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Great idea but I know that we've blown fuses @ shows so you better use an UPS and to tell you the truth for something like this type of application I'd really rather go DAT because once that HD has a little write error in there your going to have problems... maybe ADATS? I don't know... I just havent trusted HD's yet to track that much data @ one shot... but it's your call...

Keep the bit rate at 24 bit and try 48K SR first. If this fails try again at 44.1.

The file size difference is much more drastic between 16 and 24 bit versus 44.1 and 48k. So if you need to increase performance in a pinch drop to 16bit. If your setup can handle 24bit by all means do it. I sometimes record at 24bit but if I'm worried about storage or performance when tracking for long periods of high track count I go 16bit. I'd rather get the show tracked at 16bit than loose the show trying to keep a good bit depth. I've made live albums with 16bit recordings. You can too! You just have to make sure you getting a really good level to tape morso than at 24bit.

People suggesting tape backup are justified, I have to assume you can't just plunk down $10,000 on ADAT's or DA-88's for this session though. So it's not much help for what your specifically asking for about this paticular project. By the way I would go for DA-88 (78, etc) over ADAT at this point in time. You do have to deal with tape changes when using these machines. It almost never happens between songs either!

So please tell us how the test run went/goes. When is this show? Where?

I recorded 5 live gigs two weeks ago. All of the gigs were over three hours. I'm using a Ti powerbook 1gig of ram running Tiger 10.4.2 and Digital Performer 4.52, Glyph HD for back-up.

Recording 15-16 channels @ 44.1, 24 bit. Buffer settings usually at 512 for tracking. Work priority set at medium. One Motu 896HD with a Presonus Digimax LT litepiped in to the Motu. Computer runs for the complete session, I save on the fly and anytime there is a pause in the music.

Flawless performance from all the gear. Not a hitch.

I had a problem with the MIDI driver crashing a couple of months ago but installing Tiger and re-install of DP fixed that. I don't use MIDI at all so that threw me for a loop!

As someone mentioned I run a comparable test in my studio before the gig just to check everything is running well because I don't want surprises at the gig.

This mobile rig has benn incredibly reliable the only problems I have ever encountered have been human errors .....mine!

I got the best live performances ever.......three nights in a row!

magic dave needs to post his tip sheet for recording with powerbooks again. I followed his tips and it has been plain sailing all the way.

I agree with cleantone, timeline and digdan's comments

good luck

forsooth

oops!
As newrigel says .....always use a UPS backup.
I use an APC Back-UPS ES 350 always. It has saved my butt on a couple of ocassions. Never leave home without it.......especially if you are doing long sessions.

forsooth

The concert is in November.
My studio is on the second floor of the building and the concert room is in the first floor with 36 connectors direct to the mixer, so I don't need anything else than press RECORD and we go.

Sounds like fun. Need some help?

My studio is on the second floor of the building and the concert room is in the first floor with 36 connectors direct to the mixer, so I don't need anything else than press RECORD and we go.

YOU BASTARD!! I usually need three hours or so of setup time. Plus the drive, plus the loud/unload. DAMN YOU!!!

Sounds awesome. Have a blast.

The UPS is a great idea. I also prefer to have a standalone CD burner (or DAT machine) and do a live-to-2-track mix to it from the DAW. It gives you a pretty reliable safety net so at least something is recorded if the computer freaks out. And it gives the client a rough mix to take home without waiting.

Best regards,
Brad