SPARK Thunderbolt RAID Storage with User Serviceability
SPARK Thunderbolt RAID Storage with User Serviceability
SPARK is direct-attached Thunderbolt RAID storage (DAS) built for video editing and media workflows. Available in 4-bay and 8-bay models with up to 120 TB and 240 TB of capacity, SPARK delivers up to 1,700 MB/s, hardware RAID protection and plug-and-play setup on macOS and Windows. Hot-swap drives and a field-replaceable fan and power supply keep you working, whether you’re in the edit suite, the machine room or on set.
Model Options
SPARK 8-Bay (rear)
SPARK 4-Bay (rear)
Thunderbolt RAID Storage Built for Video Editing
SPARK is direct-attached Thunderbolt RAID storage (DAS) for content creators who need fast, reliable, high-capacity storage that can travel. Available in compact 4-bay and 8-bay desktop formats with up to 120 TB and 240 TB of capacity, SPARK delivers consistently high throughput and low latency (up to 700 MB/s on the 4-bay and up to 1,700 MB/s on the 8-bay), so you can focus on the edit instead of managing storage.
Designed for Media Professionals
SPARK is equally at home in an office, studio, machine room or on set. Its robust all-metal enclosure is more compact and lighter than comparable systems, with an integrated carry handle, whisper-quiet operation below 40 dB and an LED blackout Studio Mode for light-sensitive environments. Every SPARK uses enterprise-class hard drives for consistent, reliable performance.
Dual Thunderbolt 3 with Hardware RAID Protection
Each model has two Thunderbolt™ 3 ports for high throughput, daisy-chaining and fast device charging, with SymplyLOCK™ cable locking to prevent accidental disconnects. Hardware RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10 and JBOD are supported, and every unit ships configured in RAID 5 to keep you working even in the unlikely event of a drive failure. SPARK is plug-and-play on macOS and Windows.
Field Serviceable: No Downtime Waiting for Repairs
Deadlines don’t wait for repairs. Beyond hot-swappable drives, SPARK lets you replace the fan and power supply in the field, so there’s no need to send the system back with your content on it or wait for an exchange unit. The optional SymplySAM self-assisted maintenance kit comes packed in its own transport case with full instructions to have you back up and running in minutes.
From Desktop to Rack with the SPARK Rack Kit
For studio and rack environments, the optional 4U SPARK Rack Kit takes the 8-bay model from desktop to rack in under five minutes, with extendable rails for various rack depths. SPARK is backed by the Symply worldwide 5-year warranty and free lifetime online support from trained media professionals.
- Dual Thunderbolt™ 3 — two ports for high throughput, daisy-chaining and fast device charging.
- 4-bay or 8-bay Thunderbolt RAID — up to 120 TB (4-bay) or 240 TB (8-bay) using enterprise-class hard drives.
- Performance for 4K and 8K video editing — up to 700 MB/s (4-bay) and up to 1,700 MB/s (8-bay).
- Hardware RAID protection — RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10 and JBOD. Ships in RAID 5 to keep you working even in the unlikely event of a drive failure.
- User serviceable — hot-swap drive caddies with locking pin and thumbscrews, plus a field-replaceable fan and power supply.
- Rugged and portable — robust all-metal build, integrated carry handle and AC 110–240V power supply.
- Whisper quiet — under 40 dB, ideal for desktop and on-set use.
- Studio Mode — LED blackout for light-sensitive studio and on-set environments.
- Secure connections — SymplyLOCK™ machined aluminum Thunderbolt cable lock and Kensington® lock slot.
- In the box — SPARK with drives installed, 2m (6.5 ft) active Thunderbolt 3 cable, SymplyLOCK™ and power cable.
- Optional accessories — NANUK wheeled transport case with custom foam insert, 4U SPARK Rack Kit (8-bay only) and SymplySAM self-assisted maintenance kit.
- macOS and Windows — plug-and-play support on both platforms.
- Warranty and support — 5-year worldwide warranty and free lifetime online support.
