External Hard Drive - What do you think??? [Archive]

DJ Frankie

27-09-2007, 09:58 AM

Solitaire Events Ltd

27-09-2007, 10:09 AM

That member is in Hong Kong, even though it says the product is in this country, so I'd be careful.

Never used one of those, but do have a 500Gb Iomega from Ebuyer (http://www.ebuyer.com/UK/product/124035) which is well built and has been reliable so far, and it's only a few more quid.

rob1963

27-09-2007, 10:14 AM

Vectis

27-09-2007, 10:17 AM

Caution guys, if you're wanting to take standard hard drive enclosures on the road you need to protect them well. Have a think about how you might do this.

It's for this reason (and having dropped and broken a couple over the years) that I now only use the Freecom Toughdrive Pros.

OK so they're a premium, but they don't break if you treat 'em rough.

rob1963

27-09-2007, 10:20 AM

Don't worry vectis, I wouldnt buy one without getting loads of advice...I was just looking on ebay to get an idea of what's about, dimensions, prices etc.

:)

DJ Frankie

27-09-2007, 10:23 AM

Darren, thanks for the feedback mate. Can you tell me about the one you have, what's the weight like especially if im on the road and is it mains powered or just USB?

Solitaire Events Ltd

27-09-2007, 10:32 AM

Darren, thanks for the feedback mate. Can you tell me about the one you have, what's the weight like especially if im on the road and is it mains powered or just USB?

It is quite heavy as the case is metal, but then if you are a mobile DJ and carrying heavy speakers etc about, it shouldn't really make a difference should it!!

I've never seen a USB powered external drive tbh. This one is mains powered.

Caution guys, if you're wanting to take standard hard drive enclosures on the road you need to protect them well. Have a think about how you might do this.
.

I don't really understand this? Surely if it's in a case or bag then it would be fine?

Vectis

27-09-2007, 10:58 AM

I don't really understand this? Surely if it's in a case or bag then it would be fine?

When I first took a laptop on the road I had an external mains powered HDD that I plonked on my deckstand next to the laptop, with a USB cable inbetween.

First one took a knock from a drunk and landed on the floor, dragging the laptop with it - luckily cable was long enough that laptop stayed on the stand.

Second time I didn't zip up the laptop bag properly and a drive fell out whilst being carried and did the same trick.

Luckily in both cases I had spares so was able to carry on, but since going for the USB powered Freecoms I've had no such problems. They're covered in thick rubbery stuff and the USB plug is made of flexible stuff too to can be bent and twisted without worry.

Solitaire Events Ltd

27-09-2007, 11:04 AM

It must have been a fairly hard knock to land on the floor!

I like the idea of USB powered though. I didn't know you could get them. I've got a couple of Firewire USB powered drives though.

CRAZY K

27-09-2007, 11:13 AM

Have a disco

27-09-2007, 11:26 AM

May I suggest you use this guy for a UK Ebay vendor he is excellent and has even replaced a faulty one without quibble. I will go back to him next time I need an external Hard drive. Not badly priced either

http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Atlast-Solutions_W0QQssPageNameZstrkQ3amefsQ3amesstQQtZkm

DJWayne

27-09-2007, 11:26 AM

you can pick up a 500gb on ebuyer as darren said pretty cheaply they had one on offer this week for £65 which invcluded vat +del :)

rob1963

27-09-2007, 11:47 AM

I think that might be a slight overkill for me...my 5,000 songs only take up 33 gigs!

I know its good to have spare capacity...but there are limits!

Solitaire Events Ltd

27-09-2007, 12:02 PM

I think that might be a slight overkill for me...my 5,000 songs only take up 33 gigs!

I know its good to have spare capacity...but there are limits!

But look at the price though. I can't see the point of buying a 250Gb drive if you can get one double the capacity for an extra £20.

Look to the future - you may want to do video, which takes up a lot of space.

Penfold42

27-09-2007, 12:05 PM

Look to the future - you may want to do video, which takes up a lot of space.

Wow.......had not thought of that........:)

CRAZY K

27-09-2007, 12:14 PM

I think that might be a slight overkill for me...my 5,000 songs only take up 33 gigs!

