Blackmagic Design Cloud Store Max 24TB

Blackmagic Design Cloud Store Max 24TB

The Blackmagic Design Cloud Store Max 24TB is a high-performance, rack-mount network storage (NAS) solution engineered specifically for high-end film and television post-production. Introduced at NAB 2024, it is designed to handle the extreme data rates of 8K and 12K RAW workflows, allowing multiple editors, colorists, and VFX artists to work simultaneously off a single centralized hub.

Core Architecture & Performance

The "Max" designation refers to its massive internal throughput, achieved through a parallelized memory architecture.

• Storage Array: Features a 12-card NVMe M.2 flash memory core preconfigured in RAID 0.

• Speed: By striping data across 12 high-speed NVMe drives, the unit is designed to saturate its network ports, providing enough bandwidth to support dozens of simultaneous users without the latency typically associated with mechanical hard drives.

• 100G Ethernet: Includes a professional QSFP28 100G Ethernet port, allowing for ultra-high-speed backbone connections to a studio switch.

• Multi-User Ingest: Features four dedicated 10G Ethernet ports, which can act as a built-in switch, allowing four workstations to connect directly at full 10Gb/s speeds without needing an external switch.

Global Collaboration & Sync

The Cloud Store Max is more than just local storage; it is a gateway for remote workflows.

• Blackmagic Cloud Sync: Automatically synchronizes media with Blackmagic Cloud, Dropbox, and Google Drive. This allows a project shot in one city to be edited in another in near real-time.

• Proxy Generator: Includes the Blackmagic Proxy Generator software, which automatically creates small, easy-to-edit proxy files from heavy camera originals, significantly speeding up remote editing workflows.

• No Subscriptions: Unlike many enterprise storage solutions, Blackmagic does not charge per-user licenses or monthly "management" fees for the hardware itself.

Monitoring & Connectivity

A unique feature of the Cloud Store series is the ability to visually monitor the "health" of your data.

• HDMI & SDI Monitoring: Includes dedicated HDMI and SDI outputs that display a live storage map. You can see a graphical representation of the memory core, real-time read/write speed graphs, active users, and cloud sync status on any standard monitor or broadcast display.

• USB-C Network: The USB-C port features a built-in Ethernet-to-USB adapter, allowing you to "walk up" to the unit with a laptop and access files at high speeds without needing a specialized network card.

• Redundant Power: Features both a standard AC plug and a broadcast-standard 4-pin XLR 12V DC input for power redundancy or mobile use in a DIT (Digital Imaging Technician) cart.

Important Considerations

• RAID 0 Configuration: By default, the 24TB Max model is configured in RAID 0 for maximum performance and capacity. This means it does not have internal drive redundancy; if one M.2 card fails, the entire volume is lost. It is critical to have a secondary backup strategy (such as syncing to the Cloud or a Blackmagic Cloud Backup 8) for long-term data safety.

• Quiet Operation: Despite its 1RU rack-mount form factor, it is designed with a high-efficiency thermal system that remains quiet enough for use directly in an edit suite or color grading room.

Comparison at a Glance

Pro Tip: For DITs working on set, the Cloud Store Max is the ideal "bridge" device. You can offload 12K RAW footage to it via 10G Ethernet, and while you are backing up to LTO tapes locally, the Max can simultaneously push proxy files to the cloud for an editor who is miles away.