Virtual Studio Technology (VST) plugins are an essential part of the modern music production process. They allow you to add a wide range of effects, instruments, and sounds to your compositions. However, as your collection of VST plugins grows, so does the size of your digital audio workstation (DAW) setup. This can lead to slower load times and longer waiting periods when accessing your plugins, hindering your workflow and creativity. One solution to this problem is to run your VST plugins from an external solid-state drive (SSD). In this article, we will discuss whether it is possible to run VST plugins from an external SSD and the benefits and drawbacks of doing so.
Can You Run VST From an External SSD?
Yes, you can run VST plugins from an external SSD. In fact, doing so can greatly improve the performance and speed of your digital audio workstation setup. Running VST plugins from an external SSD allows you to store your plugins on a separate drive, freeing up space on your computer’s internal hard drive and increasing the amount of available memory. This can result in faster load times, reduced latency, and improved overall performance when working with VST plugins.
Benefits of Running VST From an External SSD
There are several benefits to running VST plugins from an external SSD, including:
Improved Performance
One of the primary benefits of running VST plugins from an external SSD is improved performance. When you store your VST plugins on an external SSD, your computer has more available memory, which can result in faster load times and reduced latency. This can greatly improve your workflow and creativity, allowing you to focus on making music rather than waiting for your plugins to load.
Increased Storage Space
Another benefit of running VST plugins from an external SSD is increased storage space. When you store your VST plugins on a separate drive, you free up space on your computer’s internal hard drive. This can be especially beneficial if your internal hard drive is running low on storage space, as it can help prevent slowdowns and crashes.
Portability
Running VST plugins from an external SSD can also increase portability. If you use a laptop for music production, you can store your VST plugins on an external SSD and take them with you wherever you go. This allows you to access your plugins and work on your compositions on any computer, without having to worry about installing them or transferring large files.
Drawbacks of Running VST From an External SSD
While there are several benefits to running VST plugins from an external SSD, there are also some drawbacks to consider, including:
Cost
One of the main drawbacks of running VST plugins from an external SSD is cost. External SSDs can be more expensive than traditional external hard drives, and the cost can add up if you have a large collection of VST plugins.
Compatibility
Another potential drawback of running VST plugins from an external SSD is compatibility. Not all external SSDs are compatible with all digital audio workstations, so it is important to check the compatibility of your external SSD before purchasing.
Increased Complexity
Running VST plugins from an external SSD can also increase the complexity of your setup. You will need to set up the external SSD and configure your digital audio workstation to use it, which can be a time-consuming and technical process.
How to Run VST From an External SSD
Running VST plugins from an external SSD is a simple process that involves several steps. Here is how to do it:
Purchase an external SSD that is compatible with your digital audio workstation.
Connect the external SSD to your computer using a USB or Thunderbolt cable.
Format the external SSD using the appropriate file system for your digital audio workstation.
Copy your VST plugins to the external SSD.
Open your digital audio workstation and navigate to the preferences or settings menu.
Locate the option to specify the location of your VST plugins and select the external SSD as the location.
Restart your digital audio workstation and verify that your VST plugins are loading from the external SSD.
It is important to note that some digital audio workstations may require additional steps or configuration to use an external SSD for VST plugins. Be sure to consult the manual or online resources for your specific DAW for more information.
Conclusion
Running VST plugins from an external SSD can greatly improve the performance and speed of your digital audio workstation setup. By storing your plugins on a separate drive, you can free up space on your computer’s internal hard drive, reduce latency, and improve load times. However, there are also some drawbacks to consider, including cost, compatibility, and increased complexity. Before deciding to run your VST plugins from an external SSD, consider your specific needs and budget, and research the compatibility of your external SSD with your digital audio workstation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an external SSD?
An external SSD is a solid-state drive that can be connected to a computer using a USB or Thunderbolt cable. It functions similarly to an internal SSD but is designed to be used as a secondary storage device.
Why would I want to run VST plugins from an external SSD?
Running VST plugins from an external SSD can improve the performance and speed of your digital audio workstation setup by freeing up space on your computer’s internal hard drive, reducing latency, and improving load times.
Is it possible to run VST plugins from an external SSD with any digital audio workstation?
Whether or not you can run VST plugins from an external SSD depends on the specific digital audio workstation you are using. Some DAWs are compatible with external SSDs, while others may require additional configuration or may not support external SSDs at all. Be sure to consult the manual or online resources for your specific DAW for more information.
Are there any drawbacks to running VST plugins from an external SSD?
While running VST plugins from an external SSD can provide many benefits, there are also some drawbacks to consider, including cost, compatibility, and increased complexity. Before deciding to run your VST plugins from an external SSD, consider your specific needs and budget and research the compatibility of your external SSD with your digital audio workstation.
Can I use any external SSD to run VST plugins from?
Not all external SSDs are created equal, and compatibility can vary depending on the specific digital audio workstation you are using. Before purchasing an external SSD for use with your DAW, be sure to research the compatibility of your specific SSD model with your digital audio workstation.