Hi,
 
I would like to occasionally record live- out and about. 2 to 4 trax at a time. Nothing extra -no vst's vsti's no vi's, just straight record then take the trax back to my main machine to integrate with the project.
 
with 4G of RAM, wouldn't there be enough room in the RAM alone to capture/save the project after each take (3-5minutes)?
 
I record 24/44.1hz,
 
2 core Pentium. T4500 processor, 2.3Ghz speed.
stock HHD - most likely 5400 rpm.
4G RAM,  2- USB 2.0's --only one available (see below)
W7 64 / Sonar X2
Scarlett 18i6 interface, USB
 
One of my USB's is taken up with my mouse. My touchpad doesn't work :(
 
I do have a small SSD that I can hook up, but that USB port is taken up with the Scarlette interface.
 
Should I get a USB hub and hook the SSD drive up as well?
 
I don't know if the hub would slow down the process, or back to my original question, whether it's even necessary...
 
your input please! thanks.
 
 
 

Except for the HDD (5400rpm), your system seems fine for recording audio up to 4 tracks. Why not have the SSD installed inside the Notebook - if there is space. Since the 5400rpm drive is not as good, perhaps totally replace it with a bigger SSD ?

Since there is only one USB, it's better reserved for the Scarlett. USB sharing via hub will take up bandwidth as well.

Does your notebook comes with a PS/2 port ? so you can free up the mouse/USB..

The 5400RPM drive should handle a few tracks temporarily while transporting back to your main DAW.  Streaming 24/44.1 audio isn't really all that demanding, the limit is likely to be well above 4 tracks.  

There may be some system specific issues that could happen, for example Windows interrupting the stream since it's sharing the same physical drive.  All you have to do is give it a try to know for sure.  Record a few tracks with the interface plugged in and see if it drops out.

Thanks Guys! Good ideas. Yep...I'm going to do a trial run and see.

I wonder if there's a way to make the audio files to be captured to RAM until saving, so that there aren't any disc conflicts/droppouts. hmmm

How much does a SSD really contribute to the overall performance? What has the larger impact, the drive, processor or RAM?

#1 - Processor for heavy use of effects and synths
#2 - RAM, but only if your sampling, if they don't fit in RAM performance tanks
#3 - Disk, it's been a long time since disks have been too slow for typical audio, that changes if you use high sample rates, huge track counts, or video.

SSD's are awesome for OS disks, but too expensive, potentially less reliable, and not necessary for audio volumes.  As an OS disk though, the speed your system responds to booting and opening programs will make it feel like a new machine.

Understood  Thank you for that reply.