Recording Long Sessions

[DVDdoug]

So it sounds like what you guys are telling me is that I shouldn't trust Audacity for a job this big?

It's not because it's a "big job." If you're recording something critical and there's no chance for "take two" I don't trust anything! The same goes for computers used in live performance. A guitar or guitar amplifier can last a lifetime without a show-stopping problem, but most guitar players carry extra strings and maybe an extra cable. And if a computer glitch can stop the show, I'm paranoid and I recommend having a backup computer configured and ready-to-go!

I should mention that I'm a musician and I have a DAW set up on this computer. I have quite a large setup using Cakewalk Sonar

That helps a LOT! It's even better if the computer is dedicated to audio so it doesn't get messed with during the day.

If you are more familiar with Sonar you might want to stick with it. Most "reliability issues" more-related to configuration errors/changes or user-error, than actual hardware (or software) failures.

If you have a 2nd computer, that's another way to set-up a back-up recording in parallel.

I appreciate the suggestions, but I don't have the time or money to go out and buy a stand alone recorder.

If you still have a VHS recorder VHS Hi-Fi was "nearly digital quality", but if you add-up the cost of the tapes... Or maybe you have a DVD recorder?

[kozikowski]

This was a recording for radio broadcast. The thing on the right is the backup recorder.



Koz

[leee1414]

Just a brief follow up -
The three and a half day recording session went perfectly. Both Audacity and my computer performed flawlessly....the human operator though had a little trouble staying awake, but that's a story for another time.
Not a single glitch, pop, or malfunction from Audacity.

Thank you again all for all your advice and help! And thanks to the folks at Audacity for making such a dependable piece of software.

[DVDdoug]

Great!

Thanks for reporting-back!