KVR Audio

original flipper · Post by **original flipper** » Fri Jun 08, 2007 7:38 pm

HI

I have enough plugs and leads dangling behind my workspace (I switched to software in the hope of getting rid of all the cabling mess that accumulates with hardware studios!)and wanted to know if anyone had experience of these USB powered drives that are appearing on a daily basis?

I like the look of this one:

http://www.microdirect.co.uk/ProductInf ... newsletter

It's reasonably cheap and I really only need it to back-up my sample library as I am getting a new DAW.

Any thoughts?

Thanks.

Flipper.

sloworm · Post by **sloworm** » Fri Jun 08, 2007 7:41 pm

i use em, they work fine

lateralus778 · Post by **lateralus778** » Fri Jun 08, 2007 7:44 pm

are they good for ROMplers? Like say, putting a VST Sampler/Rompler's library on there?

cyanogen · Post by **cyanogen** » Fri Jun 08, 2007 7:50 pm

I did that with Dimension Pro, and it works just fine.

EDIT: I misread the original post. My external drive is not powered by USB, but it does connect to my computer via USB.

Midinovela · Post by **Midinovela** » Sat Jun 09, 2007 1:09 am

USB 2.0 has 480 MB/sec data transfer, so there should be no problems with any sort of DAW use. I have a generic case (external power supply) with an ATA133/IDE hard drive - no problems at all.

Muzik 4 Machines · Post by **Muzik 4 Machines** » Sat Jun 09, 2007 2:54 am

480 Mbps, not MBps

original flipper · Post by **original flipper** » Sat Jun 09, 2007 10:39 am

HI

My main thought was whether being powered from the USB connection would compromise performance or something?

Flipper.

UltraJv · Post by **UltraJv** » Sat Jun 09, 2007 11:03 am

Some laptops dont like powering them. YMMV.

Rangtangtang · Post by **Rangtangtang** » Sat Jun 09, 2007 12:01 pm

I hsve a Lacie external drive. Its powered by its own transformer which gets quite warm if left on too long.

I could handle a USB-powered version.

You can get a case that can house your old HD and power it through the USB port. These non-drive external storage devices could be a better alternative for music project work. Once the project is finnished it could be then moved to a storage drive?

xtp · Post by **xtp** » Sun Jun 10, 2007 12:17 pm

What is the advantage of having an extra external drive over an internal one. I have 2 ide drives and am about to add a third, i only have 2 sata slots left so it will be a sata drive. I kind of see an external drive as unnecesarily cluttering the deskspace and useing a usb port, and doesnt usb bandwidth share between all of the connected usb components.

original flipper · Post by **original flipper** » Sun Jun 10, 2007 12:23 pm

HI

Well my reason was:

I really only need it to back-up my sample library as I am getting a new DAW.

But ...

What if your computer packs-up: at least you have a fail safe device with an external drive.

I decided to get an Iomega 300gig - unfortunately portable USB powered drives are currently overly expensive, have minimal warranties and lack serious storage space.

Flipper.

ZombyWoof · Post by **ZombyWoof** » Sun Jun 10, 2007 12:45 pm

As far as I have seen, the only USB-powered ones are 2.5" which have a max capacity at present of 160-200 GB. I loaded one up with my apps, plugs and samples and use it both on my XP laptop and my PC, just by moving the drive. Because of licensing issues, not all plug-ins can be used in this way. Also, apps have to be installed on both computers if they use the registry. Again, check the licensing for the legality of this.

Some self-powered drives need more current than a single USB connection can provide (500mA), so often there is a special cable included which taps power from two USB ports. The drive has to be able to run with only the 5V power line because USB does not provide the 12V that a 3.5" HD needs. If you connect the drive to an external hub, be sure that it is a powered hub so that you don't exceed the current rating.

Hope this helps.

ZW

Dreamw · Post by **Dreamw** » Sun Jun 10, 2007 1:05 pm

My advice - avoid Lacie drives.

rlahalla · Post by **rlahalla** » Sun Jun 10, 2007 1:41 pm

>>My advice - avoid Lacie drives.

Definitely. I would also avoid anything less than a 7200 RPM drive if you are planning on streaming samples/rompler banks from it (ie..stylus RMX). The USB 2.0 data rate doesn't matter if your drive is slow. IMHO.

Braindrop · Post by **Braindrop** » Sun Jun 10, 2007 4:34 pm

I use them with my laptop -- I keep some of my lesser-used Kontakt libs on the external drive, they work just fine. Be aware that they'll suck your laptop battery dry really, really fast. I only use it for extended periods when I'm plugged in.

USB powered external drives-any good?