Suggestions for external HD?

[Ted]

Hey all,

In the past month I've been getting into some 3rd party software/samples. Up til this point I was pretty much just using stock Logic X samples-- but I got some Spitfire Audio stuff and some Native Instruments. I wanted a new MIDI controller and I just broke down and grabbed a Komplete Kontrol S61 Mk2 --it plays great. So the world of Native Instruments, NKS and Kontakt etc. is new to me and I've been watching some tutorials on how to use both the software and hardware.

Native Instruments is having their summer sale and I'd like to upgrade to the Komplete 12 Ultimate from the Select.

Now my question... so far I've been putting all my Logic Samples and everything else on my Mac's internal HD. I still have a few hundred GB left but obviously it's time to move to an external drive for sample libraries. I'm not very computer lingo savvy compared to most-- I feel like "Unfrozen Caveman Noob" but anyway.... I've done a little searching for info on random forums, but I figured I'd come here and ask if any pros can point me somewhat in the right direction-- (what kind of drive should I look for? Any particular model recommendations? Any good web resources that I should look to? etc) I'm using a late 2013 iMac with Logic X as my DAW.

Also, when I get an external drive will it be a nightmare to move libraries that are already on my internal HD over or should I just leave them there? I've heard it's a pain.


Thanks in advance

[gitanosoy]

Hi Ted,

I use a Toshiba external HD but pretty much any 1 TB or 2 TB will do. Now about moving sound libraries if you are using an 2013 MAC make sure you back up everything in time machine before you do anything. If you haven't upgraded to the latest OS Catalina and the latest version of Logic which just had a major upgrade then before you do anything make sure your third party plugins are compatible with Catalina as they might not work and get disabled. Lots of logic forums on FB . The latest Logic requires OS Mohjave and up. I already know that some of the NI plugins don't work with Catalina and some wave plugins as well from what I read on LOGIC PRO X USER group on FB. I think it's the 32bit versions of plugins that don't work..not sure..I use UAD ,some NI and the logic plugins so so far couple of the free NI plugins got disabled but I am fine with that, they were free and I don't need to have them.

I am trying not to get to technical, I hope this helps.

I would leave the logic ones in there, it is up to you..you can always work with the plugins from you EXHD or even a project to conserve CPU..once you get the EXHD leave it plugged in and the updates and backups will automatically happen in your EXHD.

Good luck..yes it is a bit nerve recking but don't hesitate to call Apple if you have any questions, they are very helpful and will run you through procedures and check up on you to see how you did.

Good luck

[superkons]

For storing sample libraries, an SSD is highly recommended, because of its much faster reading times, which means you can stream the samples directly from the disc, and not wait for them to load in memory

[Ted]

Hi Ted,

I use a Toshiba external HD but pretty much any 1 TB or 2 TB will do. Now about moving sound libraries if you are using an 2013 MAC make sure you back up everything in time machine before you do anything. If you haven't upgraded to the latest OS Catalina and the latest version of Logic which just had a major upgrade then before you do anything make sure your third party plugins are compatible with Catalina as they might not work and get disabled. Lots of logic forums on FB . The latest Logic requires OS Mohjave and up. I already know that some of the NI plugins don't work with Catalina and some wave plugins as well from what I read on LOGIC PRO X USER group on FB. I think it's the 32bit versions of plugins that don't work..not sure..I use UAD ,some NI and the logic plugins so so far couple of the free NI plugins got disabled but I am fine with that, they were free and I don't need to have them.

I am trying not to get to technical, I hope this helps.

I would leave the logic ones in there, it is up to you..you can always work with the plugins from you EXHD or even a project to conserve CPU..once you get the EXHD leave it plugged in and the updates and backups will automatically happen in your EXHD.

Good luck..yes it is a bit nerve recking but don't hesitate to call Apple if you have any questions, they are very helpful and will run you through procedures and check up on you to see how you did.

Good luck

Thanks for the reply. I have heard nothing but horror stories about how terrible Catalina is and I have no intention of moving to it until I'm forced at gunpoint.

[Ted]

For storing sample libraries, an SSD is highly recommended, because of its much faster reading times, which means you can stream the samples directly from the disc, and not wait for them to load in memory

Thanks. Yeah a solid state drive seems to be a must based on what I'm reading.

[gitanosoy]

Hi Ted,

So far the Catalina is not a problem for and it is getting better like most bug fixes in the beginning, as I said I only lost a couple of plugins that I can live without. The latest upgrade in Logic pro x is amazing...new Samplers, better work flow, more new sounds and loops so hopefully you can or will go to Catalina...I am on iMac 2016 so I have a few more years hopefully until time for a bew computer.

best of luck.

[Ted]

Hi Ted,

So far the Catalina is not a problem for and it is getting better like most bug fixes in the beginning, as I said I only lost a couple of plugins that I can live without. The latest upgrade in Logic pro x is amazing...new Samplers, better work flow, more new sounds and loops so hopefully you can or will go to Catalina...I am on iMac 2016 so I have a few more years hopefully until time for a bew computer.

best of luck.

Well that's great to hear that Catalina is being sorted out. Like I said, I'm always behind the curve on tech but lately I've been working on some projects which have had me digging deeper into what Logic X can do.

[MBantle]

I am also in the market for an external drive and I find it quite difficult to find a SSD that uses USB 2/3 or Thunderbolt 2 (I am working on a 2017 Macbook). All I can find are the new USB-C drives.
Is that also what you experience?
Cheers,
Matt

[gitanosoy]

I am also in the market for an external drive and I find it quite difficult to find a SSD that uses USB 2/3 or Thunderbolt 2 (I am working on a 2017 Macbook). All I can find are the new USB-C drives.
Is that also what you experience?
Cheers,
Matt

Hi Matt,
I am not aware of this that they are hard to find,I haven't looked to purchase one since then, I bought my Toshiba in 2017 from Best buy and I see that there is a lots of different makes for sale $75.00 to $130.00 1-2 TB.. so I am not sure why you are having a hard time finding one. Best Buy has more inventory on line than in the actual retail store. specially if items are discontinued or not popular item anymore.

good luck.

[MBantle]

I am also in the market for an external drive and I find it quite difficult to find a SSD that uses USB 2/3 or Thunderbolt 2 (I am working on a 2017 Macbook). All I can find are the new USB-C drives.
Is that also what you experience?
Cheers,
Matt

Hi Matt,
I am not aware of this that they are hard to find,I haven't looked to purchase one since then, I bought my Toshiba in 2017 from Best buy and I see that there is a lots of different makes for sale $75.00 to $130.00 1-2 TB.. so I am not sure why you are having a hard time finding one. Best Buy has more inventory on line than in the actual retail store. specially if items are discontinued or not popular item anymore.

good luck.

Excellent! Thanks for the advice. I had looked on Amazon and the likes and it seems they tend to feature the newer models. Cheers, Matt