backups of recording data

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sathyan

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My band has been recording with a computer for nearly 6 months and have generated 10GB of data (we use MIDI, a software drum machine, and multitrack in CoolEdit Pro). I have done very occasional back to CDR but that's cumbersome for this much data (therefore I don't do it enough to be useful). And I expect the data to double by the time this project is finished.

What backup practices and technologies do you use to backup your music recording data? What would you recommend?
(We can't spend much on this (couple hundred max.))


I have a CDRW and a ethernet/router. The PC has USB1 and an open PCI slot (so could install USB2/IEEE1394). Running WinXP. Also what software is good for running "one click" (or Windows scheduler) automatic incremental backups?


Any thoughts on this subject are appreciated.

thanks,
Sathyan
http://inkmusic.org
 
I would probably install a Firewire (IEEE1394) card and look for a good external drive, perhaps 80 or 120 gb. There may be cheaper options, but a good Firewire drive could be used for long-term storage and it provides a means of putting your software (Cool Edit), your operating system, and your music (data) on different drives while recording. This is generally suggested for a DAW setup. If you go that route make sure your external drive meets the general requirements for digital audio (7200rpm, 8-9 sec mean seek time, Oxford bridge chip, etc.).
 
Sathyan,

I agree with DW that a separate drive - internal or external - is the easiest, fastest, and most reliable way to backup. For the complete story see the three-part series from Keyboard magazine, fourth in the list on my Articles page:

www.ethanwiner.com/articles.html

--Ethan
 
thanks for your replies

Can you recommend any models of external HDDs to look at which are better than others?
Also, what store/restore software?

I already operate 3 7200rpm ATA HDD's on my PC (on different ATA channels. 1 for system, 1 for cache/temp, 1 for storing my audio files). So this will be for backup that can be taken off-site only.
 
I think i read somewhere that a hard drive is not an "acceptable" archival medium (by computer and data people??) and That acceptable medium included tape drive, cd, dvd, zip disc (as appropriate for your amount of data). Im not entirely sure what the criteria are based for acceptable medium but i would assume shelve life and failure rate are the main ones. I think the person who posted that was Slackmaster at the other site. Dont get me wrong either- external HDD may be perfectly fine in your case. Just some more ffod for thouhgt ;)
 
Couldn't you just get a DVD burner or something?

That might be more expensive tho...
 
A couple hundred, either route is no problem (another HDD, DVD Burner)

You can pick up a good burner for $100-$120
then buy some DVD-Rs (or DVD-RWs)

One of the DVD Burner drives around a hundred I keep hearing get good mention is the LG Super Multi DVD Writer (GSA-4040B)

plan on picking one up myself after I buy some other equipment- CD-R/Ws aren't cutting it for me either anymore and haven't for awhile as far as data archiving goes...
 
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