correct sound level when mastering question

[orpheus]

aright, one of the biggest problems i have is when i go to mixdown and master a track. the level that the song plays at after i master it and put it on my computer is much softer than how it sounds on the sampler. what input and output should i have the levels at so that i get the highest level possible. there's an input level and an output level on my roland. you can boost them both. what ratio should the two be to each other. please help.
peace

 

[Architect]

What equipment are you using?
If you explain your studio setup a little better we could help you, for example how everythng is hooked up, what software your using, etc.

But in general:

When you go from the roland to the PC don't push the levels so high keep them so that all the instruments can be easily heard in the mix leave yourself some heardroom, you can increase the volume later, go for clarity and make sure the mix is balanced.

Once you have the mix in the PC and your ready to master then you can increase the levels using some compression and limiting but I would suggest spend more time on making the mix better.

Also what are you using to master your material? You could very well be hurting the sound rather than helping it, some people think because they have a compressor or EQ they have to use it on every song, sometimes the song doesn't need it and we actually should have left it alone.