a few .als files are HUGE...any idea why?

[deejay1]

recently i had a .als file exceed 60MB...95% of the rest of them are between 1-16mb. i didn't really do anything different when saving. My problem is I get a C++ runtime error and crash with the 2 or 3 als files that are over 50mb. Any idea why the file is this big compared to the rest...and anything i can do to lower the size of the file so i can open it? thanks!

[ludande]

hello DeeJay1

I hava a similar problem.
I play in 2 bands, and within the second one (the set is shorter) my als files are about 30MB .

I had a close look into it, I discovered (i simply forgot) that I have very large midi files in it, instead of having the measure used (1 or 2 measures).
I saved about 10MB, which is a lot for 'simple' midi information.
Despite this - my files is huge compared to my other where I stored more than 2 hours of live gig.
Try this. and if you discover another trick, let me know.
regards, ludand

[Hermanus]

I've noticed that too and really don't understand Why!
it seems that it came with live8_ never have so big als files with Live7.

as long as the projects load right and fast, it's not really a problem_
well I guess at least

[[nis]]

There are more data that Live 8 has to save, like transient markers, etc. However, 30 or even 60 MB sounds a bit much for an .als file. There are most likely too many clips in your set. Note that this can lead to RAM problems. Check if you can consolidate some clips in the Arrangement or loop clips instead of copying them.

Best,
Nico

[ludande]

hello nis
thx for your adding......

I have others files (with another band/project) which are bigger (more sounds,VST,effects,etc) - 10 time bigger ....and the size is below 10Mb......(saved on LIVE8)
And strangely my other project (much smaller in term of sounds and VSTs) is about 20MB ????

therefore something.....add headers.....???

if anybody got the same behaviors !!! please add yours
regards, ludande

[[nis]]

Hi Ludande,

as I mentioned in my previous post, you have most likely too many clips in your set. One of the most common mistakes is that people create a very short audio clip from a long audio file (e.g. the original audio file is 3 minutes long whereas the actual clip only plays a few seconds of that file) and then they copy this clip several hundred times in the Arrangement. Each of these tiny clips would be an independent instance, so Live needs to save a lot of warp markers, transient markers, clip settings and whatnot. The same thing is valid for MIDI clips, but they are less "critical" than audio clips. Check the clips in your set and consolidate some of them (if possible). If you can't find any apparent reason for the bloated .als file, send me the file to [email protected] and I'll take a look.

Best regards,
Nico

[ludande]

Hello Nis,
thanks for the advise.
I had an accurate look in the set, and I cannot find anything strange ! (like: long clips,etc....)
Tahnks for the suggestion, I will send it to support.

for examples, I have 2 sets
First one called SINUSITE which the als file is about 16 Mb contains:
11 tracks – 3 effects - 73 scenes
63 waves files
5 VST = 3 Reaktor (GoBox, NanoWave) 1 MASSIVE, 1 FM - Native Instruments
11 compressor
2 camelspace (effects)
effects 2 delays,1 epicverb

my second set is more than 6 time bigger the als file is about 8 Mb
16 track – 4 effects
314 scenes
357 waves files
4 VST= REAKTOR (GO-BOX, NanoWawe,Finger,Travelizer)
1 VST = MASSIVE
1 VST = FM8
4 VST = CamelSpace
13 VST = compressors
1 VST = limiter
1 VST = Looper
effects= 2 delays, Epicverb

all of them (VST,etc) are fully licensed.
i will send it, but don't know if you can use Native-instrument.
Should I create a pack live ? I believe yes, but it will too big to send by mail??? how to ?
please let me know!
thx and regards, ludand

[[nis]]

I only need the .als file without any samples. Make sure it fits into an email (most ISP's only allow 10-20 MB), so try to zip the .als file or send it via sendspace.com or something similar.

Best,
n.

[ark]

10 MB for a MIDI file? Something is wrong there.

[Hermanus]

Yesterday I recorded a project on 7.0.16.
I used molar vst, 7audio outputs in direct rec.
Ok it lead me to some big audio files [I jammed for about 60minutes!]

Resulting in a big samples folder but a cool 648kb .Als file

On the same night I launched the project on 8.0.5, added one racked simple delay with repitch mode, for scratching fun.
That was really the only new thing added, nothing more and overall No audio editing at all.

Results: saved as... on live 805 gives A 14Mb .Als file.
But all run smooth, no complain here.

It looks like transients add some weight