I know its good to have spare capacity...but there are limits!

Rob, as Darren says if you look at smaller HDDs--I looked in Maplins and PC World but theres not much that I could see around say 100gb --might as well buy the bigger ones---the cost difference is very small.

I put my two Seagates in a Maplins carrying case with leads packed with a bit of foam and never have a problem---when in use always put mine on the floor under the DJ table/desk/front ---its got no where to go then if theres any accidents:D

Once you get into Digital you will love it --you as well Penmare:)

I wasnt really looking for Disco related work at Weddings in the future but im so knocked out by Digital im trying to drum up some more work:D

CRAZY K

Penfold42

27-09-2007, 12:22 PM

Once you get into Digital you will love it --you as well Penmare:)

Worked my cash flow out....so hope by the end of the year we should be there but plenty of ground work to do.........

I've been given homework tonight..............looking at ripping...........i'm looking forward to it, but doing it might be something different....................:D

BrightLights

27-09-2007, 12:43 PM

If you're looking to rip a lot of CDs then dbPowerAmp Music Converter would be worth a look: http://www.dbpoweramp.com/dmc.htm

I've been using it for years and find it very good.

discomobiledj

27-09-2007, 12:49 PM

Have a look at pixmania.co.uk they have a 500gb hard drive for £74.99

Solitaire Events Ltd

27-09-2007, 12:52 PM

Have a look at pixmania.co.uk they have a 500gb hard drive for £74.99

So still more expensive than Ebuyer then...:rolleyes:

Be careful with Pixmania - I bought a camera from them and it was sent from France which I didn't know about at the time.

Solitaire Events Ltd

27-09-2007, 12:53 PM

If you're looking to rip a lot of CDs then dbPowerAmp Music Converter would be worth a look: http://www.dbpoweramp.com/dmc.htm

I've been using it for years and find it very good.

It costs money though after 30 days trial, doesn't it?

BrightLights

27-09-2007, 12:58 PM

It costs money though after 30 days trial, doesn't it?

Yes but it's not expensive, and it has some nice features that make ripping relatively painless. It's also handy for converting between file formats.

Silver

27-09-2007, 01:15 PM

I would NOT go for a mains powered external HD for one reason, it might sound silly but trust me it happens.

I went the powered route a couple of years ago with disastrous consequences, all my own fault I must add.

My tale of woe ................. setting up one night, not in a rush, nothing on my mind, no pressure, just simply not concentrating. I plugged the mains adaptor of the HD into the lappy and the adaptor of the lappy into the HD and it blew the HD, no tunes, nowt. The lappy was fine as it needed 12v to run and the HD adaptor was only 9v (I think, something like that), so it was underpowered, not a prob.

I switched everything on, fired up Traktor and it kept saying "no directory" I couldn't understand why until I saw there was no light on the HD. I checked the sockets were all switched on and they were and then I saw the mistake, http://planetsmilies.net/shocked-smiley-9449.gifand I didn't have a back up!!! Go get the mixing decks and cd's, an hour later up and running.

Now you may well say what a silly billy but come closer there's more.............................................. ... I did exactly the same again a few months later!!! http://planetsmilies.net/not-tagged-smiley-10239.gif So since then I've gone the USB route with a Freedom 120 GB from PC world and as I've stated on here on a couple of occasions, open up a business account there, you can save a lot.

rob1963

27-09-2007, 01:32 PM

I must admit, I'm leaning towards the hard drives which are USB powered, purely for simplicity.

Why plug in a usb connector AND a power lead if you don't have to?

One less thing to plug into the mains must be good!

I reckon I'd be fine with 2 nice 80 or 160 gig USB powered hard drives (one connected to a Cortex & one for back up)

BrightLights

27-09-2007, 01:41 PM

If you go for USB powered ones, be sure to test them thoroughly before relying on them. Some USB ports (especially those on older laptops) can't quite supply enough power to run the drives properly, causing all sorts of intermittent problems. A lot of manufacturers supply a cable with two plugs to go into your laptop - one for data and power, and the other for extra power. I saw one recently that didn't come with such a lead though, and it caused no end of problems - the guy that owned it thought it was corrupt and that he'd lost all his music!

