ok, i have a "FEW" newbie questions. i have a boss br1600. I am about to start mixing my new batch of songs. The process goes: record the tune-adjust your levels- bounce the song down to 2 tracks(stereo).
The next step in the boss process is to bounce your final mix into the mastering tool kit so you can adjust your overall volume. I am choosing to turn the mastering tool kit off so that I can have it professionally mastered. Now as for my final unmastered tracks.
The screen has 2 level meters- You control the volume for the bounced tracks as well as the overall master volume for the bounced tracks..

LEVEL
0 (being the loudest)

4

12

24

48

Should i keep both volume levels at about the same number(a little below the 12 area?) or should the bounced tracks be a little higher than the master volume(or vice versa)?
Last time around i kept both levels the same, turned on the mastering tool kit and cranked up the levels to a little over 4. Mastering became a joke because my levels were so high. It sounded like over processed crap.
At the same time I'm afraid I might now be keeping my final levels too low. I can barely hear it when i pop a burned CD into my headphones. It sounds rather flat as well. Is this something i should be concerned about?
I think I'm just paranoid because I was so used to keeping the mastering tool kit on. It gave the songs some volume and punch. When i turn it off they just sound dull and low.
Should i even be worried? Will mastering bring this thing to life? Should i go easy on the EQing and let the mastering process do it job? Should i be compressing my vocal and guitar tracks or again, will mastering smooth everything out? Damn I'm confused. i hope this makes sense