Media storage for production

Table of Contents

Office Hours January 2025: Storage Solutions Tailored for Post-Production

Imagine all 10 of us working together seamlessly, without a dedicated server room, no IT wizard on call, and zero network switches cluttering the space. All our heavy editing happens on a single, quiet box tucked in the corner, boasting a massive 400 terabytes of storage. That means everyone can edit high-resolution 4K footage at the same time without a hitch.

In this episode of Office Hours LIVE!, Patrick Inhofer, the brain behind Mixing Light, teams up with Loren Mally, OWC's Director of Sales, for a deep dive into the world of post-production storage. They unpack the tech behind the scenes, breaking down the pros and cons of NVMe, SSD, and HDD drives.

The duo also tackles how different RAID setups can turbocharge-or throttle-your performance and explains why the right shared storage system can be the secret weapon for any creative team, big or small.

Budgeting and network basics don’t escape their scrutiny either. They chat about everything from super-fast SSDs to the old-school LTO tape systems (and why many prefer to keep their distance from tape these days). Plus, get insight into how Jellyfish storage supported major projects like the Oscars, proving it’s more than just a pretty data container.

If you’ve ever hit the wall with sluggish drives, annoying dropped frames, or just scratching your head on how to build the perfect setup for your growing workflow, this conversation is your new best friend.

Key Takeaways

Topics Covered in This Session

Recommended Mixing Light Insights

Share Your Top Storage Questions

Session Chapters

Seamless Compatibility with Leading Editing Software

Rabata cloud storage plays perfectly with the most popular editing tools out there. Whether you’re crafting a cinematic masterpiece in Adobe Premiere Pro, fine-tuning colors in Apple Final Cut Pro, or dialing in every detail with Blackmagic DaVinci Resolve, Rabata ensures your files flow smoothly without a hitch.

This means you spend less time wrestling with your storage and more time doing what you love - editing. No awkward format conversions or frustrating delays, just straightforward, speedy access to your projects.

• Rabata is proud to partner officially with Adobe to deliver top-tier video and audio solutions tailored to professionals.
• Supports multi-user collaboration gracefully with DaVinci Resolve Studio and Adobe Premiere Pro, letting your whole team work simultaneously without stepping on each other’s toes.

Thanks to this collaboration with Adobe, Rabata stands out not only as a robust cloud vault but also as a smart partner in your creative workflow. When every frame counts, and deadlines loom large, having a storage solution that speaks the language of your editing software becomes priceless.

Unified Storage for Every Stage of Production

Imagine relying on a single, dependable product that smoothly supports every phase of your production workflow. With Rabata's secure cloud storage, juggling multiple systems and wasting time on endless data transfers become relics of the past.

From the moment your media gets scanned, through color grading, editing, compositing, visual effects, and graphics, Rabata keeps everything easily accessible in one place. Every department and application taps into the same reliable storage, eliminating chaos and boosting efficiency.

• All-in-one server and storage solution tailored to your workflow
• Flexible storage capacities that grow with your needs
• Effortlessly scalable to keep pace with your projects

Take a closer look and see how Rabata can simplify your production pipeline with a seamless, centralized storage system.

Practical Use Cases for Rabata Secure Cloud Storage

Wondering how Rabata makes teamwork smoother across various creative workflows? Let’s break down the scenarios where our secure cloud storage shines. Whether you’re a buzzing team, an on-set wizard, or a solo creator, Rabata has your back with tailored solutions.

• Teams with over 10 members get seamless collaboration, rock-solid storage, and reliable backup designed for multi-workstation editing environments.
• For groups larger than 25 users, Rabata delivers blazing-fast all-flash storage with minimal latency, perfect for handling ultra-high-resolution video workflows like 8K editing.
• Mac-based teams hooked on Thunderbolt™ connections will appreciate our compact yet powerful NAS systems built for maximum productivity in tight office spaces.
• On shoots, DITs and post-production pros trust Rabata’s Thunderbolt™ 4 NASbook to manage footage instantly, store RAW files safely, and allow basic edits directly on set.
• Solo creators get dedicated, high-capacity storage paired with speedy network connections-because even lone wolves need fast, reliable data access.

Teams of 10+ Users: Collaboration Made Easy

When your crew grows beyond ten editors, juggling files across multiple workstations can turn into a nightmare. Rabata steps in with streamlined collaboration, rock-solid storage, and automated backups that keep every version accessible and your projects safe. Multiple editors can work online simultaneously without tripping over each other’s edits. Worried about lost files or version mishaps? Rabata’s got your back with a reliable version control system and automatic backup routines tailored to large video files. Plus, if you have a room to spare for a small server setup, Rabata’s solutions fit right in, making teamwork feel less like chaos and more like a well-rehearsed band.

Large Teams (25+ Users): Speed and Bandwidth for High-Res Video

High-res video workflows - think 8K footage - demand storage that’s fast, responsive, and capable of handling massive bandwidth without throwing a tantrum. Rabata’s all-flash storage solution answers that call with ultra-low latency and rock-solid speed, empowering professional studios to push pixels without lag. These setups usually run on non-Mac workstations, as they often pack specialized Windows or Linux rigs optimized for heavy lifting. Online post-production editing isn’t optional here - it’s mission-critical. Storage capacity takes a backseat; what matters is connectivity and performance, and Rabata delivers with uncompromising speed. Your team can focus on creativity while Rabata handles the storage sprint.

