have to listen for. Don't overly limit the track, leaving the threshold still high enough that you don't squash the dynamics, and those vital head room frequencies. And don't boost it so much that you smash these same dynamics up against the limited threshold, either. In all cases, less is more. Don't over do it.
Done correctly, it will increase the drums, without really turning the volume up. You'll get a fuller sound, with less fear of clipping. But, if you do it incorrectly, the cymbal crashes and the power toms will be squashed, resulting in a flat and whimpy track.
And by all means...turn the guitars down to match other tracks. Never be forced to turn up other tracks to meet a louder track. You might win a quick volume battle, but the war will be lost, in the final mix.