(Politely side-stepping the above ((as I've already posted my thoughts on this)) ).
As of late, I have been attempting to use the 'reverse mix' method of tracking levels into PT (just made that up)...
Essentially, (what I'm trying to achieve is) to record everything as close as possible to the level it will ultimately be at in the final mix; Of course, this calls for more than a fair amount of speculation/guesswork, but I usually have a pretty good idea of where things are going to need to 'sit' in the final mix when I start.
This BTW, is quite different from my formative years in Digital recording (where EVERYTHING was comp'd/limited and smacking full scale, but not going over).
Takes a lot of discipline to record an important track at -20dB!
I still struggle with the urge to crank it up a little to maximize that resolution!
However, my initial findings are that using this method:
1. Makes setting 'ballpark' levels automatic
2. Interfaces back into the analog mixer/outboard gear easier
3. Sounds much cleaner, less 'digital', more organic (insert favorite buzz word HERE_________________)...
Of course, then I proceed to distort
saturate
overdrive
harmonically enhance
the shit out everything!
But that IS a different thread...