If you are using the USB external drive as a Temp directory I suspect that is the problem.

I don't think I've ever thought to do that. Not sure why you would ever want to use a USB drive for this purpose.
For one thing, when you record a track, the data gets written to the Temp Audio Directory. If this is a USB external drive it's going to be much slower than an internal drive 99% of the time.

Try changing your Temp Audio Directory to an internal drive.
See if that helps; I'm guessing it does.

If you're worried about space; it is indeed 'temporary' storage and RB cleans up after itself when you close out.
This is simply where any new audio chunks get stored during your session. You get that space back when you close.
Your specs imply you have a TB C; drive. Why not use that?

Quote:
What else you got?

I'm not here to challenge you, just trying to help.
I don't have to.

I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!