Efficient way to store VST instruments... Ext. HDD?

[Route412]

Is it possible (and efficient) to store VST instruments on an external HDD? I am currently storing everything internally and would like the option to move all my instruments freely between multiple studios. I understand that the plugin file has to reside on a registered machine (in some cases), but most companies let you install on two or 3 machines before they cry uncle.

My concern is throughput on a firewire or USB 2 drive.

I am using the latest UAD card to drive the majority of my plugs and have recently moved everything from PC to MAC

Thanks for any help you can give
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[keithm]

I didn't think you could move the location of the plugins. Usually they have to reside in the program folder. I guess you would have to install the program itself on the external drive, unless the later versions of cubase have the ability to set the path to the plugins.

[Neil Wilkes]

What you can do with the large sample libraries is install the plugin to the usual public VST Plugins folder, and the sound library can go wherever you like.
With the NI/East West instruments, you can move the libraries easily enough without having to re install anything.
Simply point the standalone version to the new library and relaunch the plugin.
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[William R. Lee]

Many VST plugins use a DLL file that can reside in an external HD if you wish.

Example: All of my Voxengo DLLs are placed in a plugins folder on my external drive and work great!


But, some of the more complex VSTs do need to be installed on the main system drive to work properly.
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