EXS 24 Logic Sampler Users Group

On Sep 13, 2006, at 12:20 PM, Julie Larson wrote:

> Hi everyone,
> I just had a big drive go down.   It was mainly samples so it's not
> as bad as it could be....but it was bad.   I have a couple of
> questions.  What do I need to be looking for these days in a hard
> drive.  I want big and fast.  Is USB 2 an option?  Is Firewire 800
> becoming obsolete.  Just noticed that the new mac notebooks don't
> have it.
>
> Most of my libraries I can just reload....but I lost some samples
> from the freebee instruments that Project Sam used to keep on
> line....Specifically the flute effects samples and the True Strike
> demo instrument samples.  Does anyone have these?    I really use
> them a lot and would appreciate your help.
>
> Thanks a bunch.
>
> julie
>
>
> www.julielarson.net

I've used a lot of drives.  The major ones are all pretty much the  
same - made by only a few manufacturers - the differences are mostly  
in the cases, interfaces, warranty and service.

The ones I currently like best are the LaCie d2 Extreme triple  
interface (FW400/FW800/USB 2.0).  One I opened up had a Maxtor drive  
inside - but the drive manufacturer could vary, that's not part of  
the specs.

They are available from maczone.com and compusa.com at good prices.

You can get Maxtor triple interface drives for similar cost - those  
are OK too - though LaCie's tech support is easier to contact.

FW800 is not becoming obsolete, but it seems to be remaining a niche  
interface only used for high-end pro audio or video.  The new mac pro  
quadcore desktops still have FW800 ports.  You don't really need  
FW800 unless you're doing intense projects, but it's good to have the  
option which is why I recommend the triple interface drives.

As far as recovering your files - did the disk stop spinning or is it  
just not mounting.  If it still spins, you might be able to recover  
your files with Data Rescue II, available here:  http:// 
www.prosofteng.com/products/data_rescue_info.php

I had a drive go down completely last year -  I had backups, but a  
few important files were not in the backups.  The drive would not  
mount and could not be fixed by TechTool, Disk Utility or Disk  
Warrior.  With Data Rescue II, I was able to recover almost every file.

Good luck!

- Dave