Sonar file formats and Backup software...

[Still' Dreamin']

Alright Guys,

What's the best back-up software for Sonar? I've tried the software for Iomega and it's 750 USB external Zip drive and I did'nt like it.

It did not regognize the Cakewalk format when I tested it's restore feature, and it took several hours and 8 zip cartridges, (I got one fat Sonar recording session ).

There were also a few other formats it did'nt recognize. I also used windows '98 default back-up software, (and it's modern equivelant, Stomp's BackUp my PC. They both failed to restore my Sonar formats.

Has anybody had any success with backup software and Cakewalk/Sonar?

[Toki987]

I save my files as bundles and then write them to a cd. I use NTI CD maker.

[Porter]

The purpose of a back up is to have your data stored in a different location that can be retrieved if the initial data is lost...

How have you saved your data? Per-project folder? If so, just copy the folder with your song in it to the CD. Depending on the size of your songs you should be able to copy maybe 1-2 (or for small projects even more) depending on how you recorded them and how many tracks there are... 24 bit chews up a fair bit of space.

BTW, I use nero to burn the data to CD.

Porter

[moskus]

I use the Folder-per-project option and just burn the folder to CD. If it's bigger than 700 mb I use two CDs.

[crosstudio]

yup. me too.

i don't use bundles, i use per-project folders. if i one day decide to get away from Sonar (not likely) i'll have access to the wave files without having to open it up in sonar first.

also, i you use cakewalk bundles and the bundle is larger than CD size, you gotta do extra stuff to get it saved to multiple disks.

[Still' Dreamin']

O.K.

Here's my response.....the back up test was of the entire computer, (including both internal hard drives). After restoring, when I went to open a Sonar project file the format could not be recognized. Audio and wave files were fine....but it's the project file that put's it all together and this was the unrecognizable format.

For now what I do is to save copies of all Sonar directory folders onto my home network via a second computer and it's second hardrive.

This is o.k., but supposidly back-up software compresses files and stores them using minumal space which is way much more convenient. On big projects storing onto a cd is limited because cd's can only hold up to about 800MB and burning too much sucks! (I don't use 24 bits but my projects are truly huge).

[Toki987]

Originally posted by crosstudio
yup. me too.

i don't use bundles, i use per-project folders. if i one day decide to get away from Sonar (not likely) i'll have access to the wave files without having to open it up in sonar first.

never thought of that. Thanks for the tip.

[wfaraoni]

I use bundles and save to cd as well. some stuff I save the cwp and the audio files.

Hmmm, this per project option sound like a very good way






Peace
Bill

[moskus]

Originally posted by Still' Dreamin'
On big projects storing onto a cd is limited because cd's can only hold up to about 800MB and burning too much sucks! (I don't use 24 bits but my projects are truly huge).

Then get a DVD-burner. They get cheaper day by day...

[NeuzGrouper]

Using a compression utility like WinRar to squish down file size can save you some space, and therefore from buring some CDs, but it takes time. BTW, don't bother with Winzip for this purpose, the max compression of Winzip is very innefficient compared to that of WinRar.

WinRar is like $30 or so, but it is worth every penny (well, I think so, anyway).

[Jeyan]

I save my projects as bundles too and my files sizes are way tooooooooooo much, more than 2 GB some times. (24 bit 48Khz wave of orchestral instruments) I decided to go for a DVD burner, but every one is confusing me with DVD + DVD - DVD+/- kind of things, some of my friends ask me to wait till the blue laser standard comes for DVDs. Any suggestions on DVD burners guys? Which is better?

[NeuzGrouper]

Unfortunately, the best thing you can do is wait for the standards war to be over as far as DVD burners go. That is the only way to be sure you don't end up with a "betamax" VCR. (I know, I am dating myself)

[Porter]

Also remember this... if you back up to DVD or CD, make sure you make TWO copies... ie what happens if you make 1 copy and it get's scratched... no more data.

Also there has been question going around recently as to what happens if your cakewalk 'bundle' file get's corrupt... do you loose all your data? At least with 'project per folder' if the project file get's corrupt or just one wav file gets corrupt you can either re-import the data into a new project, or just delete the file. This comes in very handy when Sonar crashes before you save your project!!!! (talking from experience)

Porter

[moskus]

Originally posted by Porter
Also there has been question going around recently as to what happens if your cakewalk 'bundle' file get's corrupt... do you loose all your data?

No, you can rename it to wav. All the audio-data will be lined up after eachother, meaning you'll have to cut the relevant pieces of audio out for yourself. And all MIDI will be lost.

Better go for Folder-Per-Project...

[Porter]

A suggestion for the FAQ?

Porter

[moskus]

Yes!




Q: Why should I use the Folder-per-project option?
A: Because it's so damn much smarter...

[Still' Dreamin']

Duhhhh,

Were iz the 'Folder-per-Project' option.....or ahhh...like what do Iz do to, achieve, (oops big word), this feature.

[moskus]

I won't be anywhere near my DAW untill mid august, but it's under Options -> Global. And it will only affect new projects...