I would like some thoughts on why the direct output of my soundcard as output on a track sounds different than the Master buss using the same output.
 
Track one is using my RME UFX Analog 1&2 output
When I change track one output to the master buss that has RME UFX Analog 1&2 I get a totally different level of playback. No pro channel active and all settings default to zero on track one and Master buss.
 
Thoughts?

Might you have some FX on your master buss? Pro Channel perhaps?

No, I posted that already.  ;)

Then check your sends and routing. I have never noticed any difference due to using direct outs vs buses as long as  FX or other differences are absent.

Check TotalMix. Is the fader up on those channels?

It is the same TotalMix single stereo pair for track one and Master. nothing to really check.
 
I have all of my tracks going to submixes and adjust the overall mix accordingly. When I bounce a final mix to a single track, I export the audio to MP3 so I can listen to it while it breathes. I have the bounced single stereo track go to the hardware directly instead of the master buss because the direct out sounds better/crisper. I can't for the life of me figure out why if there are no FX and sends involved.

What channels are cue'd in Total Mix?
 
In total mix are the different output channels showing the greater signal?
 
What happens if you solo the master bus?

I am using the AN 1/2 for solo'd track one and the master output. Those are the only active outputs in TM. The master buss was a little quieter.
 
I am wondering if my project is corrupt since it does not pan correctly and I am getting crashes and such. As I mentioned earlier in another thread, this project works fine in 8.5 minus the VST3 plugins.
 
Thanks for the replies guys. I think I am done for the day...

You know, with your difference in volume and the pan problem, I wonder if one of your tracks is set to mono interleave, or changes to that for some reason, which could account for the panning problem and the difference in output of the busses as, at least for me, there is a noticeable increase in volume with a stereo track set with a mono interleave.

Sorry I can't help. I wish I was there.
 
My trouble shooting would probably involve by-passing all FX and soloing until I could get the two ouputs to behave identically. I would definitely open up Total Mix and check the levels on the different outputs. I usually use 7+8 rather than 1+2, but it shouldn't matter.
 
You might try doing a Total Reset in Total Mix. Options > Reset Mix > Total Reset.
I have definitely resolved many baffling issues with this simple method. Total Mix is cool and complicated and sometimes I just can't wrap my head around how the routing it working. Maybe I set some pair to loopback or something and it starts to get crazy. Just a tip.
 
Best,

Geoff