Tape Storage Products

Spectra SL3 Library

Powerful tape library in a compact 3U footprint, built to grow with your business.

Spectra SL3 — Simple, Scalable, & Secure Tape Storage

Spectra SL3 libraries deliver big capabilities in a small package, making it the perfect fit for organizations that need reliable, long-term storage without giving up valuable rack space. Start small and scale up as your data grows, all while enjoying intuitive management, quick installation, and built-in ransomware protection. With the SL3 library, you get the proven performance, flexibility, and peace of mind — at a size and price that’s right for you.

Spectra SL3 Tape Library offering scalable, space-saving enterprise data archiving with built-in ransomware protection

Max Capacity: 

  • LTO-10 Native: 19.2 PB
  • LTO-10 Compressed: 48.0 PB

Max Drives:

  • Half Height: 48
  • Full Height: 16

Max Slots:

  • 640

Max Throughput (Full Height):

  • Native – 51.8 TB/hr
  • Compressed – 155.4 TB/hr
SPECTRA SL3

Benefits

  • Easy to use Intuitive user interface for management and reporting through a color touch screen or remote web interface.
  • Modular, scalable design Start small and expand to 40 slots and 3 drives per expansion module in less than 30 minutes.
  • Integrates with your environment Support for all major backup software, archiving software, and operating systems with multiple network connectivity options.
  • Store more, spend less Easy to scale or upgrade drive and media generations while preserving your initial investment and footprint.
  • Secure data against attacks Tape offers the only true "offline" air gap for data protection, eliminating unauthorized electronic access.
  • Designed for 24/7 operations Reliable with 100% duty cycle, error recovery, and reporting for maximum performance.

Intuitive Management

The Spectra SL3 library makes managing your data storage simple and stress-free. Its easy-to-use web interface lets you check system status, run reports, and manage media from anywhere — no special software needed. With secure remote access and automated alerts, you can stay informed and in control, saving time and reducing IT workload. It’s a smarter, more efficient way to keep your growing data safe and organized.

Simplified Tape Operations

LTO-9 tape media cartridge for high-capacity, high-speed data backup and archiving

Easily manage media with the option to import or export a single tape through the mail slot or up to 20 tapes at a time using one of two magazines per module. Built-in barcode scanning automatically tracks each cartridge, keeping data organized and accessible. These streamlined tape operations save time, reduce errors, and ensure your critical information is always ready when needed.

Big Capacity, Small Footprint

Occupying just 3U of rack space, the Spectra SL3 library delivers exceptional storage density with up to 40 LTO slots per module. Starting small and scaling to 640 slots and 19.2 PB of native capacity with expansion modules, it’s ideal for organizations needing enterprise-class storage in limited space. Its modular design offers a cost-effective, “pay-as-you-grow” path for meeting explosive data growth without expanding your footprint.

Spectra SL3 Tape Library offering scalable, space-saving enterprise data archiving with built-in ransomware protection

Specifications at a glance

Capacity & Throughput
# Control Modules | # Expansion Modules1 | 01 | 11 | 21 | 31 | 15 (maximum configuration)
Max Slot Count | Media Type40 | LTO80 | LTO120 | LTO160 | LTO640 | LTO
Max Native Capacity11.2 PB2.4 PB3.6 PB4.8 PB19.2 PB
Max Compressed Capacity23.0 PB6.0 PB9.0 PB12.0 PB48.0B
Max Drives3 HH | 1 FH6 HH | 2 FH9 HH | 3 FH12 HH | 4 FH48 HH | 16 FH
Max Native Throughput3 (TB/hr.)3.26.49.612.851.8
Max SLS Partitions2020202020
Tape Drives SupportedLTO-10 | LTO-9 | LTO-8 | LTO-7 | LTO-6
  1. Maximum native capacity is based on LTO-10 media.
  2. LTO-10 assumed compression ratio is 5:1.
  3. Based on half-height LTO-9 drives.
Environmentals – All LTO Drives
ModeDry-Bulb TemperatureMaximum Temperature Rate of ChangeRelative Humidity (non-condensing)Maximum Humidity Rate of ChangeAltitude (max)
Allowable Environment16°C to 32°C (60°F to 90°F)5°C per hour
9°F per hour
20% to 80%
22°C dew point max
5% per hour with no condensation3,048 m (10,000 ft)
Recommended Environment16°C to 25°C (60°F to 77°F)5°C per hour
9°F per hour
20% to 50%
22°C dew point max
5% per hour with no condensation3,048 m (10,000 ft)
Reliability
Library5 minutes for hot-swap drives and power supplies.
10 minutes for non-hot-swap components
RoboticMean Swaps Between Failures (MSBF): 2 million
Power Requirements100-240v AC, 50/60 Hz
80 PLUS Gold Power Supplies
Dimensions
Control ModuleExpansion Module
Width18.7 in (475 mm)18.7 in (475 mm)
Depth35.1 in (892 mm)35.1 in (892 mm)
Height5.27 in (134 mm)5.27 in (134 mm)
Weight44.1 lb (20.0 kg)39.7 lb (18.0 kg)

Resources

Download Product Datasheets

SL3 Library datasheet

SL3 Library presentation

Spectra Library Portfolio datasheet

Spectra Optical SAS switch