Sonnet Echo III Rackmount Thunderbolt 5 Expansion System

Creatively ExpandableThe Sonnet Echo III Rackmount is a professional-grade connectivity and expansion solution designed for reliable, high-performance connectivity to studio, post-production, and IT environments. Built for installation in a standard equipment rack, it helps consolidate essential devices, peripherals, and workflow-critical connections into a secure, organised rackmount setup. Perfect for creative professionals, production teams, and technical users, the Sonnet Echo III rackmount solution supports efficient device integration, dependable performance, and a cleaner, more organised workspace, making it a practical choice for demanding creative and professional workflows.

The Thunderbolt Interface ConnectionThe best portable, mini desktop and all-in-one computers feature powerful CPUs and include high-performance Thunderbolt ports to support peripherals. But they lack the PCIe expansion slots creative pros need to install specialty adapter cards that enable their workflows by adding video and audio inputs, transcoding data, and connecting to high-speed shared storage and networks. Sonnet has a Thunderbolt solution — Echo III Rackmount — a professional Thunderbolt expansion system that allows you to connect up to three full-length (12.28 inches) PCIe cards simultaneously.

when connected to one of your computer’s Thunderbolt ports, Echo III enables you to connect professional PCIe cards (three full-height, single-width cards, or one double-width card plus one single-width card).

Supports Every Thunderbolt Compatible, Non-GPU PCIe CardEcho III Rackmount supports every Thunderbolt compatible, non-GPU PCIe 4.0, 3.0, 2.0, and 1.1 card available including video capture and transcoding; audio DSP; 6Gb or 12Gb SAS or SATA host bus adapter; 10Gb or 25Gb Ethernet; SSD storage; and other specialty types to your system.

Ready for up to Three Pro ToolsAt the flick of a switch, the Avid qualified Echo III Rackmount system is instantly optimized to support up to three Pro Tools | HDX PCIe cards, with no extra parts necessary! This system has been tested and is qualified by Avid Audio group for use with Avid Pro Tools HD 2020 software, and Avid Pro Tools HDX and HD Native systems.

HDX System in 4U Rack SpaceSonnet makes it easy to integrate a complete 2- or 3-card Pro Tools | HDX system and a Mac mini in just 4U of rack space. With the rugged 1U RackMac mini rackmount enclosure plus the 2U Echo III Rackmount you can combine the power of HDX with any Avid Pro Tools hardware I/O for a complete system, including the exciting Pro Tools | MTRX Studio all-in-one audio interface.

Plus Power to SpareEcho III Rackmount features one x16 and two x8 PCIe 3.1 slots, enabling it to support a wide variety of cards at the same time. It integrates a universal 400W power supply, plus a 75W auxiliary power connector to support especially power-hungry non-GPU cards, including the Avid Pro Tools | HDX. Echo III was designed without a power switch, because it powers on and off automatically with the connected computer, saving energy in the long run. With no power switch, you can’t forget to turn off the system!

Maximum AirflowEcho III Rackmount mounts in a rack space 2U tall, and is only 16.5 inches deep, making it ideal for use in mobile racks, carts, rack cases, and server rooms. Its enclosure is formed of heavy-duty steel to provide secure mounting for the Echo III module and protection for the PCIe cards installed inside, and to support maximum airflow for cooling, regardless of where you install it in a rack.

Ultra-quiet OperationFeaturing dual Noctua fans, Echo III Rackmount is designed to deliver ultra-quiet operation so that it can be comfortably used in noise-sensitive environments. Rated at 17 dBA — below the 20 dBA ceiling prescribed for use in recording and broadcast studios — the fans spread their noise spectrum to minimize any single frequency’s impact. To further ensure negligible noise levels, the fans are temperature-controlled, automatically speeding up and slowing down smoothly as needed, and the enclosure is engineered to optimize airflow over the installed cards to effectively and efficiently cool the system.

Thunderbolt Cable & ThunderLok IncludedSonnet includes a Thunderbolt cable that supports Thunderbolt’s maximum bandwidth and is fully compatible with Thunderbolt 5, 4, and 3 computers. Sonnet also provides ThunderLok, a Thunderbolt connector cable lock, that prevents accidental cable disconnections.

Get Full PerformanceWhether noisy PCIe card fans make it impractical to use Echo III Rackmount in a noise-sensitive environment, or because securing it in another room is required, you may find it necessary to put some space between the chassis and computer. No problem! Thunderbolt optical cables (sold separately), available in lengths from 5 to 50 meters, enable you to locate your equipment where you need and connect the pieces without loss of functionality. These thin, lightweight, and tough fiber optic cables are easy to route, and support high-speed data transmission equal to copper Thunderbolt cables.

Fastest External Interface AvailableSonnet Thunderbolt products feature a high-speed Thunderbolt interface that delivers PCIe bandwidth needed to support data transfers at full speed.