Merge audio tracks into one

I need the two separate voiceover and music tracks merged into a single clean audio track so I can export without syncing errors. Merge them in the timeline, leave the music at -6dB relative to the voiceover, and keep the original files untouched in a backup folder. Confirm the merged track plays from 0:00 to 2:18 without gaps and that export uses that combined track.

Before I hand this to the editor for final color, make the audio easy to use: put the combined dialog and music at the top of the timeline, label it Combined_VoiceMusic_2-18, show peak levels so reviewers see the -6dB music, and flag any silent gaps longer than 0.2s. Point out anything that will make the mix fail loudness checks.

I merged the voiceover and music into one track and exported a draft; the music still ducks unpredictably and some words sound clipped. Priya in social expects a clean podcast clip by Friday for the campaign. I don’t know whether the merge preserved fades or if a hidden gain automation is causing the dip. What’s the most likely cause and the fastest way to fix and re-export before Friday?

Across projects I waste time redoing the same audio merge work: inconsistent level handling, hidden automations, and no standard backup. What single habit or checklist should I adopt so merges are consistent, exports match the timeline, and I stop redoing fixes under deadline pressure?