Transferring Large Audio Files Over the Internet
Best Way to Send Audio Tracks and Sessions Between Recording Studios
Jul 13, 2009
Up until a decade ago, sending large audio files from one recording studio to another was an expensive and time-consuming process. All the necessary audio sessions and tracks had to be compiled and burnt to CD or DVD before being packaged and sent via courier or regular mail.
This situation improved slightly in the early 2000s as advances in internet technology made it possible to send larger files over the internet by way of FTP sites and email attachments. But since then, FTP sites have proven to be cumbersome, expensive and overly complicated for many users. Likewise, attaching audio files to email attachments is an unreliable option for files larger than 10MB.
But aside from FTP sites and email attachments, there are plenty of relatively new and improved options for today's audio engineers and music producers who require fast and reliable methods of transferring sessions and audio tracks via the internet.
Digidesign DigiDelivery System for Large File Transfers
Designed by the makers of Pro Tools and Avid, the Digidesign DigiDelivery file exchange system is a reputable choice for transferring large media files over the internet. The system is especially popular with film studios and users of Pro Tools software but can be used to transfer any type of file from a Mac or PC computer.
To send a file, the sender must first create an account on a DigiDelivery server and log in. Once logged in, the sender can simply drag and drop any files to be sent onto the DigiDelivery icon, then enter the desired email address or addresses and the files will be encrypted and posted to the DigiDelivery server.
An email containing a unique encryption key for downloading the files is automatically sent to the recipients and the sender receives a confirmation email. Once the posted files have been downloaded by all of the specified recipients, those files are automatically deleted from the server.
In order to use the service, either the sender or the receiver must own or have access to a DigiDelivery server appliance. Priced at over $3000 USD each, these appliances are serious investments suited more for commercial studios that depend on file transferring for most of their business.
Outside of regular ISP fees, there are no further charges for using the DigiDelivery system but the "one-time" cost to buy the server is often too much for many audio professionals.
FTP Replacements: YouSendIt, Drop.io, SendSpace, and Senduit
For those audio engineers and music producers without access to a DigiDelivery server, there are a host of more affordable digital delivery services available for transferring audio files and sessions over the internet. YouSendIt, Drop.io and Senduit are just a few examples of these less expensive file-transferring alternatives to FTP sites and the DigiDesign DigiDelivery system.
All of these services function in a similar way to the DigiDelivery system minus the need for any extra server hardware. Instead of owning the server, users of these digital delivery services pay a monthly premium for transfers, storage space and other tracking and security options.
The premiums generally start around $10 per month and increase as more options are added. Some of these companies even offer free transfers of 100MB files or trial periods in which users can transfer 2GB files free of charge for the duration of the trial.
YouSendIt is one of the services currently offering a 14-day free trial for new users looking to sample YouSendIt's premium services. Arguably the most popular of the digital file delivery services, YouSendIt works by posting files at a central web location and supplying the download information to recipients via email. YouSendIt also offers a free "lite" account permitting transfers of up to 100MB.
Senduit is a very simple and free delivery service designed by the makers of the popular Tumblr blogging site. Although Senduit only permits transfers up to 100MB, there are no accounts to sign up for and the interface is incredibly easy to use.
Drop.io is another delivery service ideal for those users who do not want to sign up for an account in order to do a free 100MB transfer. Unlike Senduit, Drop.io offers premium account services in addition to free transfers.
SendSpace is yet another site for transferring large files over the internet. Although SendSpace does not allow anonymous transfers like Drop.io, it does allow for free file transfers of up to 300MB upon signing up for an account. SendSpace also offers premium account services similar to YouSendIt and Drop.io.
And the list of digital delivery companies does not end there. ProAudioBus, DropSend and RapidShare are some of the many other services available for anyone looking to transfer large files over the internet.
Which File Transfer Service is the Best for Sending Large Audio Files Over the Internet?
Choosing the best service depends largely on the frequency of use and the size of the files being transferred. Commercial recording studios regularly sending and receiving large audio files would most likely benefit from a DigiDelivery system or a corporate premium account with YouSendIt. On the other hand, freelance music producers who occasionally collaborate with musicians in different cities could function with just a free SendSpace account.
Regardless, all of these digital delivery options effectively transform the costly and time-intensive process of transferring files between recording studios into a fast, inexpensive and relatively painless procedure for audio engineers and music producers around the globe.
 |
 |
 |
 |
