Connect Three Full-length PCIe Cards to Computers with Thunderbolt 3 Ports

The 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 solution—the Echo™ III Rackmount—a professional Thunderbolt™ 3 to PCIe card expansion system that enables you to connect three (up to) full-length (12.28 inches long) PCIe cards to your computer at the same time, via a single cable.

The Thunderbolt 3 Link

Plugged into one of your computer’s Thunderbolt 3 ports, the Echo III Rackmount system delivers 2750 MB/s of PCIe bandwidth and 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 3 Compatible, Non-GPU PCIe Card

Do you have a card in mind but aren’t sure it’s compatible? We’ve put together a compatibility list that identifies cards conforming to Thunderbolt technology requirements, and organized by fit and power compatibility with specific expansion systems. 

SEE A LIST OF SUPPORTED PCIE CARDS (PDF) ❯ 

At 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 chassis 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.

Three PCIe 3.0 Slots Plus Power to Spare

The Echo III Rackmount features one x16 and two x8 PCIe 3.0 slots(1), 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. The 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!

Built for Cool, Rackable Expansion

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

Rack Ready

The Echo III Rackmount’s included adjustable rackmount extension rails enable the 2U enclosure to be installed securely in a variety of racks from 16 to 24 inches deep.

Dual Fans. Ultra-quiet Operation.

Featuring dual Noctua fans, the Echo III Rackmount is designed to deliver ultra-quiet operation so that it can be comfortably used in noise-sensitive environments. Rated at 17.1dBA—below the 20dBA 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.

Included at No Extra Charge

Sonnet Thunderbolt 3 Cable & ThunderLok 3

Sonnet includes a 0.7-meter Thunderbolt 3 (40Gbps) cable that transfers data at Thunderbolt 3’s full 2750 MB/s PCIe bandwidth. In addition, Sonnet provides a ThunderLok 3 Thunderbolt connector retainer clip(2) that prevents accidental cable disconnections—just slide it over one end of the cable, and then plug in the connector and secure it to the chassis by turning a thumbscrew. Because of its unique design, ThunderLok remains on the cable so it won’t get lost when not in use.

Fastest External Interface Available. Thunderbolt 3 – the USB-C That Does It All

The Echo III Rackmount features a 40Gbps Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C®) interface that delivers up to 2750 MB/s of PCIe bandwidth(1), enabling it to support 4K video capture and processing cards at high frame rates, multiple audio DSPs, and 25GbE and dual-port 10GbE network cards at full performance.(3)(4)

Key Features

• Adds Connectivity & Capabilities

Connects up to three high-performance non-GPU PCIe cards to your computer lacking expansion slots via a Thunderbolt 3 cable.

• Broad PCIe Card Compatibility

Every Thunderbolt 3 compatible, non-GPU card supported regardless of length or height.

• Pro Tools | HDX Compatible(1)

HDX compatibility mode enables use of up to three Pro Tools | HDX PCIe cards with no additional parts needed.

• Three PCIe 3.0 Slots(1)

One x16 plus two x8 slots support three full-height, single-width cards, or one double-width card plus one single-width card.

• Pro Power

Integrated 400W power supply with 75W auxiliary power. Saves energy by powering on/off automatically with the computer.

• Remarkably Quiet

Dual temperature-controlled, variable-speed Noctua fans rated at 17dBA automatically and quietly cool the cards.

• 40Gbps Thunderbolt 3 Interface

Offers 2750 MB/s of PCIe bandwidth for the installed cards(1).

• Two Thunderbolt 3 Ports

One port connects to computer; second port supports daisy-chaining of up to five additional Thunderbolt peripheral devices.

• Rugged 2U Steel Rackmount Housing + Optional Expansion Space

Provides robust and secure protection in server and DIT racks; space for optional future expansion.