thanks everyone. Some time ago I ordered the 'SONAR X2 POWER!/ the Comprehensive Guide' by Scott Garrigus and i just got it last night. The 3 db issue was resolved in about 10 min. There are several ways to do it which yield somewhat different results. Bottom line, there are more options to achieve this and the option you choose will depend on what outcome you desire. Very cool. Thanks Cakewalk. The export is a problem. I know that if no audio is selected it won't work. I learned that from HS4. I'll keep working at it. Probability is that it's the USER (me) fault. It general is. Yes X2 is a leap up from HS4 and that is why I got the book. Great reference. But I like to play with it first to get familiar with some of the layouts and see differences. Now I can dive into the new features. P.S.: I've just started using ALLOY2 on the tracks and really like it. Of course the best plug-in that I ever used is OZONE for mastering. Just got the OZONE 5 and love it. If you are looking for a mastering software, you can't go wrong with OZONE. Thanks again

I have the same problem (and I'm coming from Cakewalk Pro Audio 9, an even bigger jump -finding this new version almost impossible to work with!).
 
I don't see anything about "Gain" under "Process Effect".
 
Have just ordered Scott Garrigus's book, hope it'll help me.