Keep your SAS workflow
Connect through a tape-qualified SAS host bus adapter and a correctly matched external cable.
MagStor AIR · SAS desktop · LTO-9
18 TB native tape capacity.
Desktop LTO with a SAS connection.
The SAS-HL9-AIR brings half-height LTO-9 tape storage to your existing SAS workflow in the AIR enclosure. Connect to a tape-qualified SAS host adapter, use compatible archive software, and write verified copies you can take offline.
Model / SKU: SAS-HL9-AIR

AIR enclosure. SAS workflow.
Connect through a tape-qualified SAS host bus adapter and a correctly matched external cable.
The AIR enclosure gives the tape mechanism its own desktop housing. Use independent AC power and keep ventilation openings clear.
One eligible SAS AIR drive includes one perpetual XPNTL SOLO license with one year of software updates and support through MagStor redemption. Software coverage is separate from the hardware warranty.
Write and verify the archive, eject the cartridge, and store it separately from connected systems for an offline retention copy.
Ask MagStor to verify TAA status and documentation for SAS-HL9-AIR and the exact supplied configuration before ordering. TAA status for this new AIR SKU is pending confirmation; the status of another SAS model does not establish it.
Before purchase & setup
Use a tape-qualified, non-RAID SAS HBA and a correctly matched external cable.
Windows, macOS or Linux support depends on the complete host, adapter and application combination. Verify current compatibility rather than relying on connector fit alone.
Install compatible backup, archive or LTFS software for LTO-9, your operating system and required media format. Confirm application support for the drive, host adapter and media you plan to use.
XPNTL SOLO LTFS is included through MagStor redemption. Confirm the full host, adapter and application combination; other applications require their own compatible licensing and setup.
Included software
Your eligible SAS-HL9-AIR drive includes one perpetual XPNTL SOLO LTFS software license with one year of software updates and support. You may keep using the licensed version after support and updates end. Software coverage is separate from the hardware warranty.
Redeem through MagStor using the instructions supplied with your drive. Enter your drive serial number, purchase source, country/region, model and redemption code. Hardware eligibility and prior-redemption checks apply; one promotional claim per eligible device purchased.
The optional, limited-time bonus adds one year of SOLO support and updates after MagStor verifies an honest review of your purchased eligible MagStor drive on MagStor.com. Any honest rating qualifies. Paid extra years are available at $59 USD each and stack with the included year and any verified review bonus. The SOLO license remains perpetual.
Native tape throughput of up to 300 MB/s requires sustained source-storage, host and application performance. Fast local SSD/NVMe staging, suitable RAID or a fast end-to-end network can help maintain streaming.
1GbE is below the maximum native rate of one drive, before accounting for overhead. Measure sustained performance with representative data rather than relying on burst speeds.
Each enclosure requires its own AC power; the SAS cable does not power the drive. Operate horizontally on a stable surface with ventilation unobstructed.
Use a clean, climate-controlled room. Avoid dust, condensation, direct heat and rapid environmental changes. Follow the final SAS AIR installation guide and the cartridge manufacturer’s environmental limits.
| Cartridge | Support | Native capacity | Compressed capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| LTO-9 | Read / write | 18TB | 45TB* |
| LTO-8 | Read / write | 12TB | 30TB* |
| LTO-7 / M8 / LTO-10 | Not compatible | — | — |
*Compressed capacity assumes 2.5:1 compression. Actual capacity depends on the data; already-compressed files may see little or no further reduction. Plan storage using native capacity.
Value media
Value-focused LTO-9 media sourced from leading tape manufacturers and vetted by MagStor. Choose labeled or unlabeled 10- and 20-packs. Original manufacturer branding and shell color may vary. Lifetime media warranty for the original registered owner.
View Choice LTO-9 media →Premium certified media
Premium LTO-9 media cleaned, tested and calibrated before first use, with new/unused certification and pre-applied barcode labels. Supplied as a 10-pack, with lifetime media warranty for the original registered owner. NanoPure LTO-9 is supplied pre-calibrated to reduce first-use preparation.
View NanoPure LTO-9 media →Media is sold separately. Media warranty applies to eligible cartridges, not to the drive.
SAS AIR · LTO-9
| Model / SKU | SAS-HL9-AIR |
| Tape mechanism | LTO-9 Ultrium · half-height |
| Native cartridge capacity | 18 TB on LTO-9 media |
| Native transfer rate | Up to 300 MB/s; source, media and system dependent |
| Drive SAS interface | 12 Gb/s SAS |
| Enclosure | AIR enclosure platform; horizontal operation |
| External SAS connector | Final rear-panel connector and cable specification pending confirmation |
| Media compatibility | LTO-9 and LTO-8 read/write |
| Host connection | Tape-qualified SAS HBA and matching external cable |
| Product photographs | Edited representative AIR enclosure photography; Thunderbolt ports and host marking brushed out in the rear reference |
| Software included | One perpetual XPNTL SOLO LTFS license with one year of software updates and support, through MagStor redemption |
| Final configuration | Contact MagStor to confirm box contents and hardware warranty for your supplied configuration |
| Shipping dimensions | 18 × 14 × 12 in. |
| Shipping weight | 13 lb |
SAS link speed is not tape-transfer speed. Native capacity and transfer figures are not guarantees of an end-to-end job rate.
SAS setup questions
Use a tape-qualified, non-RAID SAS host bus adapter and a correctly matched external cable. This is a SAS drive, not a direct USB-C drive; a passive USB-to-SAS adapter is not a substitute for the required host interface.
Use compatible backup, archive or LTFS software for LTO-9, your operating system and host adapter. Confirm application support and licensing before installation. One perpetual XPNTL SOLO LTFS license with one year of software updates and support is included through MagStor redemption; other applications require separate licensing.
No. The enclosure requires its own AC power. Operate horizontally on a stable surface and keep all ventilation openings unobstructed.
AIR enclosure gallery



Front photographs show the matching AIR enclosure platform. The rear is an edited representative reference, not verified photography of the final SAS configuration. Thunderbolt ports and the host marking have been retouched away; no replacement connectors were invented.
Ask MagStor about an optional TRB5 AIR pairing. Electrical compatibility and the cable for this new model must be confirmed before use. The intended physical arrangement places SAS AIR on top of TRB5 AIR, with both units stable and horizontal, ventilation unobstructed, and independent AC power.
The setup manual is being revised for this intended stacked arrangement. The final SAS AIR connector is still being verified; SAS-to-SAS daisy-chaining is not confirmed.
Configuration & setup
Talk to MagStor about your SAS host adapter, cable, software, media and sustained source-storage performance.
SKU: SAS-HL9-AIR