emusonacid!

Hello everyone,

I'm a long time EMU user, currently using a really happy EMU 6400 Ultra with no click wheel problems or funny button stuff happening. I love it.

However, I'm still in SCSI Zip Drive Land. This land sucks.
After losing a few discs worth of irreplaceable samples, I realized it was time to get more serious about my EMU.

So, Here's the tasks at I have at hand:

1. Inspired by the excellent post from kalide,
http://tinyurl.com/kalidesawesomepost
I have decided to install a Mobile Rack for a 2.5 inch IDE hard drive in place of my floppy drive. This will allow me to have unlimited storage, and the ability to back disc images up to my Mac Pro, due to the USB functionality of the hard drive when it is removed from the sampler. If this isn't making sense, check out this link:
http://tinyurl.com/thecoolmobilerack

2. That said I need to find a compatible 2.5 inch IDE (or SATA as they make a version of the mobile rack that accepts a 2.5 inch SATA notebook drive if that works out better).

3. I have to determine that I am on the best EOS for my purposes and purchased equipment (Hard Drives, converters, etc) I am currently at EOS 4.02 (or something close to that, the emu is unplugged right now), but I would like to upgrade to whatever OS allows me to find a drive that will work. I have heard that you can use AIF or WAV files with one of the later EOS updates, is this true? if so, which one? Is it the beta?

4. I have to convert the SATA out of the Mobile Rack to IDE to go into the EMUS IDE port, so I purchased the following item:
http://tinyurl.com/SATAtoide2

*I need to find a 2.5 SATA or IDE hard drive that works with whatever OS I end up installing. I have a few I'm looking at,(though not necessarily refurbished) One Driave that has had reported success with EOS 4.70 is http://www.logicsupply.com/products/hm080gc_r Though as I'm on 4.02 or similar, will I need another drive?

It's a lot to process, but I think with your help, I might be able to cook up a solution to my EMU storage woes. Any Ideas or confirmations or anything else from the vast experience of this place is totally welcome! =)
Thank you in advance,

-Origin

Hi Origin,

Mmm .. you should have merged your questions within Kalide's subject as we all have the same goal ... ... anyway.

You're right to say that mounting a 2,5" drive would be a great upgrade to the e6400, which really still is in my opinion one of the most creative gear on the market

A few remarks :

1/ Seems like the max available HD size for EOS 4.7 is 137 Gb (never heard about someone having more)
2/ Be VERY VERY careful with current polarity from E-MU's motherboard when you'll connect your adapter ... you'll probably need to solder your own cables and read all the corresponding subjects on the forum (and also this one http://www.peterandrew.com/music/studio/sampler/harddrive.html#Powercable)

If by chance your SATA-IDE interface works in your E-MU, let us know !

@aerodrink

Regarding my post's placement, I'm fine with moving it to the end of Kalide's if you that that would be more appropriate. =)

1. Looks like 80 gigs will work if I go up to EOS 4.7, what will that entail? I'd loooove to get the OS on a floppy before I get my drive, but have no idea how to do so. I'll browse the board for answers.

2. I forgot to mention that the very, very helpful JD over at Scsiforsamplers.com got me an IDE power cable with the modifications you mention. $20 with added IDE Data cable and shipping included. I'm horrible at dealing with wiring more complicated than two cups tied together with string.

I'll be happy to report back my findings. I'll be as detailed as is reasonable. The EMU is too important of an instrument to not be fully explored.

Thanks,

-Origin

Hi,

I'm still waiting for my SATA-IDE adapter to arrive from the manufacturer in china so no chance to test it yet.

I'd also suggest checking in detail the process of the OS upgrade from where you are at now - I've only ever had to upgrade mine from 4.6 to 4.7, and I think there are some more steps involved in going from earlier versions (e.g. flash prep etc).

In terms of IDE drives - seems that the Emu's are quite robust. Many users have reported success with Samsung drives (like me) and WD, Seagate etc.

80G, 120G seem fine.

Given the unknowns around SATA-IDE I'd suggest going for IDE if you want to ensure this works immediately without a lot of potential mucking around.

Its certainly nice having a removable drive - and it means editing tools on your PC/Mac can be easily used to create base sample sets.

I will update my original thread when I get my SATA drive adapter.

M

M