Where should I/can I install Pro Tools First?
 

Hello,

I'm just wondering if Pro Tools should ideally be installed on it's own dedicated drive and OS? I have my main Windows 11 desktop PC that I use for dedicated GPU gaming, web browsing and other work with various apps installed. I wonder if for optimal performance of Pro Tools if it should run separately from my everyday OS?

My second question is could I install Pro Tools to a new user account on my current Windows 11 installation or would a dual boot OS be better?

Re: Where should I/can I install Pro Tools First?
 

Personally, I think you're over thinking it :)

Just install it on your C: in your normal user account. If you don't have an NVME or at least a SSD as your C: drive, then you might want to save your sessions and samples on a separate drive.

Joel

Re: Where should I/can I install Pro Tools First?
 

Can sessions and samples be stored on another drive other than C: anyway? I prefer to keep my C: as lean as possible as it reduces the size of the backup images I take of C: drive...

Re: Where should I/can I install Pro Tools First?
 

I haven't used First a whole lot, but yes you should be able to change the location of the cache folder: https://avid.secure.force.com/pkb/ar...t-files-stored

Joel

Re: Where should I/can I install Pro Tools First?
 

What is generally the most storage consuming when working with Pro Tools?

Re: Where should I/can I install Pro Tools First?
 

I'm not sure if this is what you mean, but the recorded audio files you make will be what takes up the most space. That and/or samples, if you use them.

The cache folder I referenced is where all your recorded audio will be saved when you're working in Pro Tools First.

Joel

Re: Where should I/can I install Pro Tools First?
 

Pro Tools software installs to the C: drive, only. Sessions can go on any drive that meets the requirements for speed. If you have a USB-C or USB-3 port, an external case with that connection should be fine as long as the drive inside the case is an SSD or a 7200 RPM spinner. Samsung T7(external) gets great reviews from several Pro Tools users here. Thunderbolt would be even better if you have the option.

Re: Where should I/can I install Pro Tools First?
 

Is it common to have a dedicated storage drive for sessions/samples? Do plugins use much space or is it the samples associated with the plugins that do?

Re: Where should I/can I install Pro Tools First?
 

Re plugins; Plugins that use sample libraries can be huge(the plugin is small, but the library is huge). When possible, locate the sample libraries on a separate drive. Processing plugins(like EQ, Reverb, compressors, etc) take up very little space on your C: drive(example; my plugins folder is 9GB on the C: drive, but my samples fill a 2TB drive)

Re sessions being on their own drive; yes its a good idea, BUT, if your C: drive is a good SSD with lots of available space, sessions can run fine from the C: drive(this advise is from the days of spinning hard drives). I keep things separate so I can back things up more easily(and you do need to back everything up if you would be upset if it disappeared).

So, the ideal setup would be this:
Drive 1(C:)-for OS and plugins. Use a good SSD(some say 250GB is enough. I say 500GB is minimum).
Drive 2-for sample libraries. Use a good internal SSD, 7200 rpm spinner is second choice. Use enough capacity to cover your needs now, but times 2(for future expansion)
Drive 3-for sessions. Use a good internal SSD, 7200 rpm spinner is second choice. 1TB is a good minimum.