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Really huge library containing audio files - mjlarocque - 06-24-2025
Over the years, one of my libraries has really become huge: the backup file is over 6GB.
I use that library for gigs, and need it to be stable. The size is becoming to make me nervous. Also, I am not even able to do a backup on the cloud from the tablet. I need to first make the backup locally on the tablet, and then (externally from MobileSheets) copy it to the cloud.
This huge library contains numerous mp3s. In some cases, there have been multiple versions of the mp3s over time, and I believe some of them are still present in the file structure.
And in some cases, I have separate PDFs for the same MP3 - in order to avoid confusion, I have used different names for each "use" of the mp3. It seemed smart at the time, but now it probably adds to the problem.
I'm looking for a solution to make it smaller, but keep all the songs in this library (I cannot afford to switch libraries during a show).
Several questions come to my mind:
First, does the no-longer-used versions of mp3s affect the library size and/or the backup size?
Second, is there a way to have 2 PDFs share the same "copy" of the mp3? (I don't mean to have MobileSheets figure that some mp3s are identical, I could do that myself of course.)
(I need to mention here, I have selected to have MobileSheets manage my files, and use the "create subdirectories for songs" option.)
Are there other ways (other than reducing the quality/size of my mp3s) to reduce the size of the library and/or backup?
Hopefully there is a way to make this more optimal without having to rebuild the library from scratch during which time the existing library would be unusable...
RE: Really huge library containing audio files - BRX - 06-24-2025
My library is more than 8 times your size and I have no stability issues.
RE: Really huge library containing audio files - mjlarocque - 06-24-2025
(06-24-2025, 03:34 AM)BRX Wrote: My library is more than 8 times your size and I have no stability issues.That's good to know. What are you using in terms of hardware?
I am using an Onyx Boox Tab 2 e-ink tablet. It has been having glitches at times and I suspect it is due to the size of my library. And also, as I said, I am no longer able to do backups directly unto the cloud - that worked until my library got to about 6GB.
I do not have the option of increasing memory on that tablet, and I plan to add lots more mp3s to my library, so I am looking into what might help at this point...
RE: Really huge library containing audio files - Cerio - 06-24-2025
(06-24-2025, 01:22 AM)mjlarocque Wrote: First, does the no-longer-used versions of mp3s affect the library size and/or the backup size?
I'm not 100% sure, because there are no mp3 on my collection,but making a backup of you library and then re-import that file on your device should clean unused files.
PS: my libraryis not so big (18.000 songs, 2.4 GbB size) but it runs flawesly in all my devices. A full sync between devices takes between 5 and 10 minutes, a local backup, usually, less than 5 minutes.
RE: Really huge library containing audio files - mjlarocque - 06-24-2025
Thank you for your answer.
Unfortunately, I have several libraries on the same tablet, so I would have to do this for all libraries at the same time. I am a little uneasy about doing that, as should there be a glitch of some kind, I will have issues across all my libraries.
I may have to do that, but I would at least want to know if that will really help.
RE: Really huge library containing audio files - Zubersoft - 06-24-2025
It is certainly possible to use the same audio file across many different songs/PDFs. If Settings->Storage->Copy Audio Files is enabled, and you have "Create Subdirectory per Song" enabled, then this feature won't really work - a separate copy of the audio file will be stored in each song's subdirectory. If you got rid of the subdirectories, or if you manage your own audio files outside the storage location, then it should work. If you manage your own audio files (leave "Copy Audio File" unchecked), then MobileSheets should use the files from their original location, but it means you need to import them from the device storage and not from the cloud. This gives you more control over how they are handled, but you need to make sure to select the option to restore to the original file locations if you ever restore a library backup file.
Lastly, you asked if unused files are placed in backup files - the answer is no. A file is only included if the active database/library references that file.
Mike
RE: Really huge library containing audio files - BRX - 06-24-2025
Currently I'm using an iPad Pro with 2 TB storage (but hadn't stability issues on Android and Windows devices either previously).