ST8R-B32 – 8-Bay USB-C Dual Hardware RAID Storage

Overview

The ST8R-B32 is an 8-bay USB-C DAS with two independent 4-drive hardware RAID groups, allowing separate storage workflows within a single enclosure. Each group supports RAID 0, RAID 5, BIG, or JBOD, enabling active and protected storage to operate side by side. Dedicated hardware RAID controllers manage storage operations directly within the enclosure, eliminating dependence on host-based RAID software.

Key Highlights

Why Use One ST8R-B32 Instead of Two 4-Bay DAS Systems?

Why ST8R-B32?

● Separate Active and Protected Storage

Keep performance-focused and protected data environments independent.

● Flexible RAID Per Workflow

Configure G1 and G2 independently as RAID 0, RAID 5, BIG, or JBOD.

● Reduce Hardware Footprint

Run two storage workflows without purchasing a second DAS.

● Single-Cable Simplicity

Access both RAID groups through one USB-C connection.

Two RAID Workflows. One Professional DAS.

The ST8R-B32 lets creative professionals run active and protected storage side by side without adding a second enclosure.

One enclosure.
 

One USB-C connection.
 

Two independent RAID workflows.

Dual RAID Architecture

1. One System. Two Independent Storage Groups.

2. G1 and G2 can each be independently configured as RAID 0, RAID 5, BIG, or JBOD.

3. Both groups are accessible through the same USB-C connection.

Key Features

1. Dual Independent Hardware RAID Controllers

Two independent hardware RAID controllers allow you to configure and manage two separate RAID arrays simultaneously in a single 8-bay enclosure.

2. Flexible RAID Configurations

Supports RAID 0, RAID 5, BIG, and JBOD, providing flexible options for high-speed performance, data protection, and expanded storage capacity.

3. USB-C Interface with Up to 20Gb/s Aggregate Bandwidth

USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 provides up to 20Gb/s of aggregate bandwidth shared by both RAID groups.

4. Independent RAID Status Monitoring

Dedicated LED indicators for each controller provide clear status information for Drive Access, Rebuilding, Drive Failure, and Rebuilding Progress (25% / 50% / 75% / 100%).

5. Real-Time Temperature & Fan Monitoring

Temperature monitoring and fan-failure detection with LED indicators and audible buzzer alerts help support stable system operation.

6. Independent Cooling & Alarm Control

Each RAID group has a dedicated 80mm system fan with independent High/Low speed control and its own Buzzer On/Off switch. A separate 40mm fan provides dedicated power-supply cooling.

7. Windows GUI Monitoring Utility

Monitor both RAID controllers—including drive status, system temperature, fan operation, failure alerts, and rebuild progress—through a single graphical interface on Windows. Storage access is supported on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

8. Hot-Swappable Lockable Drive Trays

Supports hot-swappable 3.5-inch HDDs and 2.5-inch HDDs/SSDs with lockable trays. The pin-key lock helps reduce the risk of accidental drive removal during operation.

9. Mobile Backup with Easy Data Vault

Back up photos and videos directly from compatible USB-C iPhone and iPad devices to high-capacity local storage.

Choosing the Right RAID Mode: A Use-Case Guide

RAID is not a substitute for backup. Maintain a separate backup of important data.

Common Deployment Applications

1. Professional Video Editing

G1 — RAID 0: High-Speed Editing Workspace

G2 — RAID 5: Protected Project Storage

Handle demanding video editing workloads while keeping completed and important project data protected in the same enclosure.

2. Photography & Media Archive

G1 — BIG: Photo & Video Library

G2 — RAID 5: Protected Media Archive

Use one storage group for high-capacity media storage and the other for protected long-term archiving, keeping active and archived content independently managed.

3. Backup & Data Protection

G1 — RAID 5: Primary Local Storage
 

G2 — RAID 5: Secondary Local Copy

Maintain two separately managed RAID 5 environments in one enclosure for operational convenience. For critical data, keep another backup on a separate device or at another location.

4. Multi-Stage Data Workflow

G1 — RAID 0 / BIG: Active Working Data

G2 — RAID 5: Protected Data

Move completed projects from a performance-focused workspace in G1 to RAID 5-protected storage in G2 without adding a second enclosure.

5. Mobile Photo & Video Backup

Use Easy Data Vault to back up photos and videos directly from compatible USB-C iPhone and iPad devices to the ST8R-B32, providing high-capacity local storage for media backup and organization.

Choose Your Dual-Workflow DAS

ST8R-B32 vs. a Conventional Single-Array 8-Bay DAS

A conventional 8-drive RAID 5 array may provide greater usable-capacity efficiency from one storage pool.

The ST8R-B32 is designed for workflow separation and independent RAID configuration rather than the creation of one maximum-capacity 8-drive array.

RAID Mode Switching Procedure

Changing RAID modes may erase or make existing data inaccessible. Back up all important data and follow the latest product manual before changing modes.

Performance test results are for reference only. Actual performance may vary depending on the test environment.

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Specification