diff --git a/oephys2nix/stimulus_recreation.py b/oephys2nix/stimulus_recreation.py
index 65b7169..0f3c6f1 100644
--- a/oephys2nix/stimulus_recreation.py
+++ b/oephys2nix/stimulus_recreation.py
@@ -344,6 +344,9 @@ class StimulusToNix:
                     unit=arr.unit,
                     label=arr.label,
                 )
+
+            except DuplicateName:
+                f = self.block.data_arrays[arr.name]
                 for d in arr.dimensions:
                     if d.dimension_type == nixio.DimensionType.Set:
                         f.append_set_dimension(labels=d.labels)
@@ -357,8 +360,6 @@ class StimulusToNix:
                             d.sampling_interval,
                             labels=d.labels,
                         )
-            except DuplicateName:
-                f = self.block.data_arrays[arr.name]
 
             mtag.create_feature(f, nixio.LinkType.Indexed)