Stuttering During Multiple Recordings

[zanascross]

Hi.

During my first track of recording, everything goes quite well. I can go for as long as I want and everything is peachy. However, when ever I try to record a second (or third or fourth) tracks, about 40 seconds into the recording the newly recorded track will start stuttering really hard core. Cutting out to the point that you can't even tell what is being recorded; I can attach a screen shot of the recording when I get home tonight from work if it will help.

I'm currently recording through a SoundBlaster 24-bit sounds card, I've tried using both a mic through the line in and hooking up directly from my amp (or acoustic-electric) and the problem happens whether I'm recording through either. My sound levels are not at the -6 dB that they should be (if what I've heard is right), but I chalk that up to a poor soundcard (for recording). This problem just recently started, it was fine up until a month ago, and I can't fix it on my own even though I've tried.

Thanks,

-Zach

[steve]

"Stuttering" is usually caused by a data bottleneck that prevents data from getting to your hard drive fast enough.
Higher data rates (32 bit 96 kHz) are likely to suffer more than lower data rates (16 bit 44100Hz - CD quality).
Disk fragmentation, shortage of free disk space, other programs and processes running at the same time, Windows Update, anti-virus programs and so on can all reduce recording performance.

Have a look here for various tips that may help: http://audacityteam.org/wiki/index.php? ... rding_Tips