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

Separate frequently accessed working data from important or completed data, allowing each RAID group to be configured according to its specific storage and protection needs.

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.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. What RAID modes are supported?

A: Each 4-drive RAID group supports RAID 0, RAID 5, BIG, and JBOD.

Q2. Does ST8R-B32 support RAID 5?

A: Yes. G1 and G2 can each be independently configured as RAID 5, providing protection against one drive failure within the selected 4-drive group.

Q3. Can G1 and G2 use different RAID modes?

A: Yes. G1 and G2 can be configured independently. For example, G1 can use RAID 0 while G2 uses RAID 5 for protected project storage.

Q4. Can both RAID groups be accessed simultaneously?

A: Yes. Both groups are accessible through the same USB-C host connection and appear as separate storage environments or individual drives, depending on the selected RAID modes.

Q5. What is the advantage of having two independent RAID groups?

A: Two independent RAID groups allow you to create different storage environments and workflows in one enclosure. For example, one group can prioritize performance for active projects, while the other prioritizes drive-failure protection for important project data.

Q6. Why doesn’t the ST8R-B32 support a single 8-drive RAID 5 array?

A: The ST8R-B32 is purpose-built for workflow separation rather than one large RAID environment.

Drives 1–4 form Group 1, while Drives 5–8 form Group 2. Each group can be independently configured as RAID 0, RAID 5, BIG, or JBOD.

The two groups cannot be combined into a single 8-drive hardware RAID array. If maximum usable capacity from one RAID 5 storage pool is the primary requirement, a conventional single-array 8-bay RAID system may be a better fit.

Q7. What is the maximum capacity?

A: Eight supported 30TB drives provide up to 240TB of total raw capacity. Actual usable capacity depends on the RAID mode, drive capacities, formatting, file system, and operating system.

Q8. Does USB-C automatically provide 20Gb/s?

A: No. The host port must support USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 to provide interface bandwidth up to 20Gb/s. Host systems without USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 support operate at the highest mutually supported USB speed. Actual performance also depends on the cable, installed drives, RAID mode, file system, workload, and system configuration. Mac systems without USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 support will typically operate at USB speeds up to 10Gb/s.

Q9. Does each RAID group receive 20Gb/s of bandwidth?

A: No. The USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 connection provides up to 20Gb/s of aggregate host-interface bandwidth shared by G1 and G2. It is not 20Gb/s per group. Performance may change when both groups are accessed simultaneously.

Q10. Can drives with different capacities be used?

A: Yes, but RAID capacity is calculated using the smallest drive within each group.

Matched drives of the same model and capacity are recommended for more predictable performance and compatibility.

Q11. How are drives displayed in JBOD mode?

A: In JBOD mode, each drive in the selected 4-drive group appears as an independent disk in the operating system. If both G1 and G2 are configured as JBOD, up to eight individual disks may be displayed.

Q12. Does RAID 5 replace backup?

A: No. RAID 5 protects against one drive failure within its group, but it does not protect against deletion, corruption, malware, enclosure failure, theft, physical damage, or multiple drive failures.

Q13. Can Easy Data Vault recognize both RAID groups?

A: Yes. On compatible USB-C iPhone and iPad devices, Easy Data Vault can access supported exFAT-formatted storage volumes presented by both RAID groups.

Q14. Can all drive bays use SSDs?

A: Yes. Every drive bay supports qualified 2.5-inch SATA SSDs, allowing the system to be configured entirely with SSDs. SSDs and HDDs can also be assigned to separate RAID groups—for example, SSDs in G1 and HDDs in G2. Within each RAID group, drives of the same model and capacity are recommended for more predictable performance and compatibility.

Performance test result for reference. The test result will vary depend on the test environment.

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