I use this method
Instead of
plugin1 -> plugin2 -> meter -> plugin3
do
plugin1 -> plugin2 |-> plugin3 -> more plugins
|-> meter
with all my plugins because it keeps the sound consistently stable — which is crucial — when it’s below ~ -20 dB (K20). The output signal is then just below 0 dB.
Bob Katz Mastering:
Level Practices (Part 1) http://www.digido.com/articles-and-demos12/13-bob-katz/22-level-practices-part-1.html
Level Practices (Part 2) http://www.digido.com/how-to-make-better-recordings-part-2.html