| 4-Bay | 8-Bay | |
| Capacities | 40TB, 56TB, 64TB, 96TB, 120TB | 80TB, 128TB, 144TB, 192TB, 240TB |
| Speed | 700MB/s | Up to 1,700MB/s |
| Number of Drive Bays | 4 | 8 |
| RAID Level Support | 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, JBOD | 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, JBOD |
| Interface | 2 x Thunderbolt 3 with Device Charging | 2 x Thunderbolt 3 with Device Charging |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) mm | 150 x 240 x 235 | 150 x 240 x 318 |
| Weight KGs | 7.6kg | 10.8kg |
| Operating Environment | 0°C – 40°C, 5% – 85% humidity (non-condensing) | 0°C – 40°C, 5% – 85% humidity (non-condensing) |
| OS Support | macOS & Windows | macOS & Windows |
| Whisper Quiet | < 40dB | < 40dB |
| Carry Handle | Yes | Yes |
| User Serviceable HDD, PSU & FAN | Yes | Yes |
| Kensington Lock | Yes | Yes |
| Studio Mode | LED Blackout | LED Blackout |
| Wheeled Transport Case | Optional | Optional |
| Warranty | 5-Years | 5-Years |
| Feature | SPARK 8-Bay | SDP G-RAID 8 | Areca ARC-8050T3-8 |
Promise R32 8 Bay |
OWC Thunderbay 8 |
| Robust all-metal build |  |
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| Interfaces | Thunderbolt 3 | Thunderbolt 3 & USB 3.2 | Thunderbolt 3 | Thunderbolt 3 & USB 3.2 | Thunderbolt 3 |
| Hardware RAID Engine | |
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| User Serviceable HDD, PSU & FAN | |
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| Library Quiet | |
Not Published | |
Not Published | Not Published |
| Carry Handle | |
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| Lights Out Mode | |
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| HDD Locking Pin | |
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| MA HDD Support | |
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| Kensington Lock | |
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| Wheeled hard case option | |
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| Dimensions | 150 x 240 x 318 | 175 x 245 x 385 | 146 x 302 x 290 | 187 x 245 x 310 | 180 x 260 x 240 |
| Weight | 10.8kg | 12.3kg | 6.8kg (without HDDs) | 11kg | 7.3kg |
| Feature | SPARK 4-Bay | SDP G-RAID 4 | Areca ARC-8050T3U-4 |
Promise R32 4 Bay |
OWC Thunderbay 4 |
| Robust all-metal build | |
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| Interfaces | Thunderbolt 3 | Thunderbolt 3 & USB 3.2 | Thunderbolt 3 | Thunderbolt 3 & USB 3.2 | Thunderbolt 3 |
| Hardware RAID Engine | |
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| User Serviceable HDD, PSU & FAN | |
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| Library Quiet | |
Not Published | |
Not Published | Not Published |
| Carry Handle | |
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|
| Lights Out Mode | |
|
|
|
|
| HDD Locking Pin | |
|
|
|
|
| MA HDD Support | |
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|
|
| Kensington Lock | |
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|
| Wheeled hard case option | |
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| Dimensions | 150 x 240 x 235 | 174 x 248 x 268 | 165 x 123 x 123 | 187 x 245 x 192 | 135 x 245 x 177 |
| Weight | 7.16kg | 7.16kg (with HDDs) | 3.6kg (without HDDs) | 6.8kg (without HDDs) | 3.9kg (without HDDs) |
Model Options
SPARK
Overview
SPARK 8-Bay (rear)
SPARK 4-Bay (rear)
Thunderbolt RAID Storage Built for Video Editing
SPARK is direct-attached Thunderbolt RAID storage (DAS) for content creators who need fast, reliable, high-capacity storage that can travel. Available in compact 4-bay and 8-bay desktop formats with up to 120 TB and 240 TB of capacity, SPARK delivers consistently high throughput and low latency (up to 700 MB/s on the 4-bay and up to 1,700 MB/s on the 8-bay), so you can focus on the edit instead of managing storage.
Designed for Media Professionals
SPARK is equally at home in an office, studio, machine room or on set. Its robust all-metal enclosure is more compact and lighter than comparable systems, with an integrated carry handle, whisper-quiet operation below 40 dB and an LED blackout Studio Mode for light-sensitive environments. Every SPARK uses enterprise-class hard drives for consistent, reliable performance.
Dual Thunderbolt 3 with Hardware RAID Protection
Each model has two Thunderbolt™ 3 ports for high throughput, daisy-chaining and fast device charging, with SymplyLOCK™ cable locking to prevent accidental disconnects. Hardware RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10 and JBOD are supported, and every unit ships configured in RAID 5 to keep you working even in the unlikely event of a drive failure. SPARK is plug-and-play on macOS and Windows.
Field Serviceable: No Downtime Waiting for Repairs
Deadlines don’t wait for repairs. Beyond hot-swappable drives, SPARK lets you replace the fan and power supply in the field, so there’s no need to send the system back with your content on it or wait for an exchange unit. The optional SymplySAM self-assisted maintenance kit comes packed in its own transport case with full instructions to have you back up and running in minutes.
From Desktop to Rack with the SPARK Rack Kit
For studio and rack environments, the optional 4U SPARK Rack Kit takes the 8-bay model from desktop to rack in under five minutes, with extendable rails for various rack depths. SPARK is backed by the Symply worldwide 5-year warranty and free lifetime online support from trained media professionals.
Features & Benefits
- Dual Thunderbolt™ 3 — two ports for high throughput, daisy-chaining and fast device charging.
- 4-bay or 8-bay Thunderbolt RAID — up to 120 TB (4-bay) or 240 TB (8-bay) using enterprise-class hard drives.
