<resolved>Master output vs. direct output - differences

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?

No, I posted that already.  ;)

Check TotalMix. Is the fader up on those channels?

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?

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.

Thanks Jimbo and Geoff, good suggestions. The interleave is set correct. both the mixdown track and master buss is set to stereo. 

thx Charlie. The sound difference is in the bounced track, not the exported output. Now that I turned the machine off, when I boot up tomorrow, it will probably be fine. With my luck.  :-D

I sympathise with your myriad problems but I have to say that a long time ago I learned that I need to finish a project in the version in which it was started. It's saved a lot of headaches. It also taught me that a project does have a life span and it needs to be finished. Anything else just goes into a repository of bits and pieces of audio and or MIDI files. That's why I always keep any version which has an ongoing project loaded on my machine.
Once it's done so is that version of Sonar except for what is required for any useful plugins from that version.

I've found that playback of most projects is OK but even then I save it in the newest version of Sonar on my system.

Master bus Gain/Volume adjusted in offset mode? Send on the Master in parallel with the output or to a headphone out that's getting merged in Totalmix? Does the Master bus meter show a different level than the track meter?
 
The Pan Law issue was fixed in 8.5.2, and would not account for a difference between direct out and Master bus.
 
 

If this is related to the pan issue that was found to be because of Offset Mode. It is possible that the issue listed in this thread may be due to being in offset mode.  

What I think might be useful is some obvious indicator making it clear when offset mode is engaged. This could be a button on the Control Bar. When first activated let it flash then goto a steady bright color. 

IMHO, the 'o' key should do nothing by default.
 
How many times have we helped troubleshoot for frustrated users due to the offset button?
 
Most people who would intentionally use off-set also know how to do key binding.

I like the do nothing approach. I have reset the 'O' to do nothing. I will NOT be bitten by this again I hope.