We run the average track through a Renassance Compressor, C4, RenEQ and L1 Ultramaximzer before bouncing it down, although if you've got more dramatic eq to do on the entire track I'd go with Mark EG's list and do the EQ first.

Releases go to labels processed like this, because we can't guarantee to attend the master/cut and if you are after a particular sound then it's best to get it approximately right on the way out. If we were going to the cut then I'd take a copy with and without the processing.

We usually use a very low ratio on the RenComp unless we are after a really pumping effect - and if you are going to a really heavy effect then this kind of compression is best done on a bus so you can have some uncompressed sounds if you want to.

The C4 is usually set to Multi-Electo Mastering preset and then the Range setting backed off until it sounds good. Some tracks sound better without this, most sound better with it.

The ReqEQ is used to tweak any harshness in the middle, particulary if the track is a little cluttered, although only 2db or so of changes maximum here, if it's worse than that go and tweak the mix itself.

Finally the L1 set to output at about -0.5db and doing a maximum of around 1-3db gain reduction - this isn't to make it as loud as possible, just to clean off any really peaky bits that might occur occasionally.

Always master when you are feeling fresh in the morning after you've had a coffee, never late at night.

And this assumes you have some decent speakers and know the limitations of the room you are doing it in, if not then you are going to need to do some real careful listening on different systems.