10 Best External Hard Drives For Music Production

Are you looking to enhance your music production with reliable and high-performance storage? With digital audio workstations growing more complex, a robust external hard drive is a must-have.

This article will guide you through the 10 best external hard drives tailored for music production, their features, and how they can boost your workflow. Gear up with a better hard drive and take your studio setup to new heights!

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Be sure to check out our video that covers the 5 best external hard drives for music production that we covered above:

Factors to Consider When Choosing an External Hard Drive for Music Production

Selecting the right external hard drive for your music production demands careful evaluation of numerous factors. Such as, storage capacity, speed, shock resistance and durability, compatibility with your software, connectivity, data protection and, of course, price.

Storage Capacity

We’re starting with storage capacity,  because that is one of the most important factors for comparing hard drives.  You need to have ample space to store all of your tracks, samples, recorded sessions and mixed audio files. 

But don’t limit yourself to what you have produced so far.  You need an external hard drive  which will meet your needs now and for the foreseeable future. 

However, keep in mind that additional storage capacity is expensive, so find a balance between what you think you will need in the future and what you can afford to pay.  Having a large quantity of storage space that you won’t use is an extravagance you can do without.

Speed

Of course, speed plays a crucial role in a seamless production experience. Slow transfer rates can cause lag during playback or recording, disrupting your creative process. 

Transfer speeds may differ considerably between different hard drives. External SSDs offer faster speeds than traditional HDDs but come at a higher price point.

When you compare various  hard drives, be sure to compare their relative speeds as well as storage capacity to find the one that is best for your needs.

Shock Resistance and Durability

Your hard drive should be strong enough to withstand the rigors of travel if you’re constantly on the move or perform live shows regularly. Look for features like shock resistance as well as the durability of the build.

All of the external hard drives on our list are built by major manufacturers who are known for the quality of their products.

Compatibility with Software

Compatibility with both your computer’s operating system and your specific music software is another significant factor you cannot ignore when purchasing an external hard drive for music production.

Check the specs of each product carefully to make sure it will work smoothly with your operating system., your music software, and any software you are considering purchasing in the future.

Connectivity

Connectivity options affect data transfer speed significantly and lack of the proper options may be a hindrance. USB 3.0 or Thunderbolt connections are often considered superior choices in this regard while also ensuring portability benefits particularly if you frequently need to work outside your studio.

Data Protection

Data protection features are another critical consideration.  Losing cherished musical pieces due to hardware failure could be devastating! Hard drives usually come with basic backup software,, but you need to be sure they are  user-friendly so backups are seamless. 

Price

Of course, acquiring a hard drive with a large capacity, high speed, durability, and the many  premium features available in this market, increases the price. The important thing is to  Remember, although price is of course important, it isn’t the only factor to consider.  Try to find a balance between affordability and performance!

By considering the critical factors discussed above, and weighing them against what you need to take your music to the highest level and what you can afford, you’ll be able to find the external harddrive that will satisfy your needs at a price you can afford.

We have selected two excellent hard drives as our top picks, but that isn’t all we did.  We continued our list to include models that might be more suitable for producers with specialized needs. So read the whole list and consider your hardware, software, studio setup, music production style, as well as your individual preferences and future needs to find the perfect external harddrive for you!

FAQs

1. How much storage space do I need on an external hard drive for music production?

The amount of storage space you need on an external hard drive for music production depends on several factors, such as the size and number of audio files, and if you use sample libraries. Generally, it’s advisable to have at least 1 TB of storage. Reliable external hard drives like the Samsung T5 offer a lot of storage and are suitable for both Windows and Mac users.

2. Can I use any external hard drive for music production?

Yes, you can use various external hard drives for music production, including both hard disk drives (HDDs) and solid state drives (SSDs). Ensure the drive has a fast data transfer speed (USB 3.0 or higher) and enough storage. Note that some drives may need to be reformatted to be compatible with your operating system.

3. Is it better to have a portable or desktop external hard drive for music production?

Choosing between a portable or desktop external hard drive for music production depends on your workflow. Portable drives, like disc drives or solid state drives, offer mobility and ease of use. Desktop hard drives typically provide a larger amount of space but are less mobile. Consider how much storage you need and whether you require the drive to be portable.

FINAL VERDICT

Our top pick is the Samsung T7 Portable SSD, followed by the Seagate One Touch SSD. Both offer ample storage space, with options for more if required, fast data transfer rates, and a compact design suitable for music producers. Their reliability and sufficient storage capacities make them ideal choices for backing up files and supporting music production activities.

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Before you go…

Selecting the best external hard drive is only the first step in setting up your music production environment.

You’ll need additional essential equipment to excel as a producer.

Browse our other articles for detailed advice on choosing the best music gear for your studio!