Actually I've just thought - another factor in favour of USB power is that if the power to your laptop is interrupted (by a noise limiter, for example), then the laptop's battery will keep everything running including the drive. If the drive's mains powered it won't, and the laptop definitely won't take kindly to the drive suddenly "disappearing".

Solitaire Events Ltd

27-09-2007, 02:00 PM

DJ Frankie

27-09-2007, 02:03 PM

It seems to me that people are recommending certain products because of circumstances that were in their control.

Not having a pop at anyone, but having a drive fall out of a bag 'cos it wasn't closed and plugging the wrong power supply in? Fairly basic stuff really.

Very True!

I must admit, I'm leaning towards the hard drives which are USB powered, purely for simplicity.

Why plug in a usb connector AND a power lead if you don't have to?

One less thing to plug into the mains must be good!

I reckon I'd be fine with 2 nice 80 or 160 gig USB powered hard drives (one connected to a Cortex & one for back up)

Me to Rob, I think I would only need 160gb drive I might even get two.

rob1963

27-09-2007, 02:08 PM

Me to Rob, I think I would only need 160gb drive I might even get two.

Frankie,

You'll definately need two...one to use and an identical one for back up.

I also plan on having a single desk top CD player and handful of CDs as backup for the back up...just in case the Cortex or BOTH hard drives have a problem.

Better to be safe!

When it comes to ripping CDs, having spoken to Darren AND read quite a few reviews (all of them excellent), I'll definately be using Audiograbber.

CRAZY K

27-09-2007, 02:15 PM

Silver

27-09-2007, 02:26 PM

It seems to me that people are recommending certain products because of circumstances that were in their control.

Not having a pop at anyone, but having a drive fall out of a bag 'cos it wasn't closed and plugging the wrong power supply in? Fairly basic stuff really.

I couldn't agree more and I fully appreciate you're not instigating a flame war, however mistakes happen, even doing the most basic tasks. Tpying psots, dropping a light bulb, leaving a shirt at home for a gig, all areas of life.

The point of my post was to illustrate how having a powered drive caused ME a problem and having now moved to usb, all is fine (touch wood).

If by using a usb device it can eliminate a potential pit fall then I believe it's worth highlighting.

Penfold42

27-09-2007, 02:28 PM

When it comes to ripping CDs, having spoken to Darren AND read quite a few reviews (all of them excellent), I'll definately be using Audiograbber.

All i can say is.....Daz must be feed up with talking about ripping CD's today.............:p :D :D

Hmmmmmm.....were have i heard that name before............;)

Silver

27-09-2007, 02:29 PM

Frankie,

You'll definately need two...one to use and an identical one for back up.

I also plan on having a single desk top CD player and handful of CDs as backup for the back up...just in case the Cortex or BOTH hard drives have a problem.

Better to be safe!

When it comes to ripping CDs, having spoken to Darren AND read quite a few reviews (all of them excellent), I'll definately be using Audiograbber.

I concur Rob, I have a spare drive, a spare lappy and a spare M Audio 410 sound card.

Solitaire Events Ltd

27-09-2007, 02:52 PM

I couldn't agree more and I fully appreciate you're not instigating a flame war, however mistakes happen, even doing the most basic tasks. Tpying psots, dropping a light bulb, leaving a shirt at home for a gig, all areas of life.

The point of my post was to illustrate how having a powered drive caused ME a problem and having now moved to usb, all is fine (touch wood).

If by using a usb device it can eliminate a potential pit fall then I believe it's worth highlighting.

True and thanks. :)

All i can say is.....Daz must be feed up with talking about ripping CD's today.............:p :D :D

I'm always at the end of a phone if people need advice or want to chat about something to do with the business. :)

Penfold42

27-09-2007, 03:01 PM

I'm always at the end of a phone if people need advice or want to chat about something to do with the business. :)

:thumbsup:

Solitaire Events Ltd

27-09-2007, 03:03 PM

But don't be ringing me up to tell me what you're having for your tea though....

