I know this is REALLY behind time but to answer Paolo's question,

i think it's the fact that Tom cranks the particular filter at +18dB to find problematic freqs would cause ur ears to just bleed with all the loudness.
With the master gain down 10dB this would effectively give a +8dB when finding problematic freqs.

be kind to your ears!

"well son-of-a-bitch" thats genius!!!

Hi Mr Dave
First forgive my poor English!!!
Second let me congratulate you for the beautiful Website you have whit a lot of knowledge.
And about this article can i ask you what is the significance of the phrase "Start by dropping the overall level of the track by 10 dB" there is any point in the output level of compressor that is a good level for do what Mr Tom Bates say to do?

Tank you
Paulo Fernandes

Amazing.