[DC11]

I'm starting to experiment with mastering for fun. I'm fortunate to have some really nice gear and want to see how well it works for mastering. I use Pro Tools, but only as a tape machine and would like to keep it that way. Don't have much in the way of plug-ins anyway.

I figure that for best results, I should only use what I have in stereo form or have 2 of. Is that correct? I'm also curious to where I should put certain pieces in the chain. How's this for starters:

PT interfaces -> 160vu, LA4, or Joe Meek SC2 -> Pultec EQP-1A -> CD-burner or back into PT

Is burning to an external burner better then back into PT's?

I have a few pieces that I'd like to try and incorporate to the already existing chain. Where would they go in the chain?

* Crane Song HEDD
* Toft EQ (from the ATB Board)
* Valley People Dynamite
* FMR RNC

For pieces I only have 1 of, would getting a Dangerous Music Master be good for that? Does anyone else make something similar to those? I've got a Telefunken v72, Sta-Level, Altec, 1176 and a few other things that I'd love to see what color they add. I have a few other pieces, like 2 dbx 160x's, but I don't think those would work.

or

Just do it ITB? In PT's? Or should I get something like Bias Peak 6? I assume I need something like Peak 6 anyway for final editing and final burning anway.

or

Should I even bother with the above stuff and just start getting gear that is specifically made for mastering?

or

The obvious solution: Leave it to the pro's.

I do want to learn this art-form though.