Penfold42

27-09-2007, 03:04 PM

Who had pizza the other day then............:rolleyes: :D

rob1963

27-09-2007, 03:24 PM

But don't be ringing me up to tell me what you're having for your tea though....

Cheese & pickle sandwiches.

I love cheese...as most of you have probably noticed!!!

:Laugh:

Penfold42

27-09-2007, 03:25 PM

Cheese & pickle sandwiches.

I love cheese...as most of you have probably noticed!!!

From what i read you also like getting pickled...............:p :D

rob1963

27-09-2007, 03:40 PM

From what i read you also like getting pickled...............:p :D

:Laugh:

BrightLights

27-09-2007, 03:41 PM

When it comes to ripping CDs, having spoken to Darren AND read quite a few reviews (all of them excellent), I'll definately be using Audiograbber.

Fair enough. I only mentioned dbPowerAmp as something that's worked well for me and thought it might be useful info. No vested interest!

rob1963

27-09-2007, 03:42 PM

Fair enough. I only mentioned dbPowerAmp as something that's worked well for me and thought it might be useful info. No vested interest!

No problem, BrightLights...thanks for the info :)

Penfold42

27-09-2007, 08:16 PM

Downloaded Audiograbber - then went to download 'LAM MP3 DLL'......wouldn't let me do it.....?????

Just keep getting 'not found'......:confused:

Any ideas please?

Solitaire Events Ltd

27-09-2007, 09:15 PM

Try here http://www.free-codecs.com/Lame_Encoder_download.htm

Corabar Steve

27-09-2007, 09:41 PM

I've never seen a USB powered external drive tbh. This one is mains powered.Not been into PC World resently

I like the idea of USB powered though. I didn't know you could get them. I've got a couple of Firewire USB powered drives though.

I must admit, I'm leaning towards the hard drives which are USB powered, purely for simplicity.
No good with a HD2500, it's port doesn't supply enough power. Not sure but it may be the same for Cortex & D2 (Memory sticks with a powered hub are OK though)

So is there any downside to Hard drives not powered by mains?
See above.

Solitaire Events Ltd

27-09-2007, 09:44 PM

Not quite sure why you are quoting me there for Steve?

Key2

27-09-2007, 09:49 PM

Hi Folks

Been looking at getting an external hard drive to back up my music file. I've seen this on Ebay and was wondering if anyone has purchased one before?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/160GB-160-GB-2-5-External-HDD-Hard-Disk-Drive-USB-2-0k_W0QQitemZ250167988641QQihZ015QQcategoryZ16178QQ ssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Yes Frankie, well....almost. The one I bought is an 80gb drive. They are drop-shipped from Hong Kong. Mine arrived in just 5 days and was well packaged.
Can't fault it. The seller that I bought from is based in Hong Kong and is not the one in your listing, but I reckon you will be OK. I will definitely buy another one as a spare. I've bought loads of stuff from Ebay, from the UK, USA, China, Singapore and Thailand. The only time I was ever messed about was by a bloke up in ellsemere who advertised an amp as being eighteen months old when it was really made in 1993! Don't be put off buying from China, or anywhere else for that matter, but make sure you use Paypal.

John

Solitaire Events Ltd

27-09-2007, 09:51 PM

Don't be put off buying from China, or anywhere else for that matter, but make sure you use Paypal.

I'm not convinced this is very good advice.

What about import tax and VAT that you'll have to pay if Customs stop the packages?

Key2

27-09-2007, 09:54 PM

Worked my cash flow out....so hope by the end of the year we should be there but plenty of ground work to do.........

I've been given homework tonight..............looking at ripping...........i'm looking forward to it, but doing it might be something different....................:D

Just remember to add the cost of a digital dj licence of £200 plus vat, and the sg6 licence at another £500!

Rip-off:mad:

PropellerHeadCase

27-09-2007, 09:59 PM

Depends on thresholds for import duty and so on, though, doesn't it? I can't imagine individual items attracting much attention from Customs unless it's a Lamborghini.

Vectis

27-09-2007, 09:59 PM

No good with a HD2500, it's port doesn't supply enough power. Not sure but it may be the same for Cortex & D2.

