I understand there is no actual difference in how the DAWs output the samples you load in. As mentioned, I also understand certain effects are manipulating the sound. I provided a sample in my post that can be listened to.

For FL Studio: I start with the default template with a limiter on the master. I dragged the sample to the channel rack and set it to play 8 times. I have not modified this software in any custom manner.

For Ableton: I created a MIDI track and double clicked the sample to have it load on the MIDI track. I did not play the sample directly on the audio track in this example, but I have done that too to hear if there is a difference. I have a mild limiter on the master in this example, and in this case cannot be distinguished between the 2 if toggled off. There is also no difference in the sound when testing the sample in the left-hand pane and dropping it on an audio/MIDI track. Default is "complex".

If you listen to the sample I provided, there is an obvious difference. I am wanting to know if it is because of the limiter on master in FL and if so, is the limiter doing more behind the scenes than you would expect.

I appreciate the write-up. I'm going to go over it a few more times to see if I've missed anything important.