Key Features
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Compatibility
Product Description
OWC ArchivePro LTO-8 Thunderbolt 3 Tape Storage & Archiving Solution
OWC Archive Pro LTO is a Thunderbolt 3 desktop tape archival and backup appliance that integrates an Fujifilm LTO-8 12TB data cartridge in a portable enclosure with an optional onboard staging drive bay.
Designed for long-term preservation, it supports LTO‑8 and LTO‑7 cartridges, LTFS drag-and-drop file access, AES‑256 hardware encryption, and WORM compatibility for compliance workflows. Dual Thunderbolt 3 ports enable daisy-chaining and up to 85W host charging, while a DisplayPort 1.4 output supports high-resolution external displays. Typical kits include an LTO‑8 cartridge, cleaning tape, Thunderbolt cable, and archiving software (Hedge Canister Archival/Backup Software), making the Mercury Pro LTO a compact, secure solution for media, enterprise, and compliance-focused archiving.
Features and Benefits
- Built-in Fujifilm LTO-8 12TB data cartridge (reads/writes LTO-8 and LTO-7 cartridges).
- 12 TB native tape capacity per LTO-8 cartridge (up to 30 TB compressed, typical 2.5:1).
- Instant ROI: offers a 577% ROI with up to 53% lower costs vs HDD storage
- Thunderbolt 3 host interface with dual TB3 ports for daisy-chaining and up to 85W host charging.
- Optional onboard staging drive bay (supports 2.5/3.5-inch SSD/HDD configurations) to accelerate pre-staging workflows.
- LTFS support for drag-and-drop cross-platform access (macOS, Windows, Linux).
- AES-256 hardware encryption and WORM cartridge compatibility for compliance-ready archives.
- DisplayPort 1.4 output for high-resolution displays and portable, rugged chassis with handle.
What is in the box
- OWC Archive Pro LTO-8 Thunderbolt Tape Drive Solution
- (1) LTO-8 Tape (12TB native, 30TB compressed)
- (1) Cleaning Cartridge
- (1) 0.7M (28") OWC Thunderbolt Cable
- (1) US Power Cable
- (1) Hedge Canister Archival/Backup Software
- (1) Support Manual for OWC Archive Pro
- (1) Mac ATTO SAS HBA Driver Instructions
- (1) Windows ATTO SAS HBA Driver Instructions
- 3 Year OWC Limited Warranty
Product Q&A
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Q: Which tape formats does the Mercury Pro LTO support?
A: It supports LTO-8 and is backward compatible with LTO-7 cartridges. -
Q: How much data does an LTO-8 cartridge hold?
A: 12 TB native, up to ~30 TB compressed (typical 2.5:1). -
Q: Can I use the unit on Mac and Windows systems?
A: Yes; LTFS and included software provide cross-platform access (macOS, Windows, Linux). -
Q: Does the device offer encryption and compliance features?
A: Yes; it supports AES-256 hardware encryption and WORM cartridges for compliance. -
Q: Is an onboard staging drive available?
A: Yes; optional 2.5/3.5-inch SSD/HDD configurations are supported for pre-staging.







Specification
- Tape format: LTO-8 (compatible with LTO-7)
- LTO Mechanism: IBM LTO Ultrium 8
- LTO Media Included: Fujifilm LTO-8 12TB data cartridge
- Tape capacity (native / compressed): 12 TB native / up to 30 TB compressed (typical 2.5:1)
- Sustained transfer rate (native / compressed): Up to ~360 MB/s native (vendor pages list up to 360 MB/s; reseller pages may list ~300 MB/s depending on firmware)
- Host interface: Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C), two TB3 ports (host + downstream)
- Video output: DisplayPort 1.4 (supports up to 8K)
- Onboard staging drive bay: 2.5/3.5-inch bay supporting optional HDD or SSD (configurations sold with 1 TB, 2 TB, 16 TB, or no staging drive)
- Encryption: AES 256-bit hardware encryption supported
- Compliance: WORM cartridge support (write-once, read-many)
- Software included (varies by bundle): Hedge Canister Archival/Backup Software
- Power / Charging: Provides up to 85W notebook charging via Thunderbolt
- Physical: Portable aluminum chassis with handle; Dimensions: 23.2 cm H × 29.2 cm L × 15.5 cm W; Weight: 5.5 kg (12.21 lbs)
- Typical bundle contents: Mercury Pro LTO unit, LTO-8 cartridge, cleaning cartridge, Thunderbolt 3 cable, power cable, software key/installation (varies by SKU)
- Warranty: 3-year limited
Compatibility
- Device compatibility: macOS, Windows, and Linux hosts with a Thunderbolt (USB-C) port
- Mac OS Compatibility: macOS 10.14 Mojave and later (includes Big Sur, Monterey, Ventura)
- PC OS Compatibility: Windows 10 (64-bit), Windows 11, Windows Server 2022
- Linux: Supported (various distributions); LTFS-compatible on Linux
- Driver / Software: The OWC Archive Pro LTO tape drive communicates over a SAS connection and requires a driver to enable this interface. For downloading and installing instructions, please consult ATTO Express SAS HBA Driver Setup for Mac or ATTO Express SAS HBA Driver Setup for Windows
- Display / Thunderbolt notes: Full DisplayPort 1.4 features depend on host and GPU support; Thunderbolt 2 compatibility requires a certified TB3-to-TB2 adapter and cable and provides limited speeds and no notebook charging
Product Videos
Shipping, Returns & VAT
- Free UK Shipping: Delivered in approx. 2 working days
- Express Options: Faster methods available at checkout
- Free Shipping to Ireland: For orders over £100.00
- International Delivery: Times vary by destination; shipped via FedEx or DHL
- 30-Day Returns: Return within 30 days from order date
- UK, Ireland and EU Customers: Free return label provided
- Full Return Policy: Read Here
- Full Shipping Details: Read Here
VAT & Duties Information
UK & EU Customers: The price shown on our website is the final price you pay. No additional VAT, customs duties, or import fees will be charged upon delivery.
Orders are dispatched from Northern Ireland, allowing us to serve customers across the United Kingdom and the European Union without unexpected import charges.
Non-UK and non-EU destinations: Local taxes, customs duties, and import fees may apply and are the responsibility of the recipient.
Payment
Safe payment on our website.
Pay by card, Klarna, PayPal, Apple Pay, G-Pay, Shop Pay, Revolut, Bancontact, iDeal, or even bank transfer.
Customer Service
Email and chat available 24/7
Free number UK: 08001954072
International: +442838341148
Phone Line Opening Hours
- Monday - Friday: 09:00-17:00

