What I do I have about 6 or so Folders. I have them on a 1TB drive. One is BBstuff where the BB SGU, MGU (projects) live. Another is BIABwav this is where the wav files go into separate folders for each song. Another called Reaper Projects. Another Reaper Renders. Sonar Projects and Sonar Audio. And a folder with the MP3s that I actually use for backing and load onto my laptop.

I end up with lots of copies. However once I am satisfied with my keeper song I clean up. For example, each Reaper render keeps a new version. I keep the versions for a while. I might listen to the song a few days later and notice something I don’t like or a glitch I didn’t pick up earlier. Rarely an earlier version was better. Once I am satisfied I go through the Reaper Renders and delete the extras. I normally keep the BIAB wav files unless there is an issue with a file. Really I have multiple copies of stuff more than I need but I also have heaps of room for it all.

I have occasionally gone back from Reaper to loading the SGU into RealBand and changing a part or maybe BB to edit the song (particularly endings) or add a new instrument. In some cases I find another Style I like better and start again.

I might create a new SGU file with a heap of part changes and lots of 4 bars with holds etc to construct drum fills or endings. I can then pull them into Reaper chop, change and add bits.

All sounds a lot of work when you write it like this but it is really quite simple. Quite a bit of it all is automated making the process easy to manage.

My thoughts
Tony

HP i7-4770 16GB 1TB SSD, Win 10 Home,
Focusrite 2i2 3rd Gen, Launchkey 61, Maton CW80, Telecaster, Ovation Elite TX, Yamaha Pacifica 612
BB 2022(912) RB 2022(2), CakeWalk, Reaper 6, Audacity, Melodyne 5 Editor, Izotope Music Production Suite 4.1