Okay I am creating separate mp3 parts for backing tracks (I use Cantabile live so can actually play multiple MP3s at the same time)..
So here's the thing...each part created as an MP3 is exactly the same size?? Some tracks only have about 6 bars of audio total...How can this then equate to an 8mb mp3 file for this single part? And indeed each other part is also an 8mb file size..
 
Any ideas?

When you export, each track IS the same size and exports as the legnth of the project unless you only selected a portion.   Each track will therefore export at the same size irregardless of what is actually on the track.  Even if its all silence it still converts the same

This helps to line up tracks actually. 
 
Still, turning on VBR should create smaller files for those that have a lot of silence in them. 

Yeah, I need the tracks to retain the same structure...I think if I select the actual part (clip?)  Sonar saves it to 0 start time...So bottom line if I want to save individual parts to MP3 and retain the same tracking, I have to put up with a 40mb + size MP3 file, yes? 

Sanderxpander
This helps to line up tracks actually. 
 
Still, turning on VBR should create smaller files for those that have a lot of silence in them. 

Yeah but VBR has inherent issues in Sonar - like leaving a file that is like, 23 minutes long when it is really only 4 haha!

Must not be running a recent version of SONAR. The VBR issue was fixed months ago.

yeah, running Lexington at present...however that reply scook, does not really address the OP hahaha!
There must be a better way to only save the actual data from a track with creating these humungous tracks - or is it an inherent isse with the mp3 codec?

It was not in reply to the OP was it.
 
The OP does not provide much information. There is a difference between exporting a track and exporting a clip. If that the issue see http://forum.cakewalk.com/FindPost/3146261
 

scook
It was not in reply to the OP was it.
 
The OP does not provide much information. There is a difference between exporting a track and exporting a clip. If that the issue see http://forum.cakewalk.com/FindPost/3146261
 

hahaha! I AM the op .. thanks for the link interesting read..so it seems my assumption is correct, if I don't export the track, the component parts will end up all at 0 start point. I have experimented in Audacity to remove the time between audio content in the MP3 and it does reduce the size somewhat, but with, sometimes, up to 8 tracks to do per song this will get very passe very quickly hahaha!  So it's either be stuck with huge mp3 files or give up the idea altogether.
 
Maybe just run sonar live via playlist , but that has issues as it doesn't close down CWP's when a new one is loaded...I can see issues with that once there are about 20-30 CWP's sitting in the background!
 
Oh well, back to the drawing board..
 
Thanks

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