I’m using a MacBook Pro M2 with Ableton and just starting out with creating and recording via synths, drum machines and guitars. Is anyone using a Samsung T7 SSD 2TB or Kingston XS2000 2TB external hard drive for managing storage of audio files? (Not software.) I’m considering one of these drives based on write speed / quality, but open to recommendations on other drives by Mac M2 users. Thanks!

 

I got T7 SSD, just got it recently. I'd go with that. I have CSS, Garritan CFX, SD3 & it's SDXs, Omnisphere & couple more stuff. Everything works without fuss. Now loading these libraries are more taxing that merely storing audio files. You'll be fine. Go for it.

 

I think you have more options left if you go with an internal harddrive and then put a case around it. External harddrives can sometimes just stop being able to be seen by your computer and then you're kind of fucked. WIth an internal harddrive, you can just put it inside your a computer or replace the casing if it does not connect. Anyway, just my 2 cents

 

Dude cmon! it's a silicon macbook. You should atleast read before dropping shekels around. It's 2024. External SSDs work pretty god-damn amazing.

 

I have several SSD HDs but only for storing all with USB3. Super fast, cheap and has never let me down.

If it wise to use them as active drives for you audio projects is prolly another story.......... I know some does but experiences are very different afaics.

 

I ve been using XS2000 2TB with same M2 Macbook pro setup... Actually I am happy but the only issue I am having is when I am trying to copy 1000-1500 small byte files at once it really takes more time than normal; when I copy 1 file around 4-5 gb its really fast. Thats the only issue I ve.. Rest is fine with it...

 

I have a sort of multi-layered question then, but I'd like to know this part first. Why would it be considered desirable to record the audio to an external ssd, versus recording it directly to the internal ssd and moving it to external storage later? Assume the os, applications, and plugins are on the internal.

The small files slowdown, is due to the rw time of all of them. It's like this all the time if you are transferring big midi packs, for instance.

 

Last edited: Mar 25, 2024

That´s exactly what I do - I store my recorded audio on a external drive after I´ve done all the the editing etc on an internal drive. Makes a lot of sense imho.

 

so then the external is really functioning as a storage dive. That might change your shopping thoughts, if the reason to ask is differences in price. I can only imagine how quickly a 2 tb drive will fill up if you are recording external instruments to big wav files.

 

Imho its stupid going for the 2Tb external SSDs - I would go for the 5Tbs!!

 

1 the newer macbooks can't have their SSD replaced. they are soldered in.
2. an SSD has a finite amount of writes. when you hit that the drive is toast.
3. better to wear out an external drive than the internal drive that can't be replaced.

 

You cannot upgrade the drive to a larger one than the one it shipped with. You can't be suggesting Apple is selling a Macbook Pro you throw in the dumpster when it's internal ssd fails. Can you? This has the definite aroma of a Windows user.

 

all i know is its not user upgradeable,

https://www.ifixit.com/Answers/View...ade+SSD+AND+RAM+to+a+MacBook+Pro+2022+M2+chip

Posted: Nov 16, 2022

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@applealcaffe Unfortunately, the short answer is: No!

You can choose the highest specced one upon purchase, but it cannot be upgraded by consumers themselves, as the memory is in the SoC itself and the “SSD” is soldered on NAND chips on the logic board.

Edit: Here is a link to the layout and identification of chips on the logic board.



Tom Chai @tomchai

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Posted: Nov 17, 2022

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SSD upgrade is possible with extensive soldering and chip programming, it is doable but barely economical even in China.

RAM upgrade is not possible at this point, all currently known desoldering attempts to remove the RAM chips from the SoC have failed, plus it is impossible to source the chips.

 

These are not the same statements. This one below is wrong. Btw, when you hit solder with a warmed up soldering iron or pencil, the solder reverts back to it's liquid state. You could at least take a minute to get your story straightened out.

 

The Mac Mini m2 etc are built the same way - they are not upgradeable.
essentially they are junk when the components fail. I was looking at getting one for my brother
when I read up on them...

 

They are not a standard pcie ssd, they are memory chips and a controller on the Systems on a Chip (SOC) read the links - look at the pictures.

 

ps. I know how to solder, I know it melts. thats the whole point of solder.

 

So if I go buy another Macbook Pro and I get Applecare on it for 5 years like always. Are you telling me they will just throw it in a landfill instead of replace the SSD for me? I mean, can you really see this as practical?

I'm not going to argue with a Windows user about Macs. Ignored.

 

tear down video: