Media Encoder exports incorrect audio levels

Hello. I’m having a similar problem. When I use audio ducking in Premiere to highlight voice tracks and lower the volume of the other audio file, the ducking doesn't work correctly in Media Encoder v26.3.1 (Build 1). However, everything works perfectly when exporting directly from Premiere v26.3.0 (Build 93). This issue must have started after the Media Encoder update. I hope it gets fixed in the next update. If there are specific settings to resolve this, I’d appreciate any advice. Regards, Markus

I'm experiencing the same issue. I've already wasted over two hours on that today.

The blue audio was exported using ME and didn't sound right.
The green audio is from the video that I exported in Premiere. It sounds the same as it does in the timeline.

I have no idea why ME changes the audio. It's super frustrating.
Using the ducking feature in Premiere, seems like ME just began to ignore the amplifying. Deleting cache didn’t help either.

after updating to 2026 ME and PP, I finally got the piece of crap to export.. NOW the audio on the export is not right. WHY CAN”T YOU PEOPLE MAKE A PRODUCT THAT WORKS?

[Profanity removed by moderator]

​@EckiAME & ​@Warren Heaton, 

I think I’ve identified this bug.

The issue appears to occur when batch exporting sequences that include audio clips with my custom ‘Background Audio’ effect preset applied. This preset is essentially just a mastering effect designed to create space for vocals. I’ve attached an image showing the exact parameter settings.

My usual workflow is to place the background music on the timeline and apply the preset directly to the clip (rather than the audio track).

Media Encoder seems to interpret my volume keyframes correctly, but it doesn’t always render the preset mastering effect. This could explain why the music is coming through much louder in the exported files.

Keen to hear your thoughts? Perhaps this is a note for the developers.

Appreciate your responses here, I am finding it difficult to replicate this issue at the moment but if/when it happens again, I will feedback to you

Sorry. I was on PTO. Would you be able to try with the plugins disabled to find out whether your audio issue is plug-in related?

​@DigiMake 

 

Sorry to see that you didn’t get a reply about the issue you’re currently experiencing.

Under macOS Sequoia 15.7.4, I tried creating five short projects in Premiere Pro 26.0.1 from scratch that use source video generated from Firefly, voice overs generated from Eleven Labs and free stock music from Adobe Stock and then batch renders each Sequence through Media Encoder 26.0 to QuickTime ProRes 422 Proxy and H264 Match Source - Adaptive Bitrate.  The audio levels were fine in each export.

I think you’re onto something by taking a closer look at the third-party plugins and add-ons that you have running.

If I were troubleshooting this issue, I’d create two or threes duplicate Sequences, remove any third-party filters, and try sending those through Media Encoder as a test.

Another thing I would try is sending the Sequences over to an After Effects project instead of Media Encoder for batch rendering - mainly to see if there’s something different with how Dynamic Link is or is not working as expected.  If trying After Effects for batch rendering, I’d use “Best Settings” for the Render Settings and “High Quality” for the Output Module.  Assuming those movies have the correct audio levels, then batch render those in Media Encoder.

Of course, you want to get Media Encoder working as expected.

 - Warren