Echo Express III-R

Use Up to Three PCIe Cards with Computers Lacking Expansion Slots

Today’s ultra-light notebooks, mini, and all-in-one desktop computers now have tremendous processing power–power that many thought would only be possible in full-size workstation or large desktop computers. Smaller in size and more portable, they’re very desirable. For pros in the creative fields, processing power alone is not enough. A prime example is the new Mac Pro. Proven to be a processing powerhouse and packed with Thunderbolt 2 and USB 3.0 ports, it lacks the PCIe expansion slots necessary to install specialty cards to connect various video and audio inputs, for transcoding data, and to connect to high-speed storage and networks. With the Echo Express III-R, Sonnet has created a solution that leverages the paradigm shift enabled by Thunderbolt technology, allowing PCIe expansion slots to be connected outside a computer. This rackmount Thunderbolt 2-to-PCIe card expansion chassis makes it possible for you to connect three professional video capture, audio interface, SAS or SATA HBA, 16Gb or 8Gb Fibre Channel, 10 Gigabit Ethernet, and RAID controller PCIe cards to any Mac® with a Thunderbolt port.

Featuring 20Gbps Thunderbolt 2 technology that provides sufficient bandwidth to support many of the highest performance and most demanding PCIe cards, the Echo Express III-R delivers maximum performance when connected to a computer with Thunderbolt 2. The III-R is also fully compatible with computers with 10Gbps Thunderbolt technology, supporting the majority of cards at full-performance.

Avid Qualified • Media Composer • Pro Tools

The Echo Express III-R is Avid qualified. It has been tested and approved for use with Pro Tools HD 11 software, and is qualified by the Avid Audio group or use with Pro Tools HDX and HD Native systems and separately qualified by the Avid Video group for use with Media Composer/Symphony with the latest Mac Pro (Late 2013). See the AVID website for details on Pro Tools and Media Composer compatibility.

Three Slots, No Compromise

Sonnet’s Echo Express III-R supports three full-size PCIe cards, up to 12.28-inch (