I am experimenting with cloning an audio track and then varying its position by a few ticks for an effect.
Since the track is doubled, what is the equivalent reduction in gain (db's) that will "equal" the level of just a single track? For example, if you have the bass at -10 db on the slider, if you double the track, should each of the two doubled track be set to -16 to equal the approximate volume level of the original one set at -10?

pdarg - interesting question. I use that technique as well from time to time so I'm interested if there's a simple math answer to that.

I heard once that it was a +6 db gain if you doubled a track; therefore, reducing two tracks by -6 db should - in theory - make a doubled track the same volume level as a single track(?).

That is correct. Only if the two tracks are exactly in phase, though; nudging one will probably result in slightly less than 6dB gain.

One note: there is a psycho-acoustic effect that the first sound you hear appears louder than the second one.  If you are just shifting by a few ticks, this may not be a significant factor, but it is worth noting for the future.  For example consider something like the classic Eye in the Sky type doubled mute guitars panned left and right with the left one coming first. The left one (early one) will always seem louder even if the meters tell you they are equal in volume.  It is because our ears perceive the second one as an echo.

Yes - I noticed this effect some time ago with guitar parts.
The bass part is somewhat unique in that it maintains a center apnned position.
The parallel compression seems to make it sound deeper if the compressed signal is delayed by 2 ticks at 96kHz.

Phil, I wrote you a kind of long PM about your music, but the forum thing said you could not or chose not to receive PMs.  Not sure what's going on but my message was very complimentary.  Take care, --K

Hi "pdarg",
I use this technique a bit here and there,to varying degrees of success,my trouble is I make so many new projects,with the same performance I can never remember exactly what I've done on each one,hence the "starting" another new project with same audio files...quite a mess,but I'm learning all the time,I just wish I could have had access to this stuff 25 years ago,so I'm cramming 25 years of waiting,into the little over 2 years since I started with my first computer and at the same time X1 ha ha,pure craziness.
 
I've been meaning to ask you,is your avatar you? it's just it has a VERY striking resemblance to the late "Ron Asheton" of the "Stooges"[RnR band,began late 60's with "Iggy Pop]It's just I had the pleasure in 91, of being on tour with my band along with his then band "Dark Carnival"for an extensive Australian tour,a good guy,and he gave me an amazing Detroit Stooges T Shirt[a one off],that I treasure,I'm sorry for the kerfuffle if it's not him,the picture is just very remarkably similar to him.
Cheers
Bob

@ KonradH - sorry I missed your PM
@ bobguitkillerleft - yes - the picture is me - but it's a few years old