MP3 file is too loud, but AUP file is almost inaudible

Audacity 3 Help Forum
1

Hi
I am somewhat new to Audacity, and would appreciate help.
ENV: Windows 11 laptop, Audacity 3.6.4, Input and Output Realtek High Definition Audio SST
I recorded some text in audacity for about 40 minutes.
Exported as an Audio file.
Reviewed the text (proof-listened)
Made corrections in Audacity.
Started listening again for review.
Suddenly, into my 25th minute, the volume in Audacity became so soft that I could hear it only when I stuck my ear to the laptop. I exported the audio as an MP3 file and it is still loud (around 95 dB)
I don’t know if clicked or touched anything by mistake through my mouse or touch screen, and thereby changed any setting in Audacity, but I could not figure out.
I went through the Forum and checked the Audio Track Panel. If I increase the Gain in Effects, I am able to hear the Audacity recording, but the resulting MP3 is way too loud (105 dB) for acceptance.
I checked the settings in Windows and found that nothing changed there.
I made some recordings earlier without any problems, but this time I am stuck.
Could someone please help? Thanks in advance.

2

Check to see if your Audacity Playback Device has changed.

3

Thank you very much, but that was okay; it points to RealTek device itself.
Today, I installed 3.7, but the problem persists. Even for a very short new recording I made for testing, the problem is persisting.
Any other things to try?
Thank you so much

4

Yeah… I forgot about this…

Check the playback volume slider which is now “hidden” under the playback meters.

5

Thank you very much, but I can’t find the output volume slider.

In the Track Panel, there is an Effect slider. if I move it right, the output becomes louder, but so does the MP3 file. So, currently, I am setting the slider at the middle while recording, and moving it right for listening. But, this is being stressful when I am editing the file.

Actually, for all my earlier recordings, I didn’t have to touch the slider at all. When I played back, I could hear at the same dB level. I seem to have messed something up by mistake.
Can you please tell me if there is a way where I can listen without having to adjust it every time?
I am sorry for being fussy.
Thank you
Sharada