If a label asks u for -3dB tracks to master?

[dirty_bass]

good advice, Steve.
as for the RMS. What RMS you advice as ok,?
I sometimes tend to make mixes which are not loud enough (lets say -12dB RMS and -5dB peaks), but to my ear it still sounds more comfortable and with more depth, than tracks peaking near to 0dB with RMS above -8dB., but in compare to other tracks, i hear mine are quiter, which is not a problem as far as I have a volume knob.
Was just wondering, what RMS on umasterd or lets say pre-mastered track you think is too loud and what is not loud enough?

Well, that`s a very case specific and subjective question.
I would say you can go some way to reducing unwanted peaks for sure.
A Low cut at 35hz won`t do much harm.
Some minor cuts in the top end as well etc.
As a rule, never go too hard on the EQ, cuts and boosts of more than 3db will introduce distortions to the sound, no matter what the EQ, so maybe go back and look at the choice of sounds you have made in the first place. Try not to be too precious about individual sounds, always look at the whole piece.

Basically, in answer to your question (as much as I can Vlasta) I would say if you are making music that sounds full and present and deep, and there is a large difference between peak and RMS, then so what, don`t worry too much.
If by reducing these peaks you are effecting your work and becoming unhappy, then you are obviously making the wrong choices.

I always work by my ears first and foremost. Any rules, techniques etc come second to my ears.

As a last point, it`s always good to run a analyser over your tune in premaster, get some detail on the areas where the big peaks are, and work out what is causing them. Then you can decide if you want to reduce these peaks or not, with more ease.

[RDR]

Some excellent advice there steve.

If i can be so cheeky as to add...

A/B your mix with already made tracks you think sound excellent and try to match the harmonic balance and levels.

dont treat it as the FINAL thing, but perhaps something to aim for and also be aware that these tracks have been mastered already. nothing wrong in trying to copy perfection in production. Copying mastering , particularly hammered final masters such as those from some people who limit and expand their tracks to death is a big NO NO.

NB... author is fairly drunk.