Setting up External SSD for PLUGINS?

[GardenCat1551]

Hey,

I'm new to using my optimizing my computer for Ableton.. I did some research and went and got a 1TB SSD for my music files...

I was wondering, would it be foolish to save/download my 3rd party plug ins to the external hard drive?

Right now I use a few Waves plugins.... but I was considering investing in the Apogee FX plug ins since they can use the actual hardware for DSP, reducing latency and the load put on the computer... would saving my plug ins on to an external hard drive get in the way or complicate this process?


I know I probably sound like a major n00b but I appreciate the help so much! Thanks everybody!

if anyone had any comments on the apogeeFX plug ins too, I'd love to hear some experiences before I go forward.. maybe that should be a separate post though....


..btw (sorry another side question) but this IS the official Ableton forum website right? I was kind of paranoid when signing up that I was being duped since there are no links from the main Ableton product website... I read a few people saying that "the Ableton HQ" isn't a big fan of the forums though? weird!!


thanks again, I know this is all over the place, I apologize for that in advance...

[ToneShop]

Hi,

In my experience VST install all over the place.
Files are placed in Program folder, common folder , user folder,library folder and who knows where else.
The only thing I can choose a location for is the DLL file.
So I don’t think installing on a SSD would make a difference or would even be possible?
I’m no PC expert so maybe I’m completely off here.

TS.

[TLW]

Live, like most DAWs, lets you tell it where your VST plugins are.

If you’re using a Mac then things can be a bit complicated because there are also AU plugins to consider, should you decide to use them (Logic Pro only supports AU, not VST) and the system assumes the default install locations have been used - many/most plugin installers don’t give you an option to use anywhere else.

My personal preference when I used Windows was to go with the default installation for plugins, while keeping an eye open for ones that install somewhere else by default. It’s been a while since I used Windows, but I recall some plugins offered a custom location, some insist on installing into a program files directory called VST or even Steinberg/VST (Steinberg invented the VST format).

If you do install into another directory be aware it will only be the .dlls that get put there - preferences, presets etc. may well end up somewhere else. One option might be to use a Windows junction point to “fool” the system, and therefore applications, into thinking your SSD is the default/usual directory in program files.

To be honest most plugin .dlls (or “components” to use the Mac term) aren’t very big and you wouldn’t save much disk space by installing them somewhere other than where the installer wants to put them. Sample libraries can be a different matter as some are pretty huge.

[ecuk]

..btw (sorry another side question) but this IS the official Ableton forum website right? I was kind of paranoid when signing up that I was being duped since there are no links from the main Ableton product website... I read a few people saying that "the Ableton HQ" isn't a big fan of the forums though? weird!!

Since others seem to have answered your plugin questions, and since I wouldn’t be any use for those anyway because I haven’t used Windows in donkey’s years, I’ll try to answer this one…

Yes, this is the official Ableton user forum, and you are correct that it is not linked from the Ableton website. It is, however, available directly from the Help menu in Live. There was a recent (and rather fun) thread entitled ‘hidden Forum?’ about why it doesn’t feel very official nowadays: viewtopic.php?f=40&t=239127

[jestermgee]

Hi,

In my experience VST install all over the place.
Files are placed in Program folder, common folder , user folder,library folder and who knows where else.
The only thing I can choose a location for is the DLL file.
So I don’t think installing on a SSD would make a difference or would even be possible?
I’m no PC expert so maybe I’m completely off here.

TS.

Just a little bit off. This is one area where many users lack paying attention on until it's a problem.

As mentioned, for the plugins themselves they are normally relatively small but you need to pay attention when installing and not blindly click through installers or you will end up with a complicated mess with files all over the shop.

There are typically 3 components to installing a VST to pay attention too and most VST instruments at least give you the option to manage 2 of these components during installation so best to have a plan of how you will setup these before hand...

1. The Plugin DLL File
This is the actual plugin that is read by your DAW and is a .dll file (most know this). Most VSTs offer both a 32/64 bit version of this file but for Live (and almost every modern DAW) you only need to be concerned about the 64bit version. The very first VST you install will sometimes write the DLL install path to the global VST install location in registry which will then be used by other installers BUT this is not always the case with all manufacturers. It will always be in c:\Program Files. I would suggest making your own custom directory such as C:\Program Files\VST Plugins and then make sure every 64bit VST plugin file goes here. during install.

2. The Sample/Library Files
This is where the bulk of your space is consumed and this relates only to instruments. Effects will not have libraries to worry about so you don't need to worry about offloading this. Some instruments that have larger libraries will offer a location on installation to place the library/sample/content data which is where you would utilise your SSD. The important thing to keep in mind is if you are Windows and use external USB attached drive for this you MUST ensure it has the same drive letter every time as most instruments use the drive path, not a drive ID for the location.

3. Preset files and plugin settings
This is often not able to be manually located but is normally small tho some plugins will also place their sample data here (annoyingly) and not allow you to move it. There is no dedicated location for this, some install to Documents, others to App Data others to ProgramData. Typically it is nothing to be bothered with except if you need to make a backup of settings or track down the location where the preset files are being stored.

[ToneShop]

TS.

Just a little bit off.

Thx for the above in-depth breakdown @jestermgee

[TLW]

3. Preset files and plugin settings
This is often not able to be manually located but is normally small tho some plugins will also place their sample data here (annoyingly) and not allow you to move it.

I’ve successfully moved such sample data in the past using Windows junction points (the best method in my opinion) and/or aliases and shortcuts (which don’t always work), though I’ve no idea if the function still exists in Win 10 as I don’t use Windows these days.

On a Mac you can use the usual *nix methods to create symbolic links or aliases and shift stuff around that way.

In both cases it’s a very good idea to create a record of where each junction point/symbolic link is, where it points to and where the data is actually stored to avoid accidents when deleting or reconfiguring stuff.

[jestermgee]

Yeah it’s possible in many ways but can add complexity especially for inexperienced users. Preset and setting data is usually not a big deal to worry too much about