I’m trying to get a SQ drive going to capture life performances. I bought a fast 128Gb micro SD card and a USB adapter. Formatted it to FAT32 using a utility. Gave it a name SQ_DRIVE. When I insert it in the SQ5 mixer and go to format it just sits there for many minutes with no activity. The progress bar appears but it sits at zero. It’s this SD card not compatible with the SQ? By the way I’m on 1.53 firmware.
It’s very possible that the SD card is not working with the console.
Sometimes this is just a compatibility issue. Sometimes it is because the SD card has some hidden partitions on it. Often times these cards come with preinstalled “recovery” software, etc on them that is on it’s own small partition. Sometimes if you delete ALL of the partitions on the SD card and end up with a single partition that contains all of the storage space, you can get it to work with more devices.
Thanks for the answer. Definitely no hidden partitions or recovery software on it. At least Windows Disk Management does not show any. I’ll have to buy a different SD card.
The SQ 5 has no problems handling a 128GB card I assume. At least I have not seen any indications that it might be the case.
Another question. Is the SQ5 compatible with USB SSD drives? I can get 128GB one for about $25.00, not that the price is very important. I just need something that will work reliably and capture multiple channels for at least one hour at a time.
SD card is not a very pro product, i had also problem with usb stick for multitrack recording with my sq5, now i bought a drive with its own power, and i don’t have any problem anymore, take a look to this topic in this forum : https://forums.allen-heath.com/t/failed-sq-drive-multitrack-recording/12498
Regarding USB SSD drives.
I use both an USB enclosure with a 2.5” SSD, and an enclosure with a M.2 and both has so far been working with not hickups at all.
The 2.5” is the first one I started using back in 2019 when I got the console, so far I have used it for both stereo and multitrack recordings up to 2-3 hours with no problems what so ever.
And additional the following 2 thoughts:
Keep in mind that your firmware is from March 2021 and is therefore already quite outdated.
While it’s not certain that this is causing the problem, it certainly can’t also be ruled out.
With just 32 GB you could already record the maximum number of channels for 1h 55min.
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I’ve been using WD and Kingston 2.5” SSDs and they work flawlessly. Housed in a clear plastic caddy.
And the write speeds will be way better that thumb drives or SD cards.
If you used FAT32, do you remember what size you used for the “cluster size”. This is the “smallest unit size” when data is written to the disk.
Im not sure what size your files are, but the cluster size makes this transfer speed faster or slower depending on your file size.
How is the writing speed of this drive in say a computer or laptop?
What i dont get, is they have different articles about 3rd party storage solutions. But i dont see any info about formatting method or best setup
One additional comment, what is the quality of the USB to SD micro converter?? It could be adding issue.
And finally, take a look at https://support.allen-heath.com/hc/en-gb/articles/4402940155793-SQ-Understanding-SQ-USB-recording-and-playback
Then about 1/2 way down, refer to the following paragraph AND then follow the link on “here” to view the Google spreadsheet.
That link is https://www.allen-heath.com/usbdevicelist/
A quick update. It was the USB to SD Card adapter. I used the same SD card in an older USB adapter and it formatted and worked instantly. The one I originally bought was too advanced apparently. I figured that something was wrong with the USB adapter when I tried to use it in my car to capture the cameras and the car’s system threw an error.
By the way it was this USB adapter. Amazon.com: acer SD Card Reader USB C, Dual Slots USB 3.0 Type C to Micro SD Card Adapter, Memory Card Reader for MicroSD, SDHC, SDXC, Compatible with Laptop, PC, iPhone16/15, MacBook Pro/Air, iPad Pro, Android : Electronics
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