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SKU: TRB5-L8-BASE
BASE SERIES · TRB5-L8-BASE
Thunderbolt / USB4
Enterprise-Grade Recertified Tape Drive • New Enclosure
BASE Series Desktop Tape Drive
BASE — Budget Archive Storage Essentials.
The MagStor TRB5-L8-BASE combines a rigorously recertified enterprise LTO-8 full-height tape drive with modern Thunderbolt™ / USB4 connectivity in a desktop enclosure. Designed for backup, archive, ransomware protection, and long-term data preservation, it delivers enterprise-class tape capability with the simplicity of direct-attached storage.
Built on MagStor’s patented Thunderbolt LTO technology, the BASE Series combines proven enterprise hardware, removable offline media, included XPNTL Solo LTFS software, and lifetime technical support from LTO storage experts.
Enterprise Grade Recertified
The TRB5-L8-BASE is not sold as an “as-is” used drive. Each enterprise LTO-8 full-height mechanism is selected, inspected, serviced, tested, and qualified by MagStor storage engineers before deployment.
Optional warranty upgrade
Extend the included 1-year warranty to 3 years total on this BASE Series drive. Purchase one upgrade for each eligible hardware item.
BASE-3YR-WAR · Available to customers in the United States and Canada. Purchase within 30 days of the hardware order.
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For more than 25 years, LTO (Linear Tape-Open) technology has been trusted by enterprises, government agencies, media organizations, healthcare providers, research institutions, and cloud providers to protect some of the world's most valuable data.
Today, LTO remains the industry standard for removable enterprise storage, combining massive capacity, enterprise-class performance, long media life, and true offline protection against ransomware, accidental deletion, and cyber threats.
For organizations storing large volumes of infrequently accessed data, LTO is widely recognized as one of the lowest long-term cost-per-terabyte storage technologies available. Unlike subscription-based cloud storage, LTO provides physical ownership of your data with no recurring capacity charges, giving organizations complete control over their archive.
INCLUDED SOFTWARE
Archive files to LTO tape with write verification and a searchable offline catalog.
Includes 1 year of updates and support. Contact MagStor for discounted upgrades.
Solo Pro is an optional upgrade.
Included with BASE Desktop Drives and AIR Series. SAVE $279.
XPNTL Solo is LTFS archive software for standalone LTO tape drives: add files, write and verify, then find and restore from your tape catalog.
Migration Mode: move older tapes to newer media using two drives. Scripting + API: command line and local API for automated workflows. Stop + resume: stop and resume an archive job.
Windows 10/11, macOS 11+ or Ubuntu 24.04. Drive and host compatibility requirements also apply. Perpetual license for one computer; 12 months of software updates included.
From media production and enterprise backup to healthcare, government, research, surveillance, legal, and cloud infrastructure, MagStor LTO solutions are used anywhere large amounts of data require secure, removable, offline-capable storage.
LTO-8 Media
Read / Write
LTO-7 Type M / M8 Media
Read / Write
LTO-7 Media
Read / Write
MagStor LTO tape drives are compatible with any genuine LTO cartridge that matches the supported LTO generations listed above, regardless of manufacturer. Media from Fujifilm, HPE, Quantum, Sony, Maxell, and other LTO manufacturers can be used when it matches the supported media type.
For best results, MagStor recommends purchasing media from a trusted source to reduce the risk of unknown third-party sourcing, repackaged used media, humidity damage, or improper storage.
VALUE MEDIA
LTO-8 packs sourced from leading tape manufacturers and vetted by MagStor. Original manufacturer branding and shell color may vary by batch.
Choose unlabeled packs for self-managed labeling, or labeled packs for library workflows.
View Choice LTO-8 packs →PREMIUM CERTIFIED MEDIA
LTO-8 media certified as new/unused, with each cartridge cleaned, tested and calibrated before first use.
Custom barcode labels included for library-ready deployment.
View NanoPure LTO-8 media →Both retain original manufacturer branding and include a lifetime warranty for the original registered owner. Use cartridges matching the supported media types above.
Any backup, archive or LTFS application that supports the drive’s LTO generation and host configuration can be used, even if it is not listed here. Confirm the application version’s support for your operating system, interface, drivers and media format; software licensing and setup requirements still apply.
Compatible with industry-standard LTFS utilities and leading backup, archive, and media asset management applications. Choose the software that best fits your workflow.
The examples below are not a complete compatibility list and do not represent certification by every software vendor. Compatibility depends on operating system, software version, driver support, and configuration.
