SSD External Drive for Live Performance?

[wrlmuzik1]

I need some guidance on 2 topics--

Should I purchase an external SSD drive for my live performances with Ableton-- if so, which would you recommend? I will be running anywhere from 16-32 tracks of audio/plug-ins/synths.

If I opt for an external esata drive, which ones are portable, rugged and dependable?

I would be running Live off my MBP and all audio streaming from the external drive.

MacBookPro 2.2 Ghz Intel Core i7
8GB

(I'm not a DJ, this is for a live, one-man band type of set up with lead vocalist and backup singers, etc)

Thanks!

[darkenedsoul]

Well I'd first look for an external eSATA enclosure that had good cooling and was rugged. Then I'd start looking at SSD 240GB drives (if that isn't enough check the 480's maybe) over at NewEgg.com or do a search for reviews (may find some at Tom's Hardware website on the SSD's.

But 240GB seem to be the sweet spot on capacity/pricing still.

[wrlmuzik1]

Thank you darkenedsoul!

[darkenedsoul]

I have a Kingwin at home for my 1TB external and I *think* it has eSATA + USB 2.0. Also, depending how new your system is and if it has USB 3.0 look for enclosure with that (if any available) as that has better throughput as well in case you can't find a good eSATA enclosure. Check at www.newegg.com or www.compusa.com or even www.mwave.com

Mike

[fishmonkey]

If I opt for an external esata drive, which ones are portable, rugged and dependable?

which MBP do you have? how are you planning to connect it to the eSATA enclosure?

and what is your budget?

[M-bition]

I would not go for esata because this has to be powered separately...right ?
Another adapter/power supply is not what you want when portable.

[wrlmuzik1]

I have MBP 2011 Intel Core i7 8GB RAM --currently i'm using an express card with a Rocstor Rocpro 1TB external drive (connected to eSata port) for recording audio and WD 1Tb FW800 for sound library. For my live show, I want a separate SSD drive which would only be used for playback for the performance, so it doesn't have to be more than 64-128 GB.

[trevox]

If you have a 2011 MBP, remove your optical drive and get a caddy to put a second HDD in your laptop - much better than any external solution. That is assuming you don't use your optical drive much...

[fishmonkey]

personally i wouldn't use an ExpressCard system for live performance, they are too delicate and finnicky...