Hi Mark

Dont get too frustrated, you're off to an excellent start already.

1- I ALWAYS leave the room at some point and listen from far away. That is almost the same as listening VERY low which I also do. But not quite.

When you put the volume really really low that's how you can tell if something is too loud or low.
Like say you set the vocal level and it sounds okay then you turn the volume really really low and the vocal is still very present, that means it may be too loud or just perfect. If I'm not sure I walk out to another room to check.

If someones says is that guitar loud enough? Lower the volume very low and see
"Can I still hear it fine?

Walking out of the room usually has me going back and lowering something...

All those check points you listed are good ones... I use the first two all the time.
Listening in mono is something I don't do unless I'm purposely mixing in mono.

We also keep a boom box around and a cheap cheap CD/Radio player 10 bucks....

But the best is in the car cause I believe that's were 90% of the people listen to music....

Thanks!
Peace Mike
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