Prepare archiving OR copy project backup?

Cubase
1

Hi everyone,

What is the real difference between the “prepare archiving” and “copy project backup” functions ? If I want to gather all my files in the project in order to move it to an external hard drive, is it necessary to “prepare archiving” or to make a “backup”?

Thanks

2

Hi,
the Prepare Archive function is integrated in the Backup Project function

- for the most parts. E.g., Drum Machine was not properly backed up last time I checked. To cut a long story short - using the Prepare Archive function first is the safest way to make sure you got everything you need before saving/backing up a project someplace else.

EDIT AND UPDATE: It seems like Steinberg has fixed issues with Backup Project not properly including the Prepare Archive function by now.

Prepare Archive will create copies of all used audio files in your current project folder. You have to repeat this process once you have added new material that is referencing to audio files outside the project folder if you want copies of all used audio files inside your current project folder.

Backup Project is only necessary if you want to save a complete copy of your project somewhere else. In this case, Prepare Archive is not necessary as it is a part of the Backup Function. Copies of all used audio files will be automatically created in your new Backup project folder.

3

Thanks @Reco29 for your answer !

4

I always execute the Prepare Archive function before using the Backup Project function.
Just a workflow procedure from waaaay back, but IMO still very valuable work habit that makes me feel a bit more safe (it was a time when certain functions in Cubase were both new, and a bit “wonky”).

1 Like
5

Man, I routinely click “prepare archive” no matter WHAT I’m doing…just for peace of mind of knowing everything is in its place … If I could, I’d rename the prompt as “peace-of-mind-check” :slight_smile:

2 Likes
6

When was that? Can you reproduce it? Any example project?
Everytime I check Backup Project works just fine, yet I see you keep insisting it doesn’t.

7

Sure, I’ll check later on when I’m back in the studio and let you know.
“Last time” was probably a few months ago. Since there hasn’t been any announcement that this issue has been taken care in the last release notes I assume it still exists.
I’d be more than happy to stand corrected :slight_smile:
Later @Johnny_Moneto

8

Hi @Johnny_Moneto ,

now I know: last time I checked was sometime around April 6th this year and you confirmed that it didn’t work, too.

I tried again just now and so far Backup Project included both Drum Machine and Sampler Tracks. When did you find out? Steinberg didn’t mention that they fixed it in the release notes. Did you test it on several occasions? That would be really good news if Backup Project really works relieably!

Side Note:
Steinberg should take more credit for all the good things they do! The documentation team needs to be brought up to speed. Important fixes like that should be communicated properly and not just been kept under the radar until someone accidently finds out…

9

Re-reading my message I don’t think it was about Backup Project but getting the files in the Pool to be copied into the project folder without using Backup Project.

As far as I recall Backup Project copied and referenced all files from Drum Machine and Sampler Track as soon as those files appeared in the Pool. Was that version 14.0.10?

Addendum:
I would highly suggest to use at least version 14.0.30 when utilizing the feature of minimizing files (Pool and Backup Project). There was a bug in earlier version of 14.x when using this together with event volume envelopes, which led to potentially crucial loss of data.
From the release notes:

Event Volume Curves are now taken into account when using the “Minimize File” option in the Pool.

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Yes, you are right - that wasn’t about Prepare Archive vs Backup Project, sorry, I misread your post.
With that in mind I really can’t tell when I last checked the Backup Project functionality - I relied on the Prepare Archive function ever since because it was… reliable. I know for sure that Backup Project was not working as expected for quite a while and that this behaviour was confirmed by many users. However, I just did another set of tests and still couldn’t confirm this unexpected (false) behaviour. Can you pinpoint when this was fixed by Steinberg and did you test it in multiple scenarios?
As I said: I’d be more than happy to stand corrected and it seems like it :+1: :+1: