I merged 8 .MTS files with a command prompt, and the merge worked -- no audio gaps!
copy /b 00002.mts + 00003.mts + 00004.mts + 00005.mts + 00006.mts + 00007.mts + 00008.mts outputfile.mts
The file was placed on the timeline and a few titles were added as .png overlays. No effects or filters.
The project before rendering was a 2 1/2 hour show (panel discussion)
The render settings were MAGIX AVC ---> 720p 30fps, NVENC -- I have an RTX 2060
And after a looong render, my output file was 24kb.
What did I do wrong?