For creative pros using the latest portable, mini desktop and all-in-one computers in their workflows, onboard processing power alone is not enough to get the job done. While these Mac®, Windows®, and Linux® computers include high-performance Thunderbolt™ ports to support peripherals, what they lack is PCIe expansion slots to install specialty cards that add needed video and audio inputs, transcode data, and connect to high-speed shared storage and networks. Sonnet has a creative solution — Echo™ III Desktop — a professional Thunderbolt Expansion System that enables you to connect three (up to) full-length (12.28 inches long) PCIe cards at the same time, via a single cable.
Plugged into one of your computer’s Thunderbolt ports, Echo III Desktop system enables you to connect professional PCIe cards (three full-height, single-width cards, or one double-width card plus one single-width card). Watch this video to learn more about the performance benefits of the Thunderbolt controller in Sonnet Thunderbolt products.
Echo III Desktop 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.
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.
At the flick of a switch, the Avid qualified Echo III Desktop 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.
Avid Pro Tools | HDX cards sold separately
Echo III is separately qualified by the Avid Video group for use with Avid Media Composer/Symphony with many current and older Mac computers with Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 2 ports.
Connects up to three high-performance non-GPU PCIe cards via a Thunderbolt cable to your computer lacking expansion slots.
HDX compatibility mode enables use of up to three Pro Tools | HDX PCIe cards with no additional parts needed.
Every Thunderbolt compatible, non-GPU card supported regardless of length or height.
One x16 plus two x8 slots support three full-height, single-width cards, or one double-width card plus one single-width card.
Integrated 400W power supply with 75W auxiliary power. Saves energy by powering on/off automatically with the computer.
Dual temperature-controlled, variable-speed Noctua fans rated at 17dBA automatically and quietly cool the cards.
Offers full PCIe bandwidth for the installed cards.
One port connects to computer; second port supports daisy-chaining of additional Thunderbolt peripheral devices.
Provides robust and secure protection.
Supports M series Macs (with PCIe cards that have compatible drivers).
Supports Intel Macs with Thunderbolt 3 ports and and Windows computers with Thunderbolt 5, 4, or 3 ports.
Supports Linux computers with Thunderbolt 5, 4, or 3 ports.
Founded in 1986 in Orange County, Southern California — the vibrant hub of technology and engineering south of Silicon Valley — Sonnet has been at the forefront of innovation. Over the years, we've developed numerous award-winning products that enhance performance and connectivity for Mac, Windows, and other industry-standard computers. Many of our team members have been with us for over two decades, providing us with extensive expertise about our current and past offerings. If you ever need technical support for any of our products, don’t hesitate to reach out; we’re here to assist you.
Echo III Desktop features one x16 and two x8 PCIe 3. slots, enabling it to support a wide variety of cards at the same time. To support really power-hungry cards, it integrates a universal 400W power supply and includes a 75W auxiliary power connector for non-GPU cards that require extra power, including the Avid Pro Tools | HDX. Designed without a power switch, the Echo III 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!
Featuring dual Noctua fans, the Echo III Desktop 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 the spectrum of their noise to minimize the impact at any single frequency. 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.
Many Sonnet Thunderbolt products featuring Thunderbolt ports come equipped with threaded mounting holes to securely attach Sonnet ThunderLok retainer clips, preventing Thunderbolt cables from accidentally disconnecting.
Sonnet Thunderbolt products feature a high-speed Thunderbolt interface that delivers PCIe bandwidth needed to support data transfers at full speed.
Compatible with Apple M series Macs
see Tech Specs for details
Choose between Echo III Rackmount and Echo III Desktop to suit your workflow needs. 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. Echo III Rackmount even offers space for an optional expansion module.
