2nd Hard Drive

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we prefer "percussionist"
Member Since: Jul 21, 2004

So I've seen a few versions of this question in the forums, but I'm asking again to get the freshest info. out there!

I've been toying with the idea of finally getting a second HD to handle recording audio, as I've heard it's faster/ more reliable than using the system drive. They've been getting so cheap lately, I've got the option of getting either an internal (EIDE) or external (USB) drive without making the wife too mad. Any thoughts on which is better?

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Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


Dec 13, 2008 08:32 am

Honestly if you have USB 2.0 on your PC you might look at the SATA drives and use one externally. They are a bit faster data transfer even through the USB then a standard EIDE drive is.

SATA stands for Serial ATA and the regular EIDE drives are standard ATA.

The SATA drives are pretty much almost as cheap as the EIDE drives.

But yes, adding a drive dedicated to nothing but audio is a big help for sure.

I tune down down...
Member
Since: Jun 11, 2007


Dec 13, 2008 11:35 am

I know this is a bit off topic. But, does anyone know how to set a RAID controller in a PC? I'd like to get a second HD and put it in my PC. (eSata) but I'm not sure how to do a RAID config. Or is it even necessary?

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


Dec 13, 2008 01:12 pm

Here is a link to the Wiki on what it is. You will be able to set up the raid by entering the configuration utility of your MoBo from the boot menu or a prompt during boot. That will appear once you have a pair of drives in the SATA chain. You will need both drives to be SATA as well. But if one of your drives is your OS drive then Raid may not be the best solution there.

I have used it in different array set ups over the years and while it does add some data access speed it isn't something every one needs unless you have a huge sampler library which expands over several disc's. That is why I was using Raid before. It can make several smaller disc's appear as one large disc. Or it can be redundant/mirrored which is nothing more then a back up of the first.

I think in your case I would not worry about doing a Raid at all.

I tune down down...
Member
Since: Jun 11, 2007


Dec 13, 2008 04:15 pm

Ah. Okay... (And no link showed Noize.) Haha.

After doing some more research for it, I guess just having a second HDD installed will be enough. Not needing the RAID.

Thanks ya sir! :)

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


Dec 13, 2008 04:46 pm

Oop's!

But ya, you honestly wont' benefit from it until maybe adding another HD and then using that as the redundant or mirror drive which is basically a back up copy.

we prefer "percussionist"
Member
Since: Jul 21, 2004


Dec 14, 2008 02:30 pm

Thx Noise, I'll look into it. An external would be nice anyway, as I could carry the recordings between the laptop and desktop, so if speed isn't an issue with the USB, I win even bigger!

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


Dec 14, 2008 07:11 pm

Yep, that is how I drag stuff to outside studio's. Actually always have, but the USB stuff has made it quicker and easier now. Here everything is on the network so I don't have to drag a disc around, but it is nice being able to do so when needed.

And no, speed is not an issue anymore with external USB drive set ups.

I just buy a SATA drive and then buy the external housing separate and away I go.

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