arc 2 lets you fold to mono with the click of a button.
 
 

I like arc 2. Lots of representative systems there. Does it burn you when you work on a mix and then listen to it on a simulated laptop? Ugh.

 
Good reading from SOS Magazine for your question.
 
Read the article HERE

Max levels without clipping in the red.  Check compression dynamics for each track, the attack and release are critical for the envelopes of each instrument.  Adding tube limiters, precision compression.  Start by making an instrumental without the use of a sound designer.  Meaning do all that on your own.  When you lower the threshold on a dynamic and boost the gain that brings out the sound, to translate well.
 
Multiband compression is similar, but for particular frequencies in the compression.  Lower the thresholds, narrow the attacks and releases accurately and boost the gain, it's like squeezing an orange for all it's juices..
 
Thanks,
 
LWD