Cakewalk MP3 Export only at much lower volume than original mix

[tothemax]

I've been dealing with a similar issue for quite some time now...  My workaround has been to copy the MP3 export into Audacity and boost it there.  I don't seem to have that reduction issue with exports from any other products.

 My interface is a Tascam US 16x08.  I've been following the similar threads and don't see how I can set my output levels with this interface, maybe someone can provide guidance.  The DAW records just fine, playback through my monitors great (same to my PA mixer), it's just the export that I have issues with.

Would really appreciate some guidance, hopefully there is something basic I have configured incorrectly. I really like the Cakewalk DAW, but may have to move on if I can't resolve this.

Thanks

Max

Things I've tried and configuration

I've tried creating an Export bus without any success (added a Send from the Master).  Output meters are set to 0 on Master, in the screenshot below I added a boost plugin and the output was clipping, so I did lower the output levels a hair. Really didn't make any difference, the MP3 export sounded the same.

This is the output section of the Tascam ASIO driver. Muted channels are going to live mics, to kill any feedback. The EQ section is bypassed.

These are my Cakewalk driver settings

Tascam ASIO output GUI

[57Gregy]

If you import the song into a track in the same project and output it to the same output you rendered the mp3 from, how loud is it?

[tothemax]

I'll try that and follow up

[Bass Guitar]

I have never had any issues with exporting audio, Wave or MP3 or stems. I do believe my settings are what ever the defaults are plus a few minor changes to sample rates. The default seems to be if you choose " Entire Mix"  - it chooses your audio interface as the source. This always has worked. 100's of time for me.  If you never touch those Hardware bus stripes then it uses the Master bus levels as the export. Your overcomplicating things with creating extra buses. Not necessary. 

You could turn your interface Hardware volume control right off and that is not involved because the export is internal in your computer, it doesn't travel back to the interface.  So don't waste your time fussing with that software mixer. I'm pretty certain it is not involved. Notice in your screenshot of the mixer how it is at the other end of the USB cable.  Everything is internal and not routed through the hardware. That would be dumb as it would involve passing through D/A convertors. 

First your screenshot of the console view all looks good, this is mine. Looks pretty similar so nothing missing I can see. 

Your issue must be something not set up correctly in the export dialogue. I have included a screenshot of a typical export. 

Did you choose the pre set first? This is what I do.  I always choose a preset. 

Note it shows the Motu as the correct source. Also make sure nothing is out of place in the dialogue to the right where all your tracks and busses will be listed. A lot of people miss this because the default is to hide it. 

I always export as 48/24 Wave files first and they are set to automatically play in Windows Media player. Obviously the volume is full. I also immediately drag and drop the file into You Lean Loudness meter which gives me an instant reading for peak level and LUFS. 

If all is good I might then also export an MP3 but they are sort of obsolete now that all the delivery services want lossless formats. Ultimately people want Videos which is why everything I do is 48 sample rate, even Mp3. 

[Amberwolf]

is it only wiht MP3 export, or is it also with WAV export?

 

If only MP3 you should check the settings for whatever encoder you're using, in case it has a normalize or other volume-altering function that is set to lower the volume.