Raidon Technology Launches SR4-B32 4-Bay USB-C Hardware RAID Storage

Raidon Technology, Inc. launches the SR4-B32, a 4-bay hardware RAID enclosure engineered for professional workflows that demand data protection and high-bandwidth USB-C connectivity.

It supports USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 (up to 20Gb) and connects to Thunderbolt 3/4 computers via their USB-C ports as a USB storage device, as well as USB 10Gb/5Gb hosts.

A dedicated hardware RAID controller enables RAID-5 protection (plus BIG, JBOD, and RAID-0). For continuous-duty reliability, the SR4-B32 integrates a 150W internal PSU, active cooling, and hot-swappable, lockable drive trays.

Features:

Interface and Performance:

● Connectivity: USB Type-C (USB 3.2 Gen 2×2).

● Thunderbolt 3/4 Host Use: Compatible via TB3/TB4 USB-C ports as a USB storage device.

● Link Speed: Up to 20Gb (USB 3.2 Gen 2×2); see FAQ Q7 for link-speed negotiation requirements.

RAID and Data Protection:

● Hardware Controller: RAID logic handled independently of host CPU.

● Supported Modes: RAID-0 (Striping), RAID-5 (Parity), JBOD (Independent), BIG (Spanning).

● Fault Tolerance: RAID-5 mode maintains data accessibility during a single drive failure.

● Rebuild Logic: Automatically initiates rebuild after inserting a replacement drive.

Hardware and Monitoring:

● Windows Management GUI (Windows only): Tracks array status, alerts, and rebuild progress; RAID mode is configured via physical hardware controls only.

● Drive Support: 4xSATA 3 (6Gb) bays supports 3.5” HDDs and 2.5” HDDs/SSDs.

● Visual Diagnostics: LED indicators for Power, Drive Activity, and Drive Failure.

● Rebuild Tracking: 4-step progress LEDs (25% / 50% / 75% / 100%).

● Alert System: Integrated buzzer for critical errors; includes a physical Mute (ON/OFF) switch.

● Thermal Control: 80mm cooling fan with a rear-mounted High/Low speed switch.

OS and Workflow Compatibility:

● Desktop OS: Plug-and-play support for Windows, macOS, and Linux.

● Mobile Workflow: Compatible with Easy Data Vault for direct backup/restore operations with USB-C iPhone and iPad devices.

Applications:

• DIT Ingest and Studio Handoff
  Streamline the field-to-post pipeline. Technicians can ingest footage on-set using Thunderbolt 3/4 laptops, then physically transport the unit to the studio to plug into USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 workstations.
• Hybrid Mac and PC Project Drive
  The ultimate cross-platform bridge. The SR4-B32 acts as a universal project volume that moves seamlessly between Thunderbolt laptops (for review/analysis) and USB-C bench PCs (for capture/editing). It eliminates the need for network transfers or adapters when exchanging assets between Engineering, Design, and Video teams.
• Portable RAID-5 ‘Archive Shuttle’
  Safely transport massive datasets between office locations without the risk of a single drive failure causing data loss. The array maintains RAID-5 parity during transit; if a drive is damaged, the volume remains accessible in ‘degraded mode’ and rebuilds automatically once the drive is replaced.
• 4K/8K Video Post-Production
  A high-throughput solution for video editing, rendering, and proxy generation. Whether serving as the primary project volume for a docked laptop editing station or a desktop tower, the SR4-B32 delivers the consistent bandwidth required for high-resolution media workflows.
• Scientific Research and Analysis
  Reliable storage for critical data logging. Capture experimental data on a laboratory bench PC, then move the entire enclosure to a Thunderbolt-equipped laptop for analysis. The fault-tolerant design ensures that long-running datasets remain secure throughout the transfer process.
• Enterprise Backup and Archiving
  A scalable target for workstation imaging and long-term asset retention. With high capacity and hardware redundancy, the SR4-B32 mitigates the risk of disk failure, making it an ideal local backup destination for small servers and creative workstations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Q1: How does the SR4-B32 compare with other STARDOM 4-bay storage models?
A: The SR4-B32 is the hardware RAID option in STARDOM’s 4-bay lineup, adding RAID modes (including RAID-5) for data protection and sustained workflow continuity. By contrast, ST4-B31 and ST4-B32 are JBOD enclosures designed for independent-drive expansion (no RAID). For connectivity, all three use USB-C; SR4-B32 can also be used with Thunderbolt 3/4/5 hosts when connected as a USB storage device (performance follows USB negotiation).

Q2: Which RAID modes does the SR4-B32 support?
A: The SR4-B32 supports BIG, JBOD, RAID-0, and RAID-5, allowing you to optimize for capacity aggregation, independent volumes, maximum performance, or parity-based protection.

Q3: What happens if a drive fails in RAID-5 mode?
A: The array enters a degraded state but remains accessible (read/write performance may be reduced). Replace the failed drive with a compatible drive, and the controller will automatically initiate rebuild to restore redundancy.

Q4: What is the maximum transfer speed, and what affects real-world throughput?
A: SR4-B32 supports USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 (up to 20Gb), but the actual link runs at the highest USB mode supported end-to-end by the host port/controller, cable, and device (20/10/5Gb). When used with Thunderbolt 3/4/5 computers, it connects as a USB storage device, so the same USB negotiation rules apply.

Specs: