Sonnet - Qio: Pro Universal SxS, P2, CF, SDHC, and SDXC media reader for Mac & PCs

Multiple Slots, Quick Input and Output

Sonnet's Qio is a multi-tasking marvel; this is the industry's first device that supports all major HD video memory card formats in one compact, high-performance device. Qio reads from just about any memory card—SxS, P2⁽²⁾, CompactFlash®, SDHC™ and SDXC™—and external media readers with an eSATA interface, all at high speed. Replacing multiple standalone card readers, Qio's dual P2, SxS, and CF slots enable you to ingest files more efficiently, and the included SD card adapter handles SDHC and SDXC media. Qio reads files from any combination of cards with aggregate bandwidth up to 200 MB/sec., much faster than FireWire® or USB 2.0 adapters are capable.

Choice of Interface

Qio is available with your choice of a PCIe interface card for desktops, an ExpressCard/34 interface for notebooks, or a Thunderbolt interface adapter (with included Thunderbolt cable) for any Mac with a Thunderbolt™ port. With the purchase of an additional Qio PCIe adapter card, ExpressCard/34 card, or Thunderbolt adapter, you can move your Qio from suite to suite, and then to location and back again without breaking a sweat. No matter where you use it, Qio will quickly become an essential tool in your workflow.

Mac and Windows Compatible

Sonnet's Qio offers cross-platform compatibility, extending its usefulness on location and in the studio. Whether you're using a MacBook Pro®, HP Z800 or Mac Pro®, or any Mac with a Thunderbolt port, the Qio fits seamlessly into your workflow.

eSATA Connections

Qio includes four eSATA ports, perfect for connecting media readers with an eSATA interface, such as the RED STATION REDMAG 1.8" and 2.5".

Travel and Desktop Companion

This Sonnet pro media reader is small—about the size of three stacked CD cases—and takes up so little space, you can use it just about anywhere. It's rugged, too—the robust aluminum case easily withstands heavy use. For desktop use, a universal 12V output AC power supply with wall plugs for US, Japan, Europe, UK and Australia use is included. For battery-powered operation, an optional XLR 4-pin adapter cable can route battery power to the Qio. This pro media reader even incorporates a slot for Kensington® and similar security locks to secure the device and deter theft.

Media cards shown in photos for illustration purposes; not included

Key Features

Replaces Multiple Card Readers—Comprehensive memory card compatibility with support for Sony® SxS; Panasonic® P2; CompactFlash; SDHC and SDXC cards (with included adapter); XQD (with adapter, sold separately)

Fast—Uses PCI Express® bus interface to deliver superior performance; aggregate bandwidth of 200 MB/sec.

Choice of Interfaces—Qio package includes your choice of interface; PCI Express 2.0 card for desktops, ExpressCard/34 for notebooks, or Thunderbolt for any Mac with a Thunderbolt port

Mac and Windows Compatible—Qio works with in your workflow, regardless the platform you've chosen

Built-in SATA Connections—Connect media readers with an eSATA interface

Small and Rugged—Strong aluminum case measures just 5.9" x 6.2" x 1.22"

Security—Slot for Kensington and similar security locks to secure the device and deter theft

Media Cards

Qio supports a full range of media cards such as (from left to right) Sony SxS, Panasonic P2, CompactFlash, SDHC, and XQD (not shown, adapter sold separately) cards.

Part No.
QIO-E34	Qio (with PCIe 2.0 bus extender ExpressCard/34 for notebook computers and Sonnet Echo ExpressCard Thunderbolt Adapters)
QIO-PCIE	Qio (with PCIe 2.0 bus extender card for desktop computers and for Sonnet Echo Express Series Thunderbolt™ Expansion Chassis)
QIO-TB	Qio (with Thunderbolt interface adapter for any Mac computer with a Thunderbolt port)
Hardware
Warranty	2-year
External Connectors (Qio Enclosure)	Two CompactFlash (CF) Two CardBus (P2) Two ExpressCard/34 (SxS) Four eSATA External PCIe x1 - 18 Three power
External Connectors (PCIe and ExpressCard Adapter Cards)	External PCIe x1 - 18
External Connectors (Thunderbolt Adapter)	Thunderbolt PCI Express x4 (SFF-8088)
Data Transfer Speed	Up to 200 MB/s aggregate
Bus Interface	PCI Express x1
Supported Media, CompactFlash Slots	Type I CompactFlash
Supported Media, CardBus Slots⁽⁴⁾	P2, P2 E-series
Supported Media, ExpressCard/34 Slots	SxS; SxS Pro; SDXC using included adapter; XQD using adapter (sold separately)
External Media Readers Supported	Four with eSATA interface, such as RED STATION REDMAG 1.8" or 2.5"
Firmware	Flash-ROM upgradeable to latest firmware version
Hot Plug Qio	Supported in MacBook Pro with OS X 10.6.8+
Dimensions WxDxH:	5.9 x 6.2 x 1.2 in. (14.9 x 15.7 x 3 cm)
RoHS Compliant	Yes
Power	12V@3A input 2 X 12V@ 0.5A output
Absolute Maximum Input Voltage	14V (Rev A, B, C) 20V (Rev D and later)
Universal Package Contents	Qio professional universal media reader SD card adapter Universal 12V power supply with 10-foot cable 1-meter external PCIe x1 interface cable Carrying case User’s Guide
Package Contents (QIO-E34)	PCIe 2.0 bus extender ExpressCard/34
Package Contents (QIO-PCIE)	PCIe 2.0 bus extender card
Package Contents (QIO-TB)	Thunderbolt interface adapter 0.5-meter Thunderbolt cable

