Do not upgrade your software in the middle of a book if you can possibly avoid it. Set your system preferences for manual updates of your operating system.
If you are a Pro Tools user, be sure that your version of PT is compatible with any new operating system BEFORE you upgrade it. Look at the Pro Tools Operating System Compatibility Chart.
You never know whether you’ll run into a problem during the upgrade. Even if the upgrade does go smoothly, it could cause something else in your signal chain to break. I once upgraded my Mac OS without checking whether my Pro Tools or hardware interface would work with it. I had to upgrade Pro Tools and buy a new hardware interface, not that I had budgeted for either expense.
In addition, you may need to learn a new way of doing things. Software developers seemingly change the interface just for the sake of change rather than to actually improve functionality. You don’t need the added pressure of a looming book deadline while you figure out the differences in your software.
You don’t want to change your hardware or studio space in the middle of a book, either. You need to maintain a consistent sound throughout the course of the audiobook.
Also, keep in mind that you should backup your system before doing any upgrades. Regular backups are a very good idea. When I worked in IT, we told people: The only day you need to make a backup is the day before your system crashes!
Other resources on this topic:
- Contact one of the people listed in the Studio Configuration area of the Welcome Center with questions specific to your situation.