What size SSD to use for making music production?

Suppose you’ve decided to start making music. In that case, you must provide enough space for the software you need, the operating system, your DAW, your sample library, ready-made productions, and any plugins you’ll add.

In this article, you’ll find out how much space you need for music production, the difference between SSD and HDD storage, and our tips on how to save disk space.

What is the difference between SSD and HDD?

What is a Hard Disk Drive (HDD)? 

• HDD is the traditional Hard disk drive that uses fast-moving heads to write and read data 
• it can copy from 30 to 150 MB per second
• the speed for opening files is from 0.1 to 1.7 MB per second

What is a Solid State Drive (SSD)?  

• SSD is a modern technology that doesn’t use moving parts, and this makes it faster when reading and writing data 
• it can copy up to 500 MB per second
• the speed for opening files is from 50 to 250 MB per second

Why is SSD better for recording music production?

If you record music professionally, we recommend getting an SSD. 

To produce music, you need at least 7200 RPM (Revolutions Per Minute) and HDD work at 5400 RPM. This makes SSD much more reasonable because it can transfer information at least 20 times faster. 

• Your audio files will save and transfer faster
• Suitable for working with complex, large files and a lot of information
• Much more reliable and durable – something essential when it comes to saving important information
• Smaller in size and lighter, which makes it suitable for working with portable devices

What is better for music production – Internal or External SSD? 

• With an internal SSD, your operating system and DAW will work much faster and optimally. In addition to it, you can get an external HDD where you can store more resources.
• If you have an internal HDD and an external SSD, it will upload and download files quickly to the disk, but your computer will run slowly.

We advise choosing the first option and investing in an internal SDD. 

What is taking up the most space on your SSD?

You have to know which things take up more space to figure out the size of an SSD you need. 

Operating System

The operating system is the most important software for any computer because it manages all functions and resources. Whether you’re running Microsoft Windows, Apple macOS, Linux or Android, you’ll need at least 20 to 35 GB. They constantly update, hibernate, and automatically restore the system, which takes up additional memory.

Digital Audio Workstation (DAW)

DAW is your Music production software. The storage space that will be necessary depends on the type you have chosen. Each DAW is available in different packages and with different functionalities. The most commonly used are:

• FL Studio: 4GB
• Garageband: 4GB
• Ableton Live: 6 up to 55 GB
• Logic Pro: 6 up to 63GB 
• Studio One: 8GB
• Reason: 12GB
• Pro Tools: 15GB
• Cubase: 30GB

We remind you that the software will expand with each following project because it saves your settings and files. For this reason, we advise you to provide more free space than recommended for a given model.

Sample (Sound) Library 

Sampling is an essential part of musical production. Especially if you make beats. A beat collection can reach 1TB before adding your finished projects.

We advise getting an external drive to store your sample library on. It doesn’t have to be an SSD. You can take the more budget option and get yourself an HDD.

Plugins

Plugins are additions to a given program that provide more functions and opportunities to improve the final product.

In general, plugins don’t take up much memory. Still, most music producers use multiple plugins, which gives them more freedom to experiment and upgrade their creations.

Remember that the more plugins you use, the bigger your DAW will be, taking up more space.

Additional things that can take up space

In a perfect scenario, you’ll have a separate computer for your music studio. However, not everyone can afford it, especially if they are a beginner. 

Don’t concern if this is your case.

Initially, you can use your personal computer if it meets the requirements of the programs you will be working with. 

But It’ll be a lot of extra information on your SSD that will not be related to your work in the studio. 

This means the disk needs to be bigger for the programs to work optimally, and their processes will slow down.

If you use your personal computer for work, we advise you to invest in a good antivirus program in addition to a larger SSD. 

What is the best SSD size for music production? 

For beginning music producers, 500 GB is considered the optimal SSD size. This memory will allow you to work quickly and efficiently on all the programs you need, save all your projects and the entire music library.

You’ll have plenty of room for plugins and additional upgrades.

With less memory, you’ll have to clean up the disk frequently, or you may need to get external storage.

If you decide that you need more than 500GB, prepare to pay double the price.

Tips on how to save disk space

Clean the disk of unnecessary data

No matter if you use SSD or HDD, you need to clean the hard drive from time to time because If the disk is too full, it will start to slow down the computer.

If you don’t want to delete some files but need to free up some space, consider investing in an external HDD where you can back up files you don’t need at the moment.  

De-fragment your disk once or twice a month

When you delete or archive data or uninstall a program, residual data is released on the disk, which begins to slow down the computer after a while. 

After you de-fragment the disk, the computer reads and writes information more easily and quickly.

Conclusion: 

You will need a huge disk space to maintain high-quality music if you want to work as a professional producer. SSD is the best option for you. It provides speed and security, allowing you to enjoy the creative process. 

FAQ

How many hours of audio can 1TB hold?

1 TB is enough to hold a huge music collection or, more precisely 17 000 hours of audio files.  

What are the best SSD brands for music recording? 

The most used internal SSD brands are Samsung and SK hynix, and for external, Samsung and LaCie. 

Daryl Levy

I’m thrilled to be able to share my passion for music with others through this audio blog, and I can’t wait to connect with fellow music lovers from all around the world. Let’s rock on!