External SSD for sample libraries?

[imi fal]

I'm slowly filling up my internal HDD with samples and as a consequence my computer is getting slower and slower. For a while I've been looking at external SSDs with Thunderbolt to keep my samples and sample libraries on, but I'm a bit uncertain if this will work speed-wise.

Have anyone tried this with Kontakt?

[windspace]

I have not tried this, but I just installed Kontakt and NI recommends to install the sample libraries on an external drive for better performance. I didn't have one to use, but I did have an empty volume on the internal HD, so I put the libraries there. I hope it helps...

[Ambient Mechanics]

Sorry, I don't use Kontakt, so I guess you can take or leave my feedback as you see fit.

Basically, from my own experience, storing samples on an SSD might be "over-kill". I have an SSD internal system drive..and then 3 HDD externals, that hold all my data, audio files and samples..and I have never had any sort of latencyissues with this setup. I see why an external SSDs with Thunderbolt setup might seem appealing..and, if money is no object, then go for it..but, if not, then it's not really necessary in my opinion.

Try cleaning out your current HD..uninstall any VSTs and samples you have and then install them to external drive/drives. If anything, look into upgrading your current HDD with a SSD and then go with external HDDs for storage. You'll read alot about the read/write times of HDDs..but in reality, there really isn't much difference when it comes to loading samples onto your system.

[imi fal]

Good to hear it might even be over-kill! I will reconsider if I find it worth the money, but as USB 2 is my only other choice I think I will go for (hopefully) a more future-proof solution. And the recommendation in the Kontakt manual I had completely forgotten! Thanks for pointing it out Windspace.

I found a review of an external SSD with USB 3 in the latest Sound On Sound (January) and it seems to support about 100 tracks of audio and Kontakt without stuttering. Naturally this depends on the rest of the setup too and it doesn't involve any further processing of the tracks I think, but it's still a staggering number. Way beyond the track count I usually need. This is surely confirming your experience, Ambient Mechanics. Are you using USB 2 or 3 with your external drives?

[Ambient Mechanics]

Good to hear it might even be over-kill! I will reconsider if I find it worth the money, but as USB 2 is my only other choice I think I will go for (hopefully) a more future-proof solution. And the recommendation in the Kontakt manual I had completely forgotten! Thanks for pointing it out Windspace.

I found a review of an external SSD with USB 3 in the latest Sound On Sound (January) and it seems to support about 100 tracks of audio and Kontakt without stuttering. Naturally this depends on the rest of the setup too and it doesn't involve any further processing of the tracks I think, but it's still a staggering number. Way beyond the track count I usually need. This is surely confirming your experience, Ambient Mechanics. Are you using USB 2 or 3 with your external drives?

Two of the external drives are USB 2 and the third..the USB 3 one..is the one I store all my data on, such as project and system restore backups. I also keep these stored online just in case. ;)

Yeah..like I said, if money is no object, then get the best you can afford..and SSDs are certainly that. :biggrin:

[imi fal]

I decided to go for a 7200 rpm, regular hdd with Thunderbolt, 1TB in size. Made by G-Technology. I will let you know how it works.

[imi fal]

I've had my new external hard disk for a few weeks and I'm very happy with it so far. The number of tracks I can use have gone up a bit and my Mac is not as heavily taxed either. After moving my samples I ran Drive Genius 4 to defrag the main drive, and performance is a bit snappier over all.

All in all, a good upgrade that I can warmly recommend.

[Ambient Mechanics]

Yeah..I second that! :thumbsup: Glad the new arrangement is working out well for you.

[imi fal]

Yes, it's working perfectly. Now I just have to upgrade to 16 Gb of memory : )