Export audio - main outputs vs. entire mix

I have an issue with the export function........if I have a midi track (piano) which is routed to a Roland JV1010 module, even though I hear it in the mix, it does not print to an exported wave file or mp3.....I can't answer your question but I've had the same problem...hope someone chimes in

Yes, using 'entire mix' gives me everything as well.  But I would have expected using the main audio outputs would also yield the same results if everything was routed to the audio cards via the master bus.

I am using Sonar X1 Expanded and I found that when exporting audio I had a 6 dB loss on the final levels of the exported files. The levels in the exported files were 6 dB below those of the mix in Sonar.

It was a very simple mix. ( I am working with a nature sound recording.) There is only one audio track going to one Master Buss. No automation on the audio track. one send from the Master to an extra pair of soundcard outputs for headphones. The Master output to another pair of audio card outputs. I was running one instance of channel tools in the Master bin to swap channels.

I had the audio track trim level to +6 dB, and the audio track fader to +6 dB and the Bus input trim set to +6 dB. I had Prochannel EQ activated on both track and bus with a high and low shelf.
I was using Buss Volume automation to give a fade in and out with volume set at maximum 0 dB.

I render the resultant mix to files of 96k 24 bit, 48k 24 bit, 44k 24 bit, 44k 16 bit wave and mp3. All files had the same problem. I tried buss only output, soundcard output, and mix output all with the same result. There was a loss of 6 dB.

I found that when the Buss Input Trim was backed out to 0 dB (the default setting), and to compensate that loss, the level fader automation increased to fade up to +6 dB instead of 0 dB, then the mixdown performed as expected.
I hope this helps!!!

Also, I wanted to delete the send I had created, but couldn't find a way!! perhaps someone knows how... thanks.

Karl

Is your original track stereo or mono?

T

CJ - All tracks and buses have their output set to the master bus & the master bus outputs to the audio card.

DeeringAmps - The original track is stereo, but the L and R channels are relatively balanced in level from a balanced mix overall. 

TBayer - I'll double check that, although I would have thought if the audio card driver levels were low, that would result in lower levels in exports on both 'entire mix' and 'audio output' options.

Bristol - No, I don't have any other sends going to any other audio outputs.

From everybody's responses, it seems if I have all track outputs set to the master bus and the master bus output set to the audio outputs - the result should be the same when exporting audio using the 'entire mix' or 'main outs' option - so I must have some routing going on in my projects I'm unaware of - let me doublecheck those.   

Thanks to all for the assist.
Russ

CJ - All tracks and buses have their output set to the master bus & the master bus outputs to the audio card.

They should export the same. I would take a real close look and cross your "I's" and dot your "T's" or is that cross your "t's"
 
Cj

TBayer
       
to complete my contribution to the thread:
I found that the source of my problem was software return levels not being set to 0dB in the audio card driver. That changed the rendered files.

Karl 

I have had this same issue with mp3's not being the same as playback.
Hopefully this is my issue too but I don't understand it.
I am using a BR800 as my controller but also for all my output audio. (I don't use the computer's card)
How do I check the "software return levels (not being set to 0dB) in the audio card driver"
This could be a fine thing for me. I've been very happy with the Sonar program playback but the MP3's are low leveled, dull and lifeless.
Thanks. 
Glenn

Thanks Karl.
I'm guessing the audio card in my hardware (BR800) is not accessible?
I do use the higher bitrates (usually 320 or so) in the dropdown selection under MP3.
And i use "discard wav" if that matters.
I must have missed the slider you mention. 
I don't see it in the process. 
Maybe I'm using a different process?
Also, does anyone recommend the high quality variable bitrate option on the list?
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/2.83934/mp3%20dropdown.jpg

I did download and install a free mp3 program that was recommended in this forum to get all the mp3 options ( Sorry I forget what it's called. ) and do have Producer X1 expanded.
After I make the mp3 I bring it into Audacity and it's always low leveled (tho I have the meters at the max without clipping in sonar) and needing a low and high boost. I'm not sure why and thought it might be related to your sound card issue.