SSD storage modules by RED with 240–960 GB capacity and 300 MB/s read speed for 6K REDCODE RAW recording on DSMC2 cameras.
Technical Details
RED Mini-Mags utilize internal SATA III SSDs with capacities of 240 GB, 480 GB, and 960 GB. The transfer rate is a maximum of 300 MB/s for reading and 225 MB/s for writing, enabling 6K footage at 23.98 fps in REDCODE RAW 7:1. The housing is made of anodized aluminum with a 22-pin connector and an LED status indicator. The modules operate within a temperature range of -10°C to 55°C and weigh 113 grams. An integrated write-protect switch prevents accidental overwriting, while the contacts are rated for over 10,000 insertion cycles.
History & Development
RED introduced the Mini-Mag system in 2013 with the RED Dragon sensor family, as a successor to the larger RED-Mag modules. The first generation supported 120 MB/s but was expanded to 225 MB/s in 2014. In 2016, the Mini-Mag SSD 2.0 arrived with improved heat dissipation and higher reliability. With the introduction of DSMC2 cameras in 2017, the modules received the current 300 MB/s specification. RED developed the system in response to the increasing data volumes from RAW 4K and 6K footage.
Practical Use in Film
Mini-Mags are used in productions such as "The Martian" (2015, RED Dragon), "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2" (2017, RED Weapon 8K), and Netflix series like "Mindhunter." The workflow requires at least three modules per camera: one in the camera, one as a backup, and one for data download. With 6K REDCODE footage, a 480 GB module fills up in approximately 45 minutes. The modules cannot be swapped during recording, thus requiring precise capacity planning. Advantages include immediate playback without spooling and digital metadata capture.
Comparison & Alternatives
Unlike CFast 2.0 cards (max. 600 MB/s) or Sony XQD (max. 440 MB/s), Mini-Mags are exclusively compatible with RED cameras. The larger RED-Mag 1.8 modules offer higher capacities up to 1.92 TB but are significantly bulkier. Newer RED cameras like the V-Raptor support CFexpress Type B cards as an alternative. However, Mini-Mags remain the most cost-effective option for RED workflows, as data transfer occurs via standard USB 3.0 docks instead of expensive proprietary readers.