I'd love to pick the brains of the experts here on this subject if I may.  How do you do it?  What is the best method?  Given my situation, what would you do?
 
Here's my scenario:  I work with virtual instruments, live recorded instruments and live recorded vocals.  I often will 'partially' mix as I go along, (levels and FX), with lots of comping and often will export the raw, (edited), tracks for someone else to do a final mix.  I used to use the 'file export to wav' method to get the tracks out of Sonar but lately have just done the 'drag & drop' method, (which is so much easier).
 
If I'm adjusting levels as I assemble the song, (setting basic track levels to, ie. -14db) I would need those levels to export but not want any FX printed to the exported wav.  I typically use the channel gain to set those levels but because I am gong to export, (and preferably use D&D) would I be better off using a clip envelope to set the initial levels?
 
I'm trying to develop a consistent method so any comments would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks.
 
Paul

It seems to me that with all the export options, you can do what you want - e.g., enable Track Automation or Clip Automation but disable Track FX. Or maybe I'm not understanding the question and you know all this, but want to know what people consider best practices.

I've not tried the drag and drop method. Can one select any options doing so?

Anderton
It seems to me that with all the export options, you can do what you want - e.g., enable Track Automation or Clip Automation but disable Track FX. Or maybe I'm not understanding the question and you know all this, but want to know what people consider best practices.

On regular 'File|Export' there are options, although I'm never sure if they are always working as they should.  I seem to get mixed results.  It's possible I'm not using it correctly.  Typically, in my situation I'd be looking to export the raw wav file but I do need to control the levels as I sometimes start with tracks that are too hot.  I'm guessing that D&D does not pick up any of the options.
 
Yes, what do the experts think is the best approach for what I'm wanting to do.
 
Thanks Craig.
 
Paul

Sixfinger
I've not tried the drag and drop method. Can one select any options doing so?

Not that I'm aware of.  I think that's what screwed up my most recent exports.  The D&D is so easy but the guy doing the mix is complaining that some of my tracks are too hot.  I must get that under control.
 
Thanks Wayne.
 
Paul

Paul G

Anderton
It seems to me that with all the export options, you can do what you want - e.g., enable Track Automation or Clip Automation but disable Track FX. Or maybe I'm not understanding the question and you know all this, but want to know what people consider best practices.

On regular 'File|Export' there are options, although I'm never sure if they are always working as they should.  I seem to get mixed results.  It's possible I'm not using it correctly.  Typically, in my situation I'd be looking to export the raw wav file but I do need to control the levels as I sometimes start with tracks that are too hot.  I'm guessing that D&D does not pick up any of the options.
 
Yes, what do the experts think is the best approach for what I'm wanting to do.
 
Thanks Craig.
 
Paul

I've never had a problem with File export and have used many different options for different tasks, so I would be inclined to use this method but you should be taking care of your levels BEFORE you export.
 
I too mix as I go as this suits my workflow perfectly and has the added bonus that you avoid the problems outlined above when you're collaborating with other people.
 
The Export dialog is highly configurable and you have the ability to save & name your own presets for frequently used combinations - I have about 4 saved.