Enterprise IT Backup
Veeam
NetBackup
Commvault
Arcserve
Retrospect
LTFS Archive
XPNTL Solo
Hedge Canister
Archiware P5
YoYotta
XenData
myLTO
Operating Systems
Windows 11 or above, macOS (Intel and Apple Silicon Macs), and Linux; a compatible Thunderbolt/USB4 host, model-appropriate drivers and compatible backup, archive or LTFS software are required.
Supports Windows 11 or above, macOS on Intel and Apple Silicon Macs, and Linux with a compatible Thunderbolt/USB4 host, model-appropriate drivers and compatible backup, archive or LTFS software. Supported interfaces include Thunderbolt 3 on Mac only, plus Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 5, USB4 or USB4 v2. Confirm the host, driver and application combination for the chosen operating system before installation.
LTFS setup for TRB5 BASE: Set Maximum I/O to 1 MB using the ATTO 360 tuning profile in the model-specific driver setup guidance. Follow the appropriate driver and setup procedure for your operating system.
USB-C describes the connector shape—not the interface. Your computer must support Thunderbolt 3 (Mac only), Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 5, USB4, or USB4 v2 through its USB-C port.
Supported interfaces
Thunderbolt 3 (Mac only)
Thunderbolt 4
Thunderbolt 5
USB4
USB4 v2
Unsupported interfaces
USB 2.0
USB 3.0
USB 3.1
USB 3.2
Charging-only USB-C ports
Confirm other configurations: Check interface, driver and software support before purchase.
The drive includes one 2-meter USB4 v2 cable. If replacing the included cable, use a certified Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4, or Thunderbolt 5 cable for optimal performance and reliable device detection. While the connector is USB-C, not all USB-C cables support Thunderbolt or high-speed USB4 operation.
Sustained Source Performance
170 MB/s+
For reliable LTO-8 streaming, the computer or storage source should be able to maintain at least 170 MB/s sustained transfer performance, not just short burst speeds.
Typical bottlenecks include:
For best results, use fast local SSD storage, RAID storage, or 10GbE-or-faster network storage capable of sustained throughput.
Backup or Archive Software
Software Required
LTO tape drives require compatible backup, archive, or LTFS software to operate the drive, write data, restore files, and manage tape workflows. XPNTL Solo LTFS software is included. Other software is sold separately unless otherwise specified. Examples include LTFS, XPNTL Solo, Archiware P5, YoYotta, Veeam, Retrospect, and other software that supports standalone LTO tape drives.
Operating Humidity
20%–50% RH
Maintain a practical operating target of 20%–50% relative humidity whenever possible. Avoid condensation at all times, as moisture can damage tape media and precision drive components. Use a clean, climate-controlled environment and avoid rapid environmental changes, dust, and blocked ventilation.
Specifications
| Model Number | TRB5-L8-BASE |
| LTO Generation | LTO-8 |
| Native Cartridge Capacity | 12TB |
| Compatible Media | • LTO-8 (Read/Write) • LTO-7 Type M / M8 (Read/Write) • LTO-7 (Read/Write) |
| Offline Storage Capability | Removable LTO cartridges can be ejected and stored offline away from connected systems |
| Host Interface | Thunderbolt / USB4 over USB-C |
| Native Transfer Rate | Up to 360 MB/s read/write |
| Cooling Design | Active cooling and thermal management for extended desktop archive workflows |
| Dimensions (W × H × D) | 8.5 × 6 × 12.375 in; Weight: 16 lbs |
| Shipping Dimensions | 18 × 14 × 12 in |
| Shipping Weight | 17.4 lbs |
| Recommended Operating Environment | Clean, climate-controlled environment. Maintain a practical operating target of approximately 20%–50% relative humidity when possible. Avoid condensation at all times, rapid environmental changes, dust, and blocked ventilation. |
| Supported Operating Systems | Windows 11 or above, macOS (Intel and Apple Silicon Macs), and Linux; a compatible Thunderbolt/USB4 host, model-appropriate drivers and compatible backup, archive or LTFS software are required. |
| Installation Orientation | Horizontal use only. Never use an LTO drive in a vertical orientation. |
| Standard Warranty | 1-Year Limited Warranty; optional upgrade to 3 years total coverage for $749 |
Whether you're backing up a single workstation or designing an enterprise archive, MagStor provides free pre-sales solutions consulting to help you select the right hardware, software, media, and long-term storage strategy.
Questions? Contact the MagStor sales team—we're happy to help.
MagStor® is a registered trademark of MagStor Inc
Thunderbolt™ is a trademark of Intel
Mac™ is a trademark of Apple
