A general question on audio drive formatting

[tld]

I started out using my Mix+ system on Protools version 5.0 and Mac OS 9.0 with an ATTO EPCI-DC dual channel SCSI card. I got myself a pair of 9GB Seagate Barracudas and simply initialized them with the Apple Drive Utility and everything worked fine. I even tested recording 64 tracks simultaneously...no problem. As a result, I've wound up paying little attention to the sometimes confusing threads here regarding FWB etc, and have never low level formatted either drive. In fact, the Seagate manual indicates that there should be no need to low level format them.

Two questions:

1. Is there any compelling reason for me to use anything else, or are most of these formatting issues mostly with the pre-5.0 software?

2. When I upgrade to 5.0.1 is there any reason I will have any problem with the drives as they are? (I'm still a little confused about the new formatting utility)

So far it ain't broke...so I ain't fixed it.....TIA.

Tom


[This message has been edited by tld (edited August 01, 2000).]

[tld]

bump...any advice Digi?

[jimlongo]

You shouldn't ever need to low level format a drive. Just quick format with FWB and IMO HFS+ is also a better way to go.
I would imagine that although digi recommends FWB, Apple drive setup will also work fine.
It is a good idea to reformat drives periodically. Backup / reformat / restore

jim

[tld]

Thanks much Jim. When you refer to quick formatting, I assume you simply mean simply initiallizing the drive. I plan to do the Backup/reformat/restore soon in case the drive may be getting fragmented.

Thanks again,
Tom