Tracking db Levels

[dvs recordings]

Hey Ed aka Sonus. I read a previous thread from you on not being afraid to use 3 db of gain reduction with a compressor when recording vocals to digital. I liked your view on the reason for attack and release times which were different from others viewpoints I have read. It makes sense. Anyway, you went on to say that if you should be able to get your vocals to sit at -10db full digital scale somewhat consistently.

So are you saying that when I am tracking I should be trying to get the signal between -6 and -10db? or is closer to 0db the mission. Do you stay away from 0db at all costs to avoid that god awful sound you talked about.

Can you also elaborate again on changing the eq of a specific vocal part of the song instead of the whole track in the digital world. Do you highlight the spot and then go into your parametric eq in the software to make changes?

Thanks for all the valuable and inexpensive advice.

Dave