Looking for some help from someone who has solved this problem.  Hopefully I'm not the only one...

The problem:  The rendered audio export is noticeably lower than anything else I've done or anything on the commercial market, by about 6 db.

I've searched this forum and found tons of posts on things related to "hey dude, you need to master it" and "hey dude, turn up the master out volume on your audio interface".   I assure you this is not my problem.   I know how to master (I used to do it commercially).  I've used Sonar for years and I haven't had a problem in the past.  It seems that X1 is different somehow.  
Here's my checklist:
Mastering plugins:  Check.  Using UAD-2, Waves Multi-Maximizer, etc.
Audio interface:  Using RME Fireface 800, volume set to 100%.
Windows:  Set audio interface outputs to 100%.
Started with the "what you hear" export setting and tried nearly every option, with no changes in result.

I also tried using some of the other FireFace analog outputs such as 3/4 instead of the 1/2 pair.  No difference.
I tried outputting from Main bus, the output interfaces directly, and even set up a new bus routing Main to the new output bus.  No difference.
I tried mixdown in realtime mode, listening to the output play as it renders.  No difference.

I'm totally lost on this one.   Like I said, I've done this in the past with Sonar Producer 6 and had no issues.  I'm following the same procedure I used to do.  X1 consistently outputs about -6 db as compared to Sonar 6.   

What am I doing wrong?

Thanks.

Are your master faders in Sonar set at 0dB?

Is everything routed to your master bus (directly or via another bus)?

Bristol_Jonesey


Are your master faders in Sonar set at 0dB?

Is everything routed to your master bus (directly or via another bus)?

Yes, all master faders to 0db.   Everything routed to master.   The mix sounds perfectly fine and like a master should.... until I mix it down.  The WAV file is very quiet.   There are no peaks above the -6db range in the exported WAV.    So it's almost like it's mastered at -6dB.   My mastering plugins are set to -0.1 db.

[now pulling my hair out] 


There appears to be dozens of similar posts with the same problem and I can't find an answer that solves it.    This is not a master fader level problem.  Checked that already.   It's not a mastering problem.   Definately not that.   I have now tried 4 different output pairs and tried reconfiguring the software mixer on my FireFace 800 audio interface.   I tried boosting the sound in the interface its self but it made no difference.    it's not a Windows problem because Windows is not using the same card.    I'm comparing mix level of my export to commercial music of the same genre.  Not even close!


There's got to be a setting somewhere that I don't know about.  I never had a problem like this in Sonar 6.

This has nothing to do with your audio interface, as it does not come into play during file exports, so you can at least save yourself the trouble of investigating that avenue any further.

It's not a mastering problem.

It is most likely a "mastering problem", insofar as the signal is being limited by something on your master bus. You listed two plugins as "mastering plugins", one of which is the Waves Multi-maximizer but the other isn't specified beyond "UAD2". Is it perhaps a compressor in front of the L3? And what plugins comprise the "etc." part of that list?

Don't take offense, but are you sure you're using the L3 properly? Just because the global brickwall limit is set to -0.1db doesn't mean the output is guaranteed to ever reach that level. That will depend on the settings for each of the plugin's five independent limiters.

Perhaps a screenshot of your master bus, with plugins and their settings might yield a helpful clue.

I had a similar problem when exporting to a wave. I record at 24 bit 48k. When I export to a wave at 16 bit 44.1k the volume is attenuated. If I export to a wave at 24 bit 48k there is no attenuation of the volume. Don't know why. No problems when putting something on sound cloud, just when making a CD. I encourage the OP to try and see if they get the same results.

Getting your mix to "standard levels" starts in the recording stage and carries over to the mixing and mastering stage.

If your 6dB lower than all the others, i would remix your song and cut out all the unwanted frequencies that are building up in your song and not letting your mix be as loud as it could be. All these unwanted frequencies in all your tracks build up and the more tracks that are in your project more junk frequencies there will be.

Complimentary EQ techniques is a start. I would look into that for now.

Cj

 I'm comparing mix level of my export to commercial music of the same genre.  Not even close!

Well, that's a whole different kettle of Pisceans.


I thought you were comparing your exported wav to your Sonar Mix.


The easiest way to rule out Sonar is to re-import your Exported wav into a blank audio track within the same project.


Route this track directly to your soundcard, bypassing your master bus otherwise their effect will be duplicated.
Set it up so you can easily A/B between your mix & the Export - they should be identical in volume.


Achieving commercial grade loudness is one of the holy grails for us mere amateurs, normally only achieved by trading off distortion/quality with loudness.


Most modern mixes are compressed/limited to within an inch of their lives, then limited again using high end outboard and/or precision grade plugins.

If you post a portion of the output file that is too low in volume we could take a look and perhaps see if there is something that is preventing it from being made louder.

@rickgn I had the same issue. You are going to kick yourself.... wait for it... On your master bus, check the mains out. Guarantee that is the problem, they are set too low.