I have an orchestral project (started in Sonar, finished in Reaper) that I am now mastering and exporting as wave and mp3. I exported the mixed-down wave from Reaper and imported it to Sonar, because I can use my favorite mastering tools, Vintage Channel and LP 64 EQ, which don't work in Reaper. Fine so far, everything sounds exactly the same. In Sonar, I use VC and LP 64 as mastering tools, and get the finishing touch I'm after. Then I export that as a wave file. This is where it gets weird. Everything sounds fine, except in one spot, where the flutes are in thirds.  One flute sounds too loud, the other too weak. I figure whatever is happening, has to be happening during that last stage,  the final wave file creation. Could it be bit depth, dithering, or some other setting? I have no idea. Anybody have an idea what's going on here?
 
Thanks, 
 
Michael

Does it sound OK in any other playback app before you import it into Sonar?  

Hi Michael,
 
Export in highest quality 16/24 bit for your mix downs.
Im sure you know this but don't try using an MP3 as a mix to go master off of.
use only a high quality WAV file.
 
Do a reference check as John has mentioned. Import this mix in to sonar and just listen to it closely.
Listen to it using Windows media player as well. (try choosing at minimum 2 different sources) to track down where your mix is going array. Also be aware of your export options in Sonar. there are many choices and many different kinds of export presets.
 
You first need to rule out possibly a bad mix coming from reaper.

I think the OP said it sounds the same after the import into SONAR. It is the export from SONAR that doesn't.

Best suggestion may be to mixdown to a single track inside SONAR and then drag/drop that wav to the desktop to check.

John
Does it sound OK in any other playback app before you import it into Sonar?  

I'll have to listen to it in media player all the way through. It's a 16 minute piece, so I may not have gotten far enough in my preliminary sound check, before importing it into Sonar. I'll report back after I do that.

mettelus
I think the OP said it sounds the same after the import into SONAR. It is the export from SONAR that doesn't.

Thus my suggestion to import the exported version back in to sonar and listen close.
If there is something wrong with Export, chances are your not going to hear the same problem in sonar in the same spot in 2 different versions.
 

Chuckebaby Import this mix in to sonar and just listen to it closely.
Listen to it using Windows media player as well. (try choosing at minimum 2 different sources)

It won't be bit depth, sample rate or dither, none of which will cause the symptoms you describe. The logical culprits would be EQ or compression. Make sure any filters are broad and gentle. If you're applying any EQ boosts that might be over-emphasizing certain parts, consider using a dynamic equalizer instead.

I seem to have solved it. First, I went back into Reaper and made a few volume changes. I then exported the project as a wave. I listened to it, and it was identical to what was in Reaper. I then imported the wave into Sonar, and it sounded the same as Reaper. I applied my 2 mastering FX, but this time I applied them directly to the audio or mix track. Before, I had applied them to the master track. The only change I made was choose 24 bit instead of 32, to match it to Reaper mixdown. Finally, I exported the Sonar audio track as a wave. And this time it sounds the way I want it.
 
I'm not sure what was the decisive factor here, but the important thing is it worked. Thanks for all the tips!

bitflipper
It won't be bit depth, sample rate or dither, none of which will cause the symptoms you describe. The logical culprits would be EQ or compression. Make sure any filters are broad and gentle. If you're applying any EQ boosts that might be over-emphasizing certain parts, consider using a dynamic equalizer instead.

I do try to use gentle mastering FX. In fact, with Vintage Channel I use the "Gentle M-S Mastering" preset, and with LP 64 EQ I use "Subtle Analog Warmth," but I change the gains on all the focus points, cutting them in half or more. This puts a nice sheen on everything. Also, in Reaper, I have Spaces reverb, the Cakewalk Tube Leveler and the LP 64 multiband on the mix track. Some of Cake's FX work in Reaper; some do not.

chuckebaby
Hi Michael,
 
Export in highest quality 16/24 bit for your mix downs.
Im sure you know this but don't try using an MP3 as a mix to go master off of.
use only a high quality WAV file.
 
Do a reference check as John has mentioned. Import this mix in to sonar and just listen to it closely.
Listen to it using Windows media player as well. (try choosing at minimum 2 different sources) to track down where your mix is going array. Also be aware of your export options in Sonar. there are many choices and many different kinds of export presets.
 
You first need to rule out possibly a bad mix coming from reaper.

Thanks, I did as you advised, and something seems to have worked (see below).