I'm just saying because I had a mix that sounded great. All the levels were perfect - no clipping. Now I didn't put any additional EQ or use a multiband compressor or anything, but the Mastering chain I like to use really brought out parts that shouldn't have been so loud, like hats and actually made the lead clip, whereas on the unmastered track, it sounded perfect. It was easy enough to fix, but I'm glad I checked it first. It also tamed the bass, which was the last thing I wanted. Fixed.
Do an A/B. Stream. Then master.

I mix and render to a 16 bit WAV, listen to that mix a few times on a couple of different system/speaker set ups to make sure I got the mix right, then load the final mixed-down WAV into a new session for mastering.

I don't bother with mixing down to a 24 bit file then dithering down to 16 bit during mastering. For the types of music I write and record, sticking with 16 bit files has worked fine so far.

I hope that helps!

using a pre-defined "mastering" chain is inefficient. thats not mastering

How is that not mastering if the mix engineer mixed with regard to how it would be mastered? Whole albums are mastered with the same chain and effects.

Eh? Me no follow. Could you expand on your point?

I also export to 32 bit wav and then import into a mastering project where I have all the tracks from album for comparison when mastering. Then master down to 16 bit with dither. Although I must admit I cannot hear the effect of dithering.

Im guessing that he meant using a defined chain of settings, not just the chain of tools.
He said it was inefficient though, which I think is actually the one thing that technique would have going for it.

I think it makes sense to use the tools you know, but I agree that 'presets' of any kind dont make sense in mastering or on a master channel.

No. Mastering is a fluid thing and you have to do different things for different songs. But, I found a chain that I like and think sounds good and that's what I use. Presets are a good starting point, but there's really no 'one fit all' preset for every song.

why would a mix engineer mix with regard to how it will be mastered?
thats backwards

When self finalizing it probably makes sense to bounce out 24 bit without your "mastering" plugins on the output bus, ensuring no clipping results by de-activating your limiters.

Mastering applies a rather different type of listening than mixing does and whilst you will not achieve the objectivity of a mastering engineer, the finesse of a high res system (and acoustics) or benefit from the euphony of a well set up analogue chain it makes sense to work with fresh ears, a new project and the tracks in sequence. This way you can work relatively with the tracks and with reference to each other.

cheers

SafeandSound Mastering
music mastering