External Audio Effect: AudioTo gain + Latency Compensation

[matthiasmax]

Hi there,

I wonder how the gain is handled when I insert an external audio effect on a STEREO track that is sent to a MONO effect. Will the 2 channels be summed and reduced by 3 db to compensate the gain rise of the summing?

Secondly I wonder how to correctly set the hardware latency setting. In Cubase there is a measuring function that sends a blip to the device and waits for the returning signal. Do I have to consider the audio interface latency as well?

Any experience here?

Thanks!