Dulce or Caldigit?

[Shane Ross]

They are both very capable units. I reviewed the CalDigit HD Pro:

https://library.creativecow.net/articles/ross_shane/caldigit_hdpro.php

Bob Zelin reviewed the Dulce unit:

https://library.creativecow.net/articles/zelin_bob/dulce_sas_raid.php

And if you want ANOTHER option, JeremyG reviewed the Sonnet D800:

https://library.creativecow.net/articles/garchow_jeremy/d800.php

Bob tested the HD Pro too, and REALLY liked it. And I’ll be testing a Dulce Pro DQ, but not soon enough for your needs I’ll wager. I HIGHLY recommend the CalDigit unit. I ran that thing thru the RINGER, and it bounced back every time. I’ll be buying one as soon as I get my Intel Mac Pro.

Shane

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[Shane Ross]

OH…I can tell you the advantages of the CalDigit unit…

Caldigit makes the bridge card. I say BRIDGE CARD because the controller isn’t on the card, it is inside the unit. This makes the card relatively cheap (it comes included with the HD Pro) and take the heat out of your computer. The Dulce uses an ATTO card. Good cards, but I am a big fan of SINGLE VENDOR solutions…meaning if something doesn’t work, you’ve got one guy to call. Too much finger pointing goes on when you have two different companies involved.

The Raid Parity (the protection of the data) is written when you first set up the RAID with the CalDigit. This means it will take a few hours to get it going, but then it is done. The setup is lightning fast with the Dulce systems, because it builds parity as it adds data. What does this mean? Couldn’t tell ya. Just letting ya know.

The CalDigit solution works on a MacBook Pro! Because the controller is in the drive unit, all you need is an Express 34 adapter card, which CalDigit makes, and there you go. Half the performace of a Tower, but good enough for uncompressed HD.

Caldigit is expandible…you can upgrade the Raid memory. Not sure if Dulce offers this….and not sure if I’d need it. But it is there.

As I said, I’ll be getting a Dulce setup soon, so I’ll have a better idea. But the reviews should help.

Shane

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[Bill Thomas]

Thanks Shane, i REALLY appreciate your posts!

I think I will go with the CalDigit.

Did you say it came with a card – or needed a card?

Thanks again…

Bill

[Bill Thomas]

Oops, I should have mentioned that I was looking at the S2VR, not the HD Pro. Can I still use the S2VR for HD editing?

Thanks,

Bill

[Ken Summerall]

[jodyberry] “Oops, I should have mentioned that I was looking at the S2VR, not the HD Pro. Can I still use the S2VR for HD editing”

Certainly, I have two of those and they work very well with DVCProHD. I have never tried uncompressed because I just don’t have access to any.

Also, these units come with a card. Just order the one you need for your setup. I bought one with the pcie card from my MacPro and the other with the ExpressCard 34 for my MBP. Both work very well.

K

[Jim Carswell]

I too am a CalDigit user and am very satisfied. I have a pair of mirrored 3.75tb S2VRs and (knock on wood) they are running flawlessly. I have edited HDCAM and DVCPROHD without any issues. Plus the company is very responsive to support questions.

Jim

Jim Carswell
Spyhop Productions, Inc.
Savannah, GA
http://www.spyhopproductions.com

[Bill Thomas]

Thanks everyone!!!

Bill

[Robert Leong]

[Shane Ross] “The Dulce uses an ATTO card. Good cards, but I am a big fan of SINGLE VENDOR solutions…meaning if something doesn’t work, you’ve got one guy to call. Too much finger pointing”

Hi Shane, a small clarification. Dulce does not use the ATTO card, our card actually has some additional benificial feature that is important on a RAID setup.

Also, Dulce support the entire system we provide; RAID controller, drives, enclosure, cables, etc…. Any issues with the array, just one call to Dulce for support.

We have a PRO DQ ready for your testing when you are ready, I think you will like the VERY FAST performance.

Robert Leong / Dulce Tech Support

[Shane Ross]

You make everything? That is VERY nice to know.

Single vendor support is a huge bonus.

I am just awaiting word if our production will be going FCP or Avid for the next show. It is up to our main production company (who has ALWAYS gone Avid) and they are taking their sweet time. Even though I have done the exact workflow three times for History Channel.

But I can’t wait to test your unit.

Shane

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