This was a problem I had been having with my MacbookPro in both Ableton which was spiking the CPU/HD causing audio drop outs, the same would happen in Logic producing an error message and sometimes crashing the app and over all causing temporary freezes with operating system.

Much to my frustration to resolve this issue trawling through the interweb for answers only to turn up "supposed" ideas of a resolution from disabling airport, dashboard spotlight etc... with no success.

Until recently while resetting my power options I noticed the "power down hard drive when possible" was checked. Upon un-checking this option all the issues I was having have been resolved.

Certainly is true that the simplest answer is most likely the correct one.

Thought I would share so that anyone else having the same issue may also see a resolve.