thanks. i have a problem eqing in general, because audacity is very slow about applying effects which makes the learning curves very steep. i don't have a spectrum analyzer either. i think i can try out your recommended program...but is it only a vst plugin? some plugins like guitar rig can function on their own, but some can't...
as for the volume, it really is a concern because what you're hearing there is as loud as it will get. if i put it any louder at all, the whole thing starts tearing itself apart with the clipping. i've already panned the instrument sections as much as i can, too. slightly beside the point, but i also intend to add distorted guitar chords over this.