Skip to main content
D
DigiMake
Participating Frequently
March 3, 2026

Media Encoder exports incorrect audio levels

  • March 3, 2026
  • 5 replies
  • 84 views

Hi all, 

I am currently experiencing an issue when batch exporting from Premiere Pro; When I batch export sequences using Media Encoder, they all seem to have the music levels way too loud - and does not accurately reflect the timeline. I’m certain the issue is with Media Encoder, as when I export my video within Premiere Pro, the audio levels are all correct. I’m not sure what’s causing this but I’d appreciate any advice on solving the issue as my job requires a lot of batch exporting.

I have tried reinstalling both Media Encoder and Premiere Pro, but the issue persists.

It is strange how it’s always the music track that seems to be the one boosted.

For context, I am running Premiere Pro Version 26.0.1 (build 3) and Media Encoder 26.0 (build 60) on a MacBook Pro (Nov 2024) w/48 GB Memory on macOS Tahoe 26.3.

It may be worth noting that I do run plugins in Premiere Pro, such as Artlist.io, Premiere Composer, and a select few from Knights of the Editing Table - Not sure if this could cause issues.

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

      5 replies

      J
      Johnny29957850d8g6
      Known Participant
      April 6, 2026

      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]

       

      D
      DigiMakeAuthor
      Participating Frequently
      March 23, 2026

      ​@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.

       

      EckiAME
      Community Manager
      EckiAMECommunity Manager
      Community Manager
      March 24, 2026

      Woudl you be able to share a small project? I will try to investigate. I can send you the instructions via private message.

        D
        DigiMakeAuthor
        Participating Frequently
        March 24, 2026

        Of course, please let me know how to best send 

        D
        DigiMakeAuthor
        Participating Frequently
        March 17, 2026

        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

        EckiAME
        Community Manager
        EckiAMECommunity Manager
        Community Manager
        March 17, 2026

        Got it. I understand that this is a lot to ask, of course. 

        EckiAME
        Community Manager
        EckiAMECommunity Manager
        Community Manager
        March 16, 2026

        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?

        Warren Heaton
        Community Expert
        Warren HeatonCommunity Expert
        Community Expert
        March 14, 2026

        ​@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

        Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement
        Using the community Terms of use Privacy Cookie preferences Do not sell or share my personal information ad choicesAdChoices