DBmeter

[keenathon]

whats the point in using the DB Meter and keeping everything out of the red, when i put the track in my car and the bass is out of control. what else can i do?

[Bops2000]

speaking as a layman here,
DB is sound pressure. (I think thats right)
The issue here is Frequency
Low hertz may not even register on your meter because it's below the lower threshold of your meter.(that dreaded hip hop stuff)
Again I am guessing, I think best bet is to listen as opposed to watching a VU, try to have your system to play back 'what you hear'
(I am assuming you are using soundblaster compatible card)

[cag]

"whats the point in using the DB Meter and keeping everything out of the red, when i put the track in my car and the bass is out of control. what else can i do?"

The Fruity DB Meter is worthless. It displays the levels incorrectly and if you are using this meter to judge your mixes then it is likely anywhere from a lil to ALOT of clipping can slip by you.

Make sure to use a limiter like Waves L2 or whatever at the very end of the 'Master Effects Channel' to prevent clipping as well.

And as far as your bass being too overpowering, try compressing it down a bit. Just trial and error here pretty much. Get a decent pair of monitors with a nice flat response so you can hear what is actually going on.