DAW vs. .wav file

[Cullenszoo]

I've run into an issue that is starting to be a problem.
I use Sonar X3 as my daw. after mixing and using a mastering plugin I will mix it down to a .wav file. after its done, the song doesn't sound the same. I use the default settings for mixing down but I think I might be missing something.

 

[SeaGtGruff]

That's sort of a vague description, so it's hard to know what might be happening. What is it about the WAV file that sounds different?

It might help if you were to post an example of both a final WAV file and the actual project files it was created from-- not necessarily one of your songs; even just a short example might do.

 

[Farview]

If you import the wav file into a new session of the daw, does it still sound different?

There are a lot of variables, depending on what you are using to play it.

 

[SeaGtGruff]

depending on what you are using to play it.

^^^^ Yes, what is the WAV file being played back with-- audio interface and nice studio monitors, or laptop and crappy speakers, etc.?