Compact NAS for Thunderbolt Mac-Based Teams

Working in a tight office space with Mac workstations plugged into Thunderbolt™? Rabata’s compact high-performance NAS ticks all the boxes. These setups fit like a glove into smaller offices where every inch counts. Designed with Mac users in mind, our NAS supports speedy Thunderbolt connectivity, ensuring smooth online post-production workflows. The system handles individual workstations independently, giving each editor the fast, reliable storage they need without clutter or lag. In essence, it's like giving your Mac team a secret weapon to edit smarter, not harder.

On-Set Workflows with Thunderbolt 4 NASbook

When tight deadlines meet unpredictable shoot environments, Rabata’s Thunderbolt™ 4 NASbook becomes your on-set superhero. The Digital Imaging Technician (DIT) can quickly offload camera memory cards, transcoding footage on the fly without breaking a sweat. RAW files get safely stored on-site, while smaller proxy files are instantly shared with remote teams or backed up to Rabata DAS for later use. Need to do basic edits in the field? No problem. Thanks to the super-fast Thunderbolt 4 connection, immediate adjustments are just a few clicks away, turning your production site into a bustling creative hub without lugging heavy gear around.

Solo Creators: Fast, Dedicated Storage for Independent Workflow

If you’re flying solo but demand top-notch speed and storage capacity, Rabata has the perfect nest for your creative eggs. Options for 2.5GbE, 5GbE, or lightning-fast 10GbE network access let you transfer huge files without making you wait. Want to expand? Multiple NAS units can be linked and synced across your workspace, turning your solo operation into a well-oiled machine. Using a 10GbE switch, you’ll experience high-speed transfers that keep your workflow buttery smooth and your inspirations flowing uninterrupted.

Why Professionals Trust Rabata’s B2 Cloud Storage for Media

Surprisingly Simple Media Sharing

Uploading massive raw files like RED, MXF, and BRAW formats has never been this effortless. Rabata’s cloud storage makes your media instantly available to collaborators and clients worldwide, saving you from those endless email chains and awkward ‘file couldn’t be sent’ moments. Within minutes, your team accesses the footage they need-no drama, just work getting done.

Always On, Always Ready

Forget about waiting for footage to come off dusty tape archives or hunting down that elusive shuttle drive that never returns on time. Rabata’s storage is instantly accessible, with zero delays-no nearline, no offline hassles, and definitely no ‘sorry, your file is still being restored’ messages. Your archive footage is just as ready as your latest shoot.

Smooth Workflow Integration

Rabata plays well with your existing production setup. Whether you stick with built-in integrations or customize via S3-compatible API and CLI, the storage adapts to you. That means less time wrestling with tech and more time creating. Your workflow stays intact, flowing seamlessly from start to finish.

Smart, Cost-Effective Storage

Keep all versions of your media safely stored without breaking the bank. Rabata’s pricing is a fraction of what on-premises hardware or AWS storage charges. You get reliable, secure storage that fits your budget-so you can focus on creativity instead of calculating costs.

Why Rabata’s Studio NAS Is Your Best Bet

Imagine a storage solution so reliable, your data practically watches your back. Rabata’s studio NAS offers rock-solid RAID protection, which means if one drive throws in the towel, your files keep on dancing. No need for the stress balls or midnight data recovery marathons.

When it comes to support, Rabata goes global. Got a tech glitch in Tokyo or a service question in São Paulo? Rabata’s team of pros is just a call away, ready to swoop in faster than you can say 'cloud crash'.

Need more space? With Rabata’s NAS, expanding your storage isn’t a drama. It plays nice with JBOD enclosures, so scaling up is smooth and hassle-free - whether you’re hoarding video projects or archiving every creative spark.

Speed demons rejoice. Rabata packs in the latest in connectivity - Thunderbolt™, 25GbE, 10GbE, 2.5GbE, or USB 4. Your files zip back and forth at blistering speeds, saving you from the spinning wheel of doom and keeping your workflow lightning fast.

Rabata doesn’t discriminate - it’s fully compatible with both Windows® and macOS®. Accessing your NAS folders feels as natural as opening a local drive. Clever, isn’t it?

Sharing made simple, but never sloppy. Multiple users can jump into the same files at once, while Rabata keeps watch with fine-tuned folder-level permissions. Your data is safe, secure, and everyone knows their limits.

Raid Protection That Has Your Back

Drive failures happen, but panic doesn’t have to. Rabata’s RAID protection assembles your data like a pro puzzle solver, ensuring that one malfunctioning drive won’t sabotage your hard work. It’s peace of mind baked in, so you can focus on what truly matters - your creativity.

Support Without Borders

Whether you’re working from your cozy home office or jet-setting across continents, Rabata’s worldwide support network keeps you covered. Their technical team understands that downtime is the enemy, so help is always close, no matter where you are.

Scale Up Storage As You Grow

Rabata’s NAS understands ambition. Thanks to support for JBOD expansions, your storage grows alongside your project list. No tricky setups, no complicated hardware changes-just plug and expand. More space for your masterpieces is just a bay away.

Blazing Speed Connections

Waiting for files to transfer? Not on Rabata’s watch. With options like Thunderbolt™, 25GbE, 10GbE, 2.5GbE, and USB 4 ports, transfers speed up to a sprint, cutting downtime and ramping up productivity. Speed matters, and Rabata delivers.

Seamless Compatibility

PC or Mac? Doesn’t matter. Rabata’s NAS plays well with both ecosystems, letting you navigate your files like they’re sitting on your desktop. No fuss, no extra steps, just easy access to your creative vault.

Access Control Without the Hassle

Collaboration thrives when everyone has the right access, without compromising security. Rabata lets multiple users work together simultaneously, with keen folder-level permission settings that keep your data locked down tighter than Fort Knox. Sharing smartly means working smoothly.