Mono (summed) vs Route to mono output

[simonchase]

Hello all,

I'm not sure what's happening when I select "mono (summed)" in the "bounce to disk" panel.

If I have a 5.1 dialogue stem that is 99% in the centre with nothing in the other legs. And I just route it to a mono output and bounce that mono output, it sounds just like the original 5.1 if you AB them.

But if I use bounce to disk and select "Mono (summed)" the mono file created is quieter.

That doesn't make sense to me. It's like Pro Tools is saying "oh because you have a few tracks being combined here I'd better turn it down".

I really don't want that behaviour. Maybe it's helpful for people mastering material with loud material in all legs. To help prevent clipping. But it should surely be an option, Mono (summed) vs Mono (summed and gain managed)

Or am I misunderstanding something?

Thanks all...

Simon