in ableton, I usually open VC on one track and add two tracks with "external instrument" devices on them so I can work on / listen to 3 patches at a time (using the USB outs). I save every "important" version of a patch to a free ROM slot so I can quickly listen to the same part of the track through different versions of the patch. I only bounce sounds which I consider finalized, the others remain accessible at all times. depending on the complexity of the sound, I automate some mudulations, but when the arrangement is done, I always record a "live" version first which is usually 4-5x longer than the actual track because I loop the important parts and try out different modulations.
when I'm done, the premix goes on the ipod where I usually listen to it on repeat for a day, taking mental notes which parts need to be improved and which ones will be discarded. then I sit down again to finalize the arrangement, at which point I usually get lost in jamming again and nothing ever gets done...
