Bounces are not reflecting fader level

Either I'm experiencing the weirdest thing or I'm missing something really dumb.

I'm working on some sfx and just need to lower the level. I imported the sounds I created to a new project, lowered level and bounced and nothing changed. Tried lowering from a stereo out, nothing changed. Tested plugins like echo, they're bouncing accurately. Tried lowering volume through a plugin and it bounced into as nothing but distortion at full level.

Tell me I'm missing something dumb.