Whenever an audio file is recorded, Cubase automatically creates another file in the audio folder containing no data (0 kb). This reference file reflects the highest number of a track’s recording based on its name +1. If another event is recorded on that same track then the suffix is automatically increased by 1 and the reference file will be renamed by the next available number.
By closing a project, these reference files are deleted. After reopening a project, they are only recreated if there’s a new recording on an existing track or on a new track. In other words - an audio file in the pool with a track’s name’s highest number can either be an empty reference file or an actual recording containing data.
Nothing I am having trouble with per se. However, if you don’t know about this it can be quite confusing whenever someone tries to understand what’s going on in the audio folder: Although this is expected behaviour (see here); probably to keep Cubase from accidently creating doublettes, there might be a better way to keep track. Especially, in light of the rather complex concept of (removing/deleting) clips/events in the pool/audio folder which might be difficult to understand as is for those users who are new to Cubase.
This might not be worth to be called a feature request. Nonetheless, it could be something to think about. Maybe there’s a better way to deal with it. Of course, if anybody from Steinberg ever reads this…