1. Leave enough headroom: Don't use limiting on the master at all. leave about 2-3db of headroom from the loudest peak to 0db.
2. Don't add too much on the master buss: This includes eq and compression, especially multiband
3. Take breaks to rest your ears while mixing.
4. Mix with some stereo compression over the master bus: But not too much just gentle compression to let you hear how it will affect the mix.
5. Be careful with stereo expanders: They can cause phasing problems if over used.
6. Dont moniter too loud: This can cause both your ears and moniters to compress slightly resulting in a different sounding mix than what is actually there.
7. Check the mix at very low levels. This helps get an overall picture of the mix. Nothing should disappear with these lower listening levels.
8. Reference other mixes.
9. Listen to the mix in a variety of listening environments as well as headphones. Laptop speakers are good for hearing the mix on less capable speakers.
10. Consult a good online mastering engineer for further guidance on your mix before sending in.
