gain staging, and ARC2

new to this software, i am confused as to the proper way to gain stage with the ARC2 software across the master buss..
 
 
typically, i shoot for RMS average of -20db, with peaks to -8db on my master buss.
 
once i put the ARC2 across the buss, this all changes.
 
even though i am hearing lower volume thru the buss, the meter is reading higher peaks.
in fact, on several of the mixes i've completed before using the ARC2 software, once it is placed in the master, i have peaks of well over 0db, and i can only attribute that to the fact that the overall low end is being brought up by the arc, but the peaks have been taken down by the room curve, so i have more energy overall in the low end, which is driving my levels up.
 
but, of course, when i go to bounce down my mix, and take the ARC out (disable), my levels are lower than what i usually want.
 
i'm confused about:
gain staging between the normal master buss and the buss with ARC on it;
where to set my VOLUME control on the arc panel, in relation to maintaining proper gain staging;
what exactly the TRIM control is for, and the correct way to use it;
 
 
 
at present, i am ignoring the red peaks on the meters, and just listening for balance while mixing, then disabling the ARC and using the peaks i'm seeing on my sub and master busses for the actual mixdown bounce (i do not export bounces, i actually bounce to TRACK and export that single file later)
 
 
 
 
doing it this way just seems wrong to me.
 

I had this problem when I first got it, I think it was Danny that suggested to create a new master buss and send the master to that. Much easier to then just reroute back the way it was when you're ready to export and doesn't mess with your current gain staging

master bus out : headphones
Master bus send to a bus with ARC 2
Bus with ARC 2 ouput : monitors 
 
optionnal :
 
Master bus send (2) to bus with metering (you keep master fx bin clean )

Zo has it right.
Everything to the MASTER > ARC BUSS > speakers
I think I have the ARC control down about 9db (IIRC).
Always bounce from the MASTER.
 
Tom

Zo
master bus out : headphones
Master bus send to a bus with ARC 2
Bus with ARC 2 ouput : monitors 
 
optionnal :
 
Master bus send (2) to bus with metering (you keep master fx bin clean )

How are you doing this? I haven't received my Arc2 yet but this is good to know. When I click on the master bus send there are no bus choices to send to, only my monitors and other outputs. How are you getting a send on the master bus to another bus? The master bus output does not see headphones as an output option. I can send the output of the arc bus to my monitors though.

southpaw3473,
 
YES, You should take and use separate measurements for each of the monitor pairs.

Templates are a must if you do audio work a lot. It makes everything much easier, quicker and helps foster creativity by having things ready to go when the idea strikes. That includes having ARC set up to go when creating a new project.

I like the separate bus for the ARC and the master sent to ARC. Excellent idea and thanks for sharing that!!!

Yes Obi, Yours is like mine in that I won't have to worry about cutting ARC on or off as it's on it's own bus that goes directly to my monitors. The headphone mix on a separate bus with different interface outs and the master bus untainted.