When loading into a computer, the preferred method, by far, is to make adjustments after the transfer. Mimic the pros . Listen to your songs against your favorite CDs. Switch back and forth between them, and try to quantify how they differ. When your mixes start to sound more like theirs, you're on the right track.
Monitors matter .
Do your mastering on the most accurate, familiar monitors avail able. All of these will provide a different perspective on your sound. Back off the EQ . Shoot for a setting that feels right, then back off a bit. Compress it .