How do I use this crap!!! (Super Deluxe equipment)

[random robot]

I've got access to all kinds of amazing equipment that I'm slowly learning how to use but I need some help. I'm recording and mixing in protools mostly using plug-ins but I'm ready to start trying a little "mastering". Keep in mind this is not for profit, I'm just recording myself not to take away from the real pro's so please don't tell me to send it off somewhere. Here's what I've got to work with...
Universal Audio LA610 Pre/compressor/limiters
Fairchild Model 600 Compressor
Behringer Tube Ultra Gain Mic Preamp
Langevin Pultec EQ
White 4700 EQ
Tube-Tech PE-1B Tube EQ
Lexicon 300 Digital FX System
Lexicon Vortex Audio Morphing System
Summit Audio TLA-100A Tube Leveling Amp
2 Urei LA-4 Compressor Limiters
2 Urei 1176LN peak Limiters
TC Electronics M300 Multi FX unit
Manley Mic Pres
Empherical Labs Fatso Jr.
Drammer 1960

Would you suggest running through some of this and in what order or would you just use a mastering plug in like TRacks? Thanks

[sparqee]

Well, if you've got lots of time you can always just run your mixes through random bits of gear and see what it ends up sounding like. It can be a great experimental way to find a new sound. If you'd rather prefer to follow in the footsteps of others then I would suggest you read over the "Mastering Guide" available from Izotope (maker of the Ozone Mastering suite plugin). You can download it as a pdf here: iZotope Ozone - 64-bit analog modeled mastering effects for Pro Tools, VST, MAS, Audio Unit, and DirectX audio applications

Mastering can be many different things. Some people seem to think of it as nothing more than hyper-compressing a mix using some preset. Others think of it as the final stage of a mix where someone other than the mixer uses subjective judgment to fine tune a recording (or collection of recordings) so that they fit together as a cohesive album. Whether EQ, compression, limiting or other processes are applied to individual songs is a matter of artistic choice.

If you are comfortable with the gear you have available to you then it's really just a matter of making artistic choices. If you're not familiar with your gear... well, you're really back to just experimenting with it until you are. Or you could find/hire someone to help you learn.