Theoretically, the USB drive should also run off the laptop while it is on battery power, but of course, you will run the laptop battery down more quickly. It's only 5 volts and pretty low amperage draw. Another option would be to use a powered USB hub, but if you're going to have to plug something in, it might as well be the laptop. The exception would be when the laptop's AC power supply contributes hum in the audio, which is not unusual.


BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Roland Integra-7, Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.