Mixdown selection of a mono track outputs a stereo file with a lower volume

[jaguarguitar]

hello,

when i use mixdown selection of a mono audio track - a stereo file is output that has a lower volume by about 1.7 db. essentially i have to add a mixtool to bump up the volume by 1.7 db.

the reason im doing this is to save cpu by 'baking' the insert fx. you may suggest instead i use 'bounce to new track' - however there is another 'bug' where pan automation is missed for 'bounce to new track'. it just misses it completely.

i previously posted about 'render to audio' option that also misses pan automation.

i wasted many hours trying to figure these things out and doing my own testing, very frustrating.

this is on 6.6.4 latest build. wondering if anyone can confirm this with me?

 

[Trucky]

Can you post a screenshot and the steps of what you're trying to do and I'll test it on my instance of Studio One 6.6.4.

 

[jaguarguitar]

hi Trucky, no problem. i made a video but forgot to post it yesterday. i think the first 5 minutes should be enough, im a bit of a slow talker so you may want to play it on 2x speed.

To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.

Accept third party cookies

 

[jaguarguitar]

also, here is a second test i did yesterday using just a sine wave, may be a bit clearer explanation.

To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.

Accept third party cookies

 

[Jemusic]

This post got me thinking. I did some tests. I have uploaded some test tones here:

Test Signals – Google Drive

drive.google.com

They are both at -20 dB FS but one is stereo and one is mono. Using music to check levels can be hard and unpredictable. Sine waves are definitely better for sure. I also use a VU meter set so the 0 dB VU = -20. The Level Meter set to K-20 does a fine job as well. Put this on the Main OUTS also. No inserts on the tracks playing back these files of course. Channel faders for the mono and stereo tracks also set to unity.

If you drag the Mono file onto a mono track and play it, you will see the meter shows -23 dB FS. This is expected as the pan law is dropping the signal down by -3 dB panned centre which is correct. (Adobe Audition plays this back though at -20 through both outputs as no pan law is involved)

If I now do a MIxdown Selection as you are doing, I get a stereo file that also plays back exactly at -23 dB FS on both channels. So I am not seeing any change in level. I am doing this in V6.6.2 but this is also the same for me in V7.2.

Dragging the stereo file onto a stereo track produces an output of -20 on both channels as it also should because now no pan law is involved. Doing a Mixdown Selection on this also creates a stereo file that plays back at -20 on both channels.

Try this in a completely fresh session and see what happens. I am sure you will get the same result. Use my test tones as they have been accurately created by Adobe Audition. You may be getting the change in level due to something else effecting the signal flow. Things not seen or obvious.