I've been tweaking a project for the last few days and exporting mixes, each with only minor difference from the last. But today after a few small amendments, I exported the latest mix and noticed that the Master bus meter level seemed low. Comparing the resulting waveform with yesterday's mix (using Audacity) confirmed that there was a significant difference in overall level.
 
So I opened an earlier version of the project and took a screenshot of console view to compare settings with the current version. The levels (volume and) of all the buses are pretty much identical. As a workaround I increased the levels by 6dB of the 3 buses that route directly to the Master bus and that has brought the overall level back to normal. But I would really prefer to know the cause of problem.
 
I know what some of you are thinking. Offset Mode! But no, I've checked and it's not that. Does anyone have any other suggestions about what else I could check?

Have your main out faders been lowered? Master buss?
Check any Fx on your master buss.
 
How many pairs of outputs are enabled in your mains?
How are you exporting, using Entire Mix or Main Outs?

Bristol_Jonesey
Have your main out faders been lowered? Master buss?
Check any Fx on your master buss.
How many pairs of outputs are enabled in your mains?
How are you exporting, using Entire Mix or Main Outs?

Mains out still set at zero, as always.
Only one effect on Master and it hasn't altered.
Only one pair of Mains.
Exporting entire mix.

this has happened to me with one of my new projects, but only one of them.  baffling.

Something happening to me which could be related, is that this project I've been working on for a week has tracks and buses not opening up at consistent levels.  I mean I'll open the project after working on it the previous day, and the relative levels are definitely, noticeably different than when I left off.  To compensate, I keep tweaking the gains to approximate the balance I had previously - and it's spooky, and a PITA.  X3 has only been used for a few weeks now, this is the first big project with it, and I can tell you, nothing like this ever happened with 8.5.
 
Randy

rbowser
Something happening to me which could be related, is that this project I've been working on for a week has tracks and buses not opening up at consistent levels.  I mean I'll open the project after working on it the previous day, and the relative levels are definitely, noticeably different than when I left off.  To compensate, I keep tweaking the gains to approximate the balance I had previously - and it's spooky, and a PITA.  X3 has only been used for a few weeks now, this is the first big project with it, and I can tell you, nothing like this ever happened with 8.5.
 
Randy

Weird. Check your volume automation lanes, which may be "taking over" from your faders. If you didn't create automation, delete the envelope and then the faders will take control over levels.

Anderton...Check your volume automation lanes, which may be "taking over" from your faders...

Ah ha!  That sounds like a promising explanation- When I open up Sonar a bit later this morning, I'll look into that Craig.  I haven't dealt with, or even looked at automation lanes yet - I've been doing lots of standard automation, recorded in real time - Maybe I somehow accidentally turned on an automation lane--?-- Not sure what I'm talking about, I need to take a look first.  Thanks, Mr. A!

Randy

rbowser
 
Thanks, Mr. A!

Hold off on any thanks until you find out whether that's the issue

Check your offset mode and check your entire signal chain before the master bus. Make sure your tracks are routed correctly and make sure you exported it correctly using the correct exporting source.
 
All tracks go to the Master
Sends go to buses
Busses go to the master
Master goes to main outs
*Export using the source Entire mix or Main outs


CJ
 
 

Any plugs active on the ProChannel on the master bus? Or some other important submix bus... Bass can make a big difference, though 6dB is a lot.