Been messing with Ozone's Maximizer a bunch lately, and honestly - IRC IV Modern is just it for me. Like, every time I try something else, I keep coming back to this one.

Note to future self:

• IRC IV Modern = default starting point
• It just handles my mixdowns better
• Doesn't do that weird pumping thing with kick drums
• Vocals stay clear even when pushing it
• Actually sounds MORE aggressive when I need it to?? (but clean)
• Stop watching those "ultimate mastering chain" YouTube videos. This works. Stick to it.
• -0.8 ceiling for stuff going to streaming, and don't forget to watch the gain reduction meter.

Random thought: It's wild how it only squashes the parts that need squashing. My old settings were basically crushing everything, no wonder stuff sounded weird sometimes.