Hi I'm relatively new. I have Sonar X2 Producer. I have learned the basics to using synths and audio tracks but I feel that I'm missing something. I'm using a Roland Quad capture as my interface. I record my audio tracks at about -6 to -12 with my mixer sliders at 0 and the master 0. Then I'll add effects and adjust the mix etc. If I burn a cd at this point the volume is always to low. I have to crank the volume to max on my player. Beyond this point I'm not sure the steps or process's to the final product. I know that every song requires different tweaks and that's something I'll learn as I go, but just the general steps from start to finish.  If anyone could explain the process you take it would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks. Darren
 

Mixing is generally done to get the song sounding good and punchy, and making sure each instrument has its space and definition. Once you have a good mix, the next step is mastering. If you are talking about extreme loudness, that is achieved in mastering. If you are mixing, your master buss should be peaking around -3 to -6 db or somewhere around there. You should watch this webinar, it is pretty helpful in seeing how a song is mixed. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3D6js9Pzqs
 
If your audio is overall ridiculously quiet after mixing, you may not have your tracks loud enough, or your master buss may not be set at unity gain. If you are close to commercial loudness, mastering will take a song to the next level, but it takes a lot of practice. 

Thank you!
after you have mixed your recording do you convert to a wave file before mastering?

If you are having someone else master it, yes, usually. If you are mastering yourself, you don't necessarily need to. I would recommend it though, to start a new "mastering" project. You would typically keep it in the source formatting, though. I would make a .WAV file that was 24 bit 44.1 kHz, matching the project rate of 24 bit 44.1 kHz. 
 
This guide will get you started with mastering, even though it is specific for their product, the concepts all are applicable. http://downloads.izotope.com/guides/iZotopeMasteringGuide_MasteringWithOzone.pdf

great webinar, too bad he had to rush at the end

Yes! Groove3 has some good tutorials as well: http://www.groove3.com/str/mixing-with-sonar.html
I am in the process of watching this one.