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 offers an innovative solution with Echo™ III Desktop, a professional Thunderbolt expansion system that allows you to connect up to three full-length (12.28 inches) PCIe cards simultaneously. Using a single Thunderbolt cable, it’s compatible with Apple M series or Intel Macs with Thunderbolt 3 ports, and Windows or Linux computers with Thunderbolt 5, 4, or USB4 ports.
Three Slot Professional Desktop PCIe Card Expansion – 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).
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 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.
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 17 dBA 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 and Intel Macs with Thunderbolt 3 ports.
Supports Windows computers with Thunderbolt 5, 4, or USB4 ports.
Supports Linux computers with Thunderbolt 5, 4, or USB4 ports.
Founded in 1986 in Orange County, Southern California — long recognized as a vibrant hub of technology and engineering — Sonnet has been at the forefront of innovation for nearly four decades. We’ve introduced award-winning products that expand performance and connectivity for Mac, Windows, and other industry-standard computers. Many of our team members have been with us for more than 20 years, bringing unmatched expertise across both current and legacy products. Should you ever need technical support, you can count on our knowledgeable staff to provide the help you need.
Echo III Desktop features one x16 and two x8 PCIe 3.1 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, Echo III Desktop is engineered for ultra-quiet operation, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. Rated at just 17 dBA — below the 20 dBA threshold prescribed for recording and broadcast studios — the fans distribute sound across a broader frequency range to reduce the impact of any single tone. Temperature-controlled for smooth, gradual speed adjustments, the fans work with an airflow-optimized enclosure design to keep installed cards cool while maintaining exceptionally low acoustic levels.
Many Sonnet Thunderbolt products featuring Thunderbolt ports come equipped with threaded mounting holes to securely attach a Sonnet ThunderLok connector lock, 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.
Echo III Desktop is purposely designed with a Thunderbolt 3 controller and its four lanes of PCIe (not available in a Thunderbolt 4 peripheral) to achieve maximum simultaneous ingest speeds. Watch this video to learn more about the performance benefits.
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.
