Topic: archiving your master files: Use the WAV or convert to FLAC?

[jagraham]

Just working on some archiving and was curious as to what others around here do.  When I first started taping, I would burn a "master" CDR copy of all my shows, and save the "master" FLAC files on a data CDR.  Being a noob and all I didn't ever save the master files from my JB3.  Later on, I moved to archiving the FLAC filesets on DVDs but over time have realized that DVD data is not very reliable.  Luckily I haven't lost anything alltogether.  Enough cannot be said for data backup redundancy for this hobby.  In the case I somehow lose all my FLAC filesets, I do have CDR copies of everything I tape.  My current backup strategy is still burning the audio CDs but most importantly I save all my 24bit master files on an external HD along with the final FLAC filesets(16 and 24 bit where applicable).  I understand external HDs are not exactly reliable when subjected to frequent use.  I plan on picking up a couple more and syncing them so there are always at least TWO backups in case one should die.  Anyway, what do you do for backup?

[darby]

I do both raw 24/48 WAV plus edited/tracked FLAC8 on separate DVDs and HDDs
I even store cue sheets with both sets of files which comes in handy when recording several sources
I only burn DVDAs to listen to since I haven't got into using my computer thru my stereo yet
so I basically have 4 sets of files plus streaming media

but you only allow 1 response on your poll, so I didn't vote

[page]

24bit wav files (originals), and 16bit/44.1 flacs, oh, and ogg files if I actually use my portable player (not much anymore) but that doesn't really count.

I don't flac my 24bits because I don't want to dick around with figuring out what metadata to keep in flac and audacity strips it as well (and drive space isn't an issue at the moment). 

[gmm6797]

I am a bit OCD, I archive the following ways:
* original 24/96 files on old/small/slow hard drives
* original 24 bit WAV converted to FLAC
* edited 24 bit WAV converted to FLAC (normalize, edits, CD splits)
* down sampled 16 bit WAV converted to flac
* music CD

And I make sure that each of the above options are on different DVDs (though they are stored together )

[rastasean]

And I make sure that each of the above options are on different DVDs

I don't want to completely take over this thread, but actual storage is something I want to know more about. Where and how do you folks keep the dvds, cds, harddrives, sd card. for cds/dvds, are they just in CD (generically speaking) cases stored near your computer so its the same room temp or do you have it locked in a file cabinet or safe or under your bed? are there better cd cases to buy than others or are they all the same? what about cd sleeves, are they a waste and are only good for mass distro of a recording?

I know redundancy is more important than actually recording the performance so I suspect storage is also something that needs to be taken into consideration.

[mblindsey]

I'm guilty of not recording in the highest of quality, because my ears can't hear the difference and the size-trade off comes in to play.  That said, I do usually record in 24/44.1 and archive as tracked *.flac in 16/44.1 (sometimes 24/44.1).  I keep a copies on my internal hard drive, another on an external hard drive, and I keep a third on Mozy.com.  I used to do CD/DVD, but mass spinning storage is pretty cheap these days...

I never save the full unadulterated "master" *.wav.  That is one thing that that disappeared after moving away from DAT.

--Michael

[H₂O]

Since I use a Korg MR-1 I store the raw WSD files.

[Cheesecadet]

I archive the raw unedited 24/48 files on DVD and then have the mastered 16/44.1 copies burned on CDs

[boyacrobat]

i use the wsd format and wav

less is more

g

[newplanet7]

High darby.
Wondering why you keep the raw 24/48 WAV in wav form and not flac it?
Is there a benefit?

[gmm6797]

I'm guilty of not recording in the highest of quality, because my ears can't hear the difference and the size-trade off comes in to play.  l

I cant argue, but I look at it this way... I can never go back and re-record the show (any show), so I grab it at the best quality, as later in life I hope to be able to afford a play back system that can provide the better highs and lows.

Also, DVD, CD and hard drives are so inexpensive per MB, storage costs should not be a factor.

[darby]

High darby.
Wondering why you keep the raw 24/48 WAV in wav form and not flac it?
Is there a benefit?

I try to keep it in the original format
not sure if there really is any advantage though