I’ve run into a strange issue while exporting stems in Cubase Pro. When I export multiple channels and select “Include Effects”, the resulting audio files are consistently lower in volume—even though the tracks have no insert effects, no automation, and no processing on the master bus.
If I export the same tracks without “Include Effects,” the volume is preserved.
I’ve double-checked:
No insert FX or channel strip modules are active
No volume automation is present
No send FX or group bus processing is involved
Pan law is set to -3 dB compensated
This behavior affects both instrument and audio tracks. I’m trying to understand why enabling “Include Effects” would reduce volume when no effects are actually in use.
Is this expected? Could Cubase be applying hidden gain compensation or exporting pre-fader levels under the hood?
Any insight would be appreciated—especially if there’s a way to preserve volume consistency while using “Include Effects” for stem exports.
Are you talking about the Render in Place (so you set the Processing. Dry/Channel Settings/Complete Signal) or are you talking about Export Audio Mixdown (so you set the Effects: Insert and strip/Disable)?
Are you talking about Audio Track or Instrument Tracks? Could you please attach a screenshot of the settings and a screenshot of the MixConsole?
Oh, this is just i didn’t selected any channels for the screenshot. Those plugins are not volume changeable.
The only thing is if i change the settings to Insert and strip the effects, the overall volume of the tracks are reduced almost -20dB. It’s very curious and so confusing.
Isn’t there a Pre-Gain on the Strip? What happens, if you Bypass the Inserts and Strip and let you export with them (while bypassed), or you pay it back?
