Before freezing, I set levels basically like i would for recording. I turn automation off, set the track to freeze at nominal (0db), and freeze. If the level does not peak high enough, I increase fader, change instrument level, etc. to get a strong signal. Do others do this?

No, I don't do any editing such as automation prior to freezing. Here I am talking about soft synths. Audio that has been recorded I never freeze. No need to.

I wouldn't set levels as if you were recording. In Sonar record levels are set not by Sonar but by the source. Keep in mind that Sonar uses two different meters for playback and record. They could be setup independently.

Regarding soft synths, I set the level two ways, via MIDI and via audio like any other audio track.  I'm talking about a simple instrument track.  If necessary, I'll use the ProChannel to get my level and sound locked in, and when I freeze, the sound is identical to the track prior to freezing.  The ProChannel or any other processor can also be added after freezing and used like any other audio track.  I hope this answers your question.

Yep, no need to do anything fancy - just freeze the synth itself, NOT the track!

to me... freeze is a temporary thing. I freeze simply to remove synths from processing in real time and free up CPU power. 

When I am ready to convert midi to audio, I generally bounce the track to audio and archive the midi tracks, then I hide them in the views. 

In the bounced audio track is now where I use automation and FX if required.   If you place the FX and automation in the track before you freeze or bounce... they get printed to the wave and in bounce...there is no going back if you suddenly do not like that chorused piano. 

Yes Herb, bu freezing the synth removes those limitations

Interesting question..   I am totally making sure A.  My levels on frozen synths are not too hot, often times with headroom.  B.  I've got a limiter in that freeze chain..  especially if I like my sound design, but it has a spike or something that might be clipping..   I limit...

When I am ready to convert midi to audio, I generally bounce the track to audio and archive the midi tracks,


I'm with Mr Jonesy, why not just freeze?

I freeze tracks and synths after they've been fully effected and automated, then use the Trim/Gain slider to tweak levels if needed. 

Sometimes having to do this is unavoidable, due to a bug in which mono synth outputs increase in amplitude by 3db during the freeze. I have to be careful with gain changes, because those trim adjustments will be lost if the track is subsequently unfrozen.

bitflipper


I freeze tracks and synths after they've been fully effected and automated, then use the Trim/Gain slider to tweak levels if needed. 

Sometimes having to do this is unavoidable, due to a bug in which mono synth outputs increase in amplitude by 3db during the freeze. I have to be careful with gain changes, because those trim adjustments will be lost if the track is subsequently unfrozen.

me, too.  For various reasons I may do this along the way as well, independent of  whether its the final fx/automation setup.   And you have got to be aware of the 3dB bug bitflipper mentions here.  You will get a boost in some situations on account of it that you weren't expecting. 

Bit, do you see this on all mono synth outs?  I don't think I do, just ones that have (obvious, visible, or less so) stereo track capabilities or implementation around what I do.  superior is the place I really have a problem with it, but then Superior is the synth I use 90% of the time, rest is mostly audio or outboard sound modules.