Mac Compatibility

OS X® Version 10.6.8-10.8.3

MacBook Pro⁽²⁾ with ExpressCard/34 slot
(Order Part No. QIO-E34)

Mac Pro
(Order Part No. QIO-PCIE)

Any Mac with Thunderbolt port
(Order Part No. QIO-TB)

Windows Compatibility

Windows 8

Windows 7

Windows Vista®

Windows Server 2008 R2

Windows Server 2008

PC Compatibility
Known Compatible Desktop Computers

For up-to-date PC compatibility see our Qio Family PC Compatibility Chart

Technical Notes

Support for up to 16 drives requires the use of drive enclosures employing either an FIS-based port multiplier or a hardware RAID storage (like Sonnet's Fusion D400QR5).
Support of P2 cards under OS X limited to 10.7.x and earlier, 32-bit boot only; see this FAQ for more information.

Qio Read Performance

P2 Card (Mac)	25 MB/sec
P2 Card (Windows)	50 MB/sec
CF Card	85 MB/sec
2X CF Card	170 MB/sec
SxS Card	90 MB/sec
2X SxS Card	180 MB/sec

Qio Accessories		Part No.	Description
	FireWire 400-to-3.5mm Power Cable	CABLE-PWR-P200S	1-meter FireWire 400 to 3.5mm power connector cable
	PCIe 2.0 Bus Extender ExpressCard/34	PCIE-E34	Spare ExpressCard/34 interface
	PCIe 2.0 Bus Extender Card	PCIE-E2	Spare PCIe interface card
	Qio Thunderbolt Interface Adapter Kit	QTB-IFK	Thunderbolt interface adapter with PCIe and Thunderbolt cables

Reviews
	Sonnet Qio Review. Very, Very, Fast Offloads. "I had heard about the QIO some time ago, so I approached Sonnet to see if I could borrow a unit to review. I was given the loan of a Sonnet QIO at NAB. I have been playing with it since then and you know what, it’s a great device. So what exactly is it? Well it is an extension box that allows you to connect a range of peripherals and flash memory cards to your computer via the PCI bus. The reason I wanted to borrow one was because the QIO is one of the few devices (the only device?) that allows you to connect SxS, Compact Flash and P2 cards to a computer using the high speed PCI bus with hot-swappable functionality… This is one fast device. If you have lots of media to off-load and backup it’s going to save you a lot of time. If you are a production company that works with large volumes of solid state media it will pay for itself very quickly in saved man-hours. If your working in the field with a MacBook Pro the ability to connect both the media and eSATA devices at the same time makes the QIO a very interesting proposition. It is well constructed, simple to install and use, what more could you ask for." Read more...
	In Review: Sonnet Technologies Qio "The Sonnet Technologies Qio answers one of the most significant questions posed by editors dealing with solid-state media: how do I copy the contents of the cards to my computer? And the Qio answers the question without any uncertainty… Who needs the Qio? Any editor who deals with a variety of solid-state media. Nothing is worse than having a client drop off a P2 card and you have no way to read it. “Er, can I plug your camera into my computer so I can copy the contents of the card?” Or, “I know I have that little USB CF card reader somewhere around here…” And it’s not just for editors needing multiple formats. A solid piece of equipment to me is far preferable to an inexpensive card reader which might be slow and much more subject to failure when you need it most. The Qio is most useful to anyone who needs to extend the bus capability of their computer to additional storage and other compatible card-based devices. The Qio represents the only product of its kind on the market and I am pleased to recommend it with great enthusiasm." Read more...
	Fast Enough? Data-Driven Broadcast Infrastructure "…The single most impressive ingest product that I saw was the Sonnet Technologies Qio, pronounced Cue-Eye-Oh. Using a single PCIe slot, it gives you two P2 readers, two Sony SxS readers, and two CF Card readers. My first reaction was, "It takes up another card slot?!? What if you need a slot for a SATA card?" The Sonnet Qio also incorporates the well known E4P eSATA card - built right into the Qio! So in addition to everything else, you get four eSATA ports, all of which support port multiplication for your eSATA drives. Amazing!" Read more...
	Review: Sonnet Qio "As a solid-state card reader, the Qio accepts every kind of card your cameraman may hand you: P2 cards from Panasonic cameras, CompactFlash cards from digital SLRs or Red cameras, SxS cards from Sony, JVC cameras or Arri cameras, and SDHC cards (via an adapter) from everything else. This versatility is a big deal. As many folks move from tape to solid-state, they can buy one convenient reader that handles it all. Not only does the Qio work with all of these card formats, but it accepts two of each card at a time — two P2 cards, two SxS cards, and so on. It’s like the Noah’s Arc of card readers, and that’s helpful if you’re shooting a lot of cards during the day, and want to copy two at a time. With two cards mounted, you don’t have to hover around your computer as it copies, waiting to slip in the next card. It’s a nice convenience, and no other card reader gives you dual-slotted options for so many media formats. …[its] a great option for production houses, editors and DITs who have to make their way in this world of endless media formats." Read more...

Awards & Case Studies


See what reviewers and customers have to say about other Sonnet products in our News section under Product Reviews and Case Studies.
Bandwagon Media Inc. Case Study Making at premiere splash at the 2010 Dallas International Film Festival (DIFF), Sonnet's Qio™ took front and center stage as it provided high-speed transfers and flawless performance for the Ingest of festival footage from seven HD cameras… Read more...