My d2 works fine with 2 USB powered Freecom 160GBs attached.

Key2

27-09-2007, 10:04 PM

Depends on thresholds for import duty and so on, though, doesn't it? I can't imagine individual items attracting much attention from Customs unless it's a Lamborghini.

Quite true. My package came with a CN22 customs declaration attached to it.
Low value item for personal use. Hardly needs a little chinaman to smuggle it in, hidden under his coolie hat!

:D

Solitaire Events Ltd

27-09-2007, 10:07 PM

Depends on thresholds for import duty and so on, though, doesn't it? I can't imagine individual items attracting much attention from Customs unless it's a Lamborghini.

Anything over £18 is.

Taken from the revenue and customs website:

Most goods arriving in the UK from outside the EU are liable to any or all of the following taxes:

customs duty
excise duty
import VAT
and must be paid whether:

you purchase the goods or receive them as a gift;
the goods are new or used (including antiques)
the goods are for your private use or for sale

Solitaire Events Ltd

27-09-2007, 10:08 PM

Quite true. My package came with a CN22 customs declaration attached to it.
Low value item for personal use. Hardly needs a little chinaman to smuggle it in, hidden under his coolie hat!

:D

And about that it says:

Goods sent as a gift are not free of import duties and import VAT. However, customs duty will not be collected if the amount is less than £7, and import VAT is not chargeable if:

the value of the gift does not exceed £36
the customs declaration is completed correctly
the gift has been sent from a private person outside the EU to a private person(s) in this country
the gift is for the use of either yourself or your family
there is no commercial or trade element and the gift has not been paid for either directly or indirectly
the gift is of an occasional nature only eg for a birthday or anniversary.
Please note the purchase of goods from outside the EU to give as a gift to a relative or friend, whether or not addressed to that person, is treated as a ‘commercial consignment’ for which the import VAT relief threshold is £18 (paragraph 2.3 refers).

Corabar Steve

27-09-2007, 10:13 PM

Not quite sure why you are quoting me there for Steve?

Because you said you like the idea of a USB powered HDD, then I said it's no good with a DN HD2500, as I know you have a HD2500.

Also you said you'd never seen a USB owered HDD & I said have you not been into PC World recently then? (there's loads of them in our nearest PCW)

Corabar Steve

27-09-2007, 10:15 PM

My d2 works fine with 2 USB powered Freecom 160GBs attached.

That's the D2 sorted then, anyone know about the cortex?

Solitaire Events Ltd

27-09-2007, 10:23 PM

Because you said you like the idea of a USB powered HDD, then I said it's no good with a DN HD2500, as I know you have a HD2500.

And I also use a laptop for main playback.

Also you said you'd never seen a USB owered HDD & I said have you not been into PC World recently then? (there's loads of them in our nearest PCW)

I tend not to go in PC World, but buy online at places like Ebuyer etc

Penfold42

27-09-2007, 10:24 PM

Try here http://www.free-codecs.com/Lame_Encoder_download.htm
Thanks now loaded.......having a play....:eek: :D

Just remember to add the cost of a digital dj licence of £200 plus vat, and the sg6 licence at another £500!

Rip-off:mad:
As i see it not yet.....could be wrong......:o

No good with a HD2500, it's port doesn't supply enough power. Not sure but it may be the same for Cortex & D2 (Memory sticks with a powered hub are OK though)

Slow down please........trying to keep up here........:o
So powered HDD unit's will only work with the Denon 2500........:confused:

Corabar Steve

27-09-2007, 10:38 PM

And I also use a laptop for main playback
Yes, but your back up is a HD2500. If your lappy went down you wouldn't be able to swap an USB powered HDD to the Denon controller.

Solitaire Events Ltd

27-09-2007, 10:43 PM

Yes, but your back up is a HD2500. If your lappy went down you wouldn't be able to swap an USB powered HDD to the Denon controller.

I wouldn't need to - I have 6000 songs on the internal drive of the Denon and don't use an external with it anyway.

