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Description

In the world of digital music production, having reliable hardware is key, and the Apple USB SuperDrive is a trusted sidekick for musicians and producers alike. Designed to complement your Mac Mini, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, or Mac Pro, this sleek and compact drive brings CD and DVD burning capabilities to your fingertips. Whether you're archiving high-quality audio tracks or sharing your latest playlist with friends, the SuperDrive's slot-loading 8x SuperDrive ensures fast and efficient media handling.

Portability is a breeze thanks to its lightweight design, making it a perfect companion for gigs and studio sessions. The SuperDrive connects effortlessly with its built-in USB cable, eliminating the hassle of carrying extra cords. Its versatile functionality allows you to read and write a variety of disc formats, making it an indispensable tool for any musician's tech arsenal.

Effortlessly blend the past with the present as you digitize your old recordings or create new ones. The Apple USB SuperDrive is more than just an accessory; it's a gateway to endless musical possibilities, ensuring that your creations are always preserved and ready to share.

Key Features:

  • Built-in USB cable for seamless connectivity
  • Compatible with Mac Mini, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro (Retina Display model), and Mac Pro
  • Slot-loading 8x SuperDrive (DVD+/-R DL/DVD+/-RW/CD-RW)
  • Writes DVD+R DL and DVD-R DL discs at up to 6x speed
  • Writes DVD-R and DVD+R discs at up to 8x speed
  • Reads DVDs at up to 8x speed
  • Writes CD-R at up to 24x speed and CD-RW at up to 16x speed
  • Reads CDs at up to 24x speed
koofTech

koofTech

Apple USB SuperDrive in 2020 || Unboxing and Burning a Disk with it !

Video thumbnail for Apple USB SuperDrive in 2020 || Unboxing and Burning a Disk with it ! by koofTech

Apple USB SuperDrive in 2020 || Unboxing and Burning a Disk with it !

koofTech

koofTech

Video thumbnail for Apple USB Superdrive Reviewed! by phototristan

Apple USB Superdrive Reviewed!

phototristan

phototristan

Video thumbnail for Apple USB Superdrive by We Review It All

Apple USB Superdrive

We Review It All

We Review It All

Video thumbnail for Apple USB SuperDrive | Our Point Of View by WTI

Apple USB SuperDrive | Our Point Of View

WTI

WTI

Video thumbnail for I've nearly brought back a nostalgia - Apple USB SuperDrive review by Matthew Gromov

I've nearly brought back a nostalgia - Apple USB SuperDrive review

Matthew Gromov

Matthew Gromov

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Apple USB SuperDrive.

Features and functionality

  • The Apple USB SuperDrive has a motor-driven eject feature but may face power issues on certain Macs due to high power consumption over USB 2.0.

    Source
  • The SuperDrive's mechanical nature can be cumbersome; users note difficulty in resuming playback from a stopped DVD.

    Source
  • The SuperDrive is not a standard USB optical drive; it needs a direct connection to an Apple computer and doesn't work through hubs or with non-Apple PCs.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • The SuperDrive is compatible with both Apple and third-party apps, ensuring no compatibility issues for CD/DVD ripping and burning on Apple devices.

    Source
  • Apple DVD Player software is no longer supported; VLC is needed for DVD playback with the SuperDrive.

    Source
  • The SuperDrive functions well with Apple Silicon Macs, including M1 and M2 models, despite issues reported with some USB hubs on these systems.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners have noted that the SuperDrive's hard-wired cable may wear out over time, which could be a concern for long-term durability.

    Source
  • Users report a nostalgic value in using the SuperDrive for burning Redbook audio CDs for clients who prefer physical music formats.

    Source
  • Users attempting to use the SuperDrive and an external USB storage together on a MacBook Air 2008 found it impossible, highlighting connectivity limitations.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Users suggest considering LG brand drives or Samsung USB 3 drives over the SuperDrive, due to outdated technology and limited reading speed capabilities.

    Source
  • An Asus ZenDrive (SDRW-08U9M-U) is highlighted as a cheaper alternative to the SuperDrive, featuring a detachable USB cord and costing around $34 USD.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The SuperDrive is preferred by some for its faster data disc burning compared to certain Blu-ray burners, despite its age and technological limitations.

    Source
  • The SuperDrive is still used for ripping CDs for educational resources and medical imaging stored on outdated formats.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The SuperDrive might require additional power from a hub to function properly with newer Macs, as they may not provide sufficient power via USB ports.

    Source
  • Using a third-party USB-C adapter can cause connectivity issues; the official Apple adapter is recommended for reliable performance.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • SuperDrives can be found used or open-box on eBay for $20-30, offering a budget-friendly option if aesthetics match the Mac Mini.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 6 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Deniz Koyu uses Apple USB SuperDrive

Deniz Koyu

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via Photo

Deniz Koyu keeps the Apple USB SuperDrive in his "mobile production kit for the road" to be able to play and burn both CDs and DVDs on his MacBook Pro.

See how Robin Schulz uses Apple USB SuperDrive

Robin Schulz

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via Photo

This item can be seen in this Instagram picture

See how Lost Frequencies uses Apple USB SuperDrive

Lost Frequencies

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via Photo

Lost Frequencies is seen with an Apple USB SuperDrive in his studio, as shown in an Instagram post captioned "Snack time in the studio 🍪 #nicknack" by lostfrequencies.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Apple USB SuperDrive, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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