Mac Pro RAID block size recommendations for working with audio in Logic Pro

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Level 1

4 points

Mac Pro RAID block size recommendations for working with audio in Logic Pro

I have recently ordered a Mac Pro and plan to do a RAID configuration across 3 HDD's

The RAID type i am going to do is a RAID 0 striped.

The computer is going to be used primarily for audio post production and working with 20+ 24-Bit audio files at any one time within a Logic project.

I want to know what is the best block size i should use when configuring the RAID.

I understand that using a higher block size is best for working with large files but do i need to do this in my case or will the default 32k block size be enough?

Thanks in advance

Mac Pro, Mac OS X (10.6.5)

Posted on Nov 25, 2010 11:52 AM

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Answer 1

Best reply

BoyHowdyDoo

Level 2

380 points

Nov 25, 2010 12:17 PM in response to jayfoxuk

Use 64k. Things like databases like having 32k blocks because of all the small files. Audio files are pretty small even at 24-bit 192KHz. Go to 128k if all you are doing is streaming and no samples. But 20+ 24-bit is really not too large anyway considering most modern HDD's can stream 100MB/s off one spindle. You'll probably be fine regardless of the block size you choose. But most audio pro's choose 64k.

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Answer 2

jayfoxuk Author

Level 1

4 points

Nov 26, 2010 7:21 AM in response to BoyHowdyDoo

Great stuff! Thanks!

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Answer 3

Sigi

Level 1

5 points

Nov 29, 2010 12:49 AM in response to BoyHowdyDoo

how about for video editing using a raid O

What block size would be best.

Sigi

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Answer 4

Nov 29, 2010 9:41 AM in response to Sigi

Not sure. Something larger. Probably 128k would be best. Depends on what kind of video. HD 720p+ or DV? Larger files benefit from larger blocks usually. Again, it isn't all that important for general uses. You will see very little difference in all but the most extreme block choices.

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