Corabar Steve

27-09-2007, 10:45 PM

Fair enough, but others might not.

rob1963

27-09-2007, 11:17 PM

I must admit, I'm leaning towards the hard drives which are USB powered, purely for simplicity.

I reckon I'd be fine with 2 nice 80 or 160 gig USB powered hard drives (one connected to a Cortex & one for back up)

That's the D2 sorted then, anyone know about the cortex?

Still waiting to see if the Cortex HDC-1000 provides enough power to use with a USB powered hard drive rather than one powered by the mains.

Anyone?

Corabar Steve

27-09-2007, 11:28 PM

Does anyone use solid state drives?

Solitaire Events Ltd

27-09-2007, 11:36 PM

Does anyone use solid state drives?

They're still too expensive apparantly.

rob1963

27-09-2007, 11:37 PM

They're still too expensive apparantly.

Even for YOU, Darren?

:jawdrop:

Solitaire Events Ltd

27-09-2007, 11:42 PM

Almost £300 for a 32 Gb!!! (http://www.shop.bt.com/productview.aspx?quicklinx=4J7T)

Corabar Steve

27-09-2007, 11:52 PM

The way forward though?

Solitaire Events Ltd

27-09-2007, 11:54 PM

The way forward though?

A drive with no moving parts to go wrong, definately.

Corabar Steve

28-09-2007, 12:00 AM

We can but wait

Solitaire Events Ltd

28-09-2007, 12:01 AM

We can but wait

And save...;)

Corabar Steve

28-09-2007, 12:08 AM

That too http://planetsmilies.net/vicious-smiley-1765.gif (http://planetsmilies.net)

Vectis

28-09-2007, 07:10 AM

Does anyone use solid state drives?

I have a 32GB one in the laptop I use for R4. Have to say I was a bit disappointed with the overall performance - it's only fractionally better than a 7200rpm mag drive. Booting the thing is immense and I expect reliability will be great but only had it a few months so who knows.

Bundled with the machine I think it was only about £80 more than a 120GB 7200rpm which is why I got one.

CRAZY K

28-09-2007, 08:24 AM

Still waiting to see if the Cortex HDC-1000 provides enough power to use with a USB powered hard drive rather than one powered by the mains.

Anyone?

Spin( Matt ) might know--I think he uses USB hard drives and hes certainly got a Cortex

CRAZY K

CRAZY K

28-09-2007, 08:31 AM

:eek:
A drive with no moving parts to go wrong, definately.

My new telly in the kitchen has "gone" after 5 months--no moving parts on that either :eek:

The guy from Comet has just called in this morning put in a new circuit board.

I agree less chance of breakdown BUT you still need backup.

Hopefully cost will come down.

CRAZY K

DJ Frankie

28-09-2007, 09:12 AM

Wow do I hold the record for starting the longest thread? :D

Thanks for all the advice and tips guys.

Basically im already running digital music via my laptop and have been for almost a year now, the only down side is that none of my files are backed up yet!!! :(

Im not too worried about importing from China as my wifes buisness involves some importing so that doesnt faze me. I think I will stick to a USB driven hard drive as it will be small enough to run next to my lappy.

Cheers again. :beer1:

rob1963

28-09-2007, 09:14 AM

My new telly in the kitchen has "gone" after 5 months

Where's it gone, Crazy?

Next door to the neighbours?

:D

Corabar Steve

28-09-2007, 11:44 AM

Wow do I hold the record for starting the longest thread? :D
That would be a no.
(Word association thread 10,000+ posts)

Basically im already running digital music via my laptop and have been for almost a year now, the only down side is that none of my files are backed up yet!!! :(

http://planetsmilies.net/vicious-smiley-1759.gif (http://planetsmilies.net)

I would seriously think about getting some backup

CRAZY K

28-09-2007, 12:00 PM

Where's it gone, Crazy?

Next door to the neighbours?

:D

Interestingly most of it to the rubbish dump:D

The repair guy just ordered a new massive circuit board and just plugged it in-perfect--threw the other one away.

Apparently with new flatscreens basically they only have two parts that can be replaced if anything goes wrong--a big circuit board and a small one:)

Screen as well I suppose.

Modern technology eh?

CRAZY K