Best Software for extremly long recording track?

[rayt]

Hi,
I need to record the whole band's performance through my Line 6 UX2 into my notebook (HP 550)... the only thing I need to know is what software should I use? There will be only one track but it may last two hours... I am about to use Cubase 5 (which I usually use for home recording), but I fear there might be some limitations...

Thanks for any advice

Tom

 

[JimmyS1969]

Again, limitations are more likely about your hard drive, and computer setup. Not the DAW.

Test run your system.

 

[Guitargodgt]

Yeah I have never heard of a DAW that had a length of recording restriction. I'm willing to bet it's your computer as well.

 

[grimtraveller]

Hi,
but I fear there might be some limitations...

"Fear not, said HE
For mighty dread had seized their troubled minds
Glad tidings of great joy I bring
To you and all recordingkind......"

There should be no length limitations in Cubase 5. Even on a standalone DAW you should be able to comfortably record a two hour performance.

 

[jonny deep]

Make sure you set the project length in the project options, though. I think the default is 10 minutes.

 

[rayt]

Thanks a lot to all of you!
Johny Deep, I never thought about that setting in a project options! Thanks!

 

[jonny deep]

Thanks a lot to all of you!
Johny Deep, I never thought about that setting in a project options! Thanks!

No worries .

 

[TimOBrien]

Many computers will barf if you try to create a file bigger than 4gb.

Reaper will let you specify how big a file to create before it goes to another chunk.
(remember that often the last file will not save if the program or os goes boom.)
Breaking the stream into smaller chunks is far far safer.

 

[Endorya]

Many computers will barf if you try to create a file bigger than 4gb.

I really doubt there are still computers using FAT32 file system. If that still happens, it means the computer is running Windows 98.
Unless of course, you are referring to a pendrive / external HD, which I really doubt, because of its poor performance. But even so, one needs only to format it into NTFS or exFAT to bypass the 4GB limitation.

 

[elbandito]

Many computers will barf if you try to create a file bigger than 4gb.

Reaper will let you specify how big a file to create before it goes to another chunk.
(remember that often the last file will not save if the program or os goes boom.)
Breaking the stream into smaller chunks is far far safer.

I really doubt there are still computers using FAT32 file system. If that still happens, it means the computer is running Windows 98.
Unless of course, you are referring to a pendrive / external HD, which I really doubt, because of its poor performance. But even so, one needs only to format it into NTFS or exFAT to bypass the 4GB limitation.

Still, it's good advice to break your long recordings into smaller chunks. When I'm recording bands at the venue I work in, I set up two REAPER sessions for each set and try to get half of each set on the two sessions. Sometimes, bands do three sets and so I'll end up with six chunks of the performance but this way, if the computer farts out for some reason (which hasn't happened yet), I'll have saved as much as I can and can guarantee that the band at least gets something that they can work with. Better safe than sorry.

The key is to be "on point" during the entire show. You've got to be able to KNOW when the band is going to take more than a few seconds in between songs/stage banter because that will be the moment that you have the chance to switch sessions without missing anything. It may only be a moment and you've got to be quick about it. I usually go check out the band at another venue beforehand so that I have an idea of what their show is like and take notes (mental or otherwise)... most bands tend to do the same or similar set for a while before they switch it up - breaks tend to be after the same songs, segues and jokes tend to be in the same places, etc.

Hope this helps.

 

[Endorya]

Still, it's good advice to break your long recordings into smaller chunks. (...)

I second that as long the DAW has the ability to split recordings on the fly without interruptions.