- Performance for 4K and 8K video editing — up to 700 MB/s (4-bay) and up to 1,700 MB/s (8-bay).
- Hardware RAID protection — RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10 and JBOD. Ships in RAID 5 to keep you working even in the unlikely event of a drive failure.
- User serviceable — hot-swap drive caddies with locking pin and thumbscrews, plus a field-replaceable fan and power supply.
- Rugged and portable — robust all-metal build, integrated carry handle and AC 110–240V power supply.
- Whisper quiet — under 40 dB, ideal for desktop and on-set use.
- Studio Mode — LED blackout for light-sensitive studio and on-set environments.
- Secure connections — SymplyLOCK™ machined aluminum Thunderbolt cable lock and Kensington® lock slot.
- In the box — SPARK with drives installed, 2m (6.5 ft) active Thunderbolt 3 cable, SymplyLOCK™ and power cable.
- Optional accessories — NANUK wheeled transport case with custom foam insert, 4U SPARK Rack Kit (8-bay only) and SymplySAM self-assisted maintenance kit.
- macOS and Windows — plug-and-play support on both platforms.
- Warranty and support — 5-year worldwide warranty and free lifetime online support.
Technical Specifications
| 4-Bay | 8-Bay | |
| Capacities | 40TB, 56TB, 64TB, 96TB, 120TB | 80TB, 128TB, 144TB, 192TB, 240TB |
| Speed | 700MB/s | Up to 1,700MB/s |
| Number of Drive Bays | 4 | 8 |
| RAID Level Support | 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, JBOD | 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, JBOD |
| Interface | 2 x Thunderbolt 3 with Device Charging | 2 x Thunderbolt 3 with Device Charging |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) mm | 150 x 240 x 235 | 150 x 240 x 318 |
| Weight KGs | 7.6kg | 10.8kg |
| Operating Environment | 0°C – 40°C, 5% – 85% humidity (non-condensing) | 0°C – 40°C, 5% – 85% humidity (non-condensing) |
| OS Support | macOS & Windows | macOS & Windows |
| Whisper Quiet | < 40dB | < 40dB |
| Carry Handle | Yes | Yes |
| User Serviceable HDD, PSU & FAN | Yes | Yes |
| Kensington Lock | Yes | Yes |
| Studio Mode | LED Blackout | LED Blackout |
| Wheeled Transport Case | Optional | Optional |
| Warranty | 5-Years | 5-Years |
SPARK 8-Bay
| Feature | SPARK 8-Bay | SDP G-RAID 8 | Areca ARC-8050T3-8 |
Promise R32 8 Bay |
OWC Thunderbay 8 |
| Robust all-metal build | |
|
|
|
|
| Interfaces | Thunderbolt 3 | Thunderbolt 3 & USB 3.2 | Thunderbolt 3 | Thunderbolt 3 & USB 3.2 | Thunderbolt 3 |
| Hardware RAID Engine | |
|
|
|
|
| User Serviceable HDD, PSU & FAN | |
|
|
|
|
| Library Quiet | |
Not Published | |
Not Published | Not Published |
| Carry Handle | |
|
|
|
|
| Lights Out Mode | |
|
|
|
|
| HDD Locking Pin | |
|
|
|
|
| MA HDD Support | |
|
|
|
|
| Kensington Lock | |
|
|
|
|
| Wheeled hard case option | |
|
|
|
|
| Dimensions | 150 x 240 x 318 | 175 x 245 x 385 | 146 x 302 x 290 | 187 x 245 x 310 | 180 x 260 x 240 |
| Weight | 10.8kg | 12.3kg | 6.8kg (without HDDs) | 11kg | 7.3kg |
SPARK 4-Bay
| Feature | SPARK 4-Bay | SDP G-RAID 4 | Areca ARC-8050T3U-4 |
Promise R32 4 Bay |
OWC Thunderbay 4 |
| Robust all-metal build | |
|
|
|
|
| Interfaces | Thunderbolt 3 | Thunderbolt 3 & USB 3.2 | Thunderbolt 3 | Thunderbolt 3 & USB 3.2 | Thunderbolt 3 |
| Hardware RAID Engine | |
|
|
|
|
| User Serviceable HDD, PSU & FAN | |
|
|
|
|
| Library Quiet | |
Not Published | |
Not Published | Not Published |
| Carry Handle | |
|
|
|
|
| Lights Out Mode | |
|
|
|
|
| HDD Locking Pin | |
|
|
|
|
| MA HDD Support | |
|
|
|
|
| Kensington Lock | |
|
|
|
|
| Wheeled hard case option | |
|
|
|
|
| Dimensions | 150 x 240 x 235 | 174 x 248 x 268 | 165 x 123 x 123 | 187 x 245 x 192 | 135 x 245 x 177 |
| Weight | 7.16kg | 7.16kg (with HDDs) | 3.6kg (without HDDs) | 6.8kg (without HDDs) | 3.9kg (without HDDs) |