Can I install my plugins or expansions on an external drive?

Paul Hessing

April 30, 2025 21:54

Running out of space? Many users want to install Slate Digital plugins and libraries to an external SSD—especially when using portable systems like MacBooks.

 macOS

On macOS, plugin installation paths are fixed and cannot be changed due to system-level requirements for how DAWs scan plugins.

Here are the default locations for each plugin format:

AAX: /Library/Application Support/Avid/Audio/Plug-Ins/
AU: /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/Components/
VST: /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST/
VST3: /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST3/

These paths cannot be redirected to an external drive.

Note: Plugin files themselves are relatively small (around 10GB total if you install everything in the All Access Pass). Most disk usage comes from sample-based instruments and libraries.

✅ What can be moved?

VerbSuite Classics includes a large impulse response library, and we do support moving this to an external drive.

Follow the steps in this guide:

👉 How To Move VerbSuite Classics Expansions To An External HD on Mac

While this article focuses on macOS, the same principles apply to Windows. On both platforms, the default location for VSC libraries is:

C:\ProgramData\Slate Digital\VerbSuite Classics\Impulse Responses\Slate Digital\VerbSuite Classics

❌ ANA 2 cannot be moved

ANA 2 includes a large preset and sample library, but it currently does not support custom install paths.

We've passed this request along to Sonic Academy, but there’s no timeline for this feature at this time

🖥️ Windows

Windows offers more flexibility, but we recommend caution.

Note: If you're just trying to save space, moving plugin files is not always worth the trouble. Most Slate Digital plugins are lightweight. Instead, move large libraries (like VerbSuite) or uninstall plugins you don’t use daily.

🎛️ Plugin Formats on Windows

AAX: Fixed by Pro Tools, cannot be moved
VST2: Install path can be set in Slate Digital Connect
VST3: Installed to C:\Program Files\Common Files\VST3 by default

If you want to change your VST2 install path in Slate Digital Connect:

Open Slate Digital Connect
Go to My Preferences
Click Edit next to the VST2 Installation Path

Edit VST2 install path in Slate Digital Connect

Keep in mind: most modern DAWs like Ableton, Reaper, and Cubase allow you to scan a custom VST2 location (Windows only), but this must be configured inside the DAW manually.

Still need help?

If you're running into storage issues and want help determining what can safely be moved or deleted, submit a ticket here, and we'll walk you through it!