Exported Files are MONO!

[Pete Ohlinger]

No matter if I export a 24 bit WAV or a 256 bitrate MP3, I lose the stereo imaging that the original mix has in Cakewalk.  Why is this happening and what is the fix?  I also already checked if the export was set to Stereo and it is.

[scook]

Have you tried importing the exported wav file into Cakewalk and listening to it?

It might help to see an image of the export dialog for the wav file.

[Pete Ohlinger]

You nailed it- the same file exported, when I import it back in, the stereo imaging is still there.  So... what the heck is happening to it when I play it from another source?

I've tried multiple apps for playback, and it's always mono, so I don't think it's the app that's playing it that's the problem.  OK- as I'm typing, I tried something new.  I played it from my phone, and it's in stereo.  On my computer, it's in mono when played with multiple different apps.  Is this maybe an audio interface setting issue?

[Byron Dickens]

3 minutes ago, Pete Ohlinger said:

I've tried multiple apps for playback, and it's always mono, so I don't think it's the app that's playing it that's the problem.

It has to be. If you export the file and if you re-import it and it plays back normally in CW, then there's nothing else that can be

[scook]

6 hours ago, Pete Ohlinger said:

You nailed it- the same file exported, when I import it back in, the stereo imaging is still there.

This is a good test.

6 hours ago, Pete Ohlinger said:

So... what the heck is happening to it when I play it from another source?

The two leading candidates are

• the playback is hyped some way (Windows enhanced audio, bass boost etc.) - adjust the playback software 
• the mix does not translate well - revisit the mix in the DAW and re-export.

[Pete Ohlinger]

Solved it. 

A few days ago I had for some reason clicked on "Custom" instead of DAW.  When I switch it back to DAW, it plays back in stereo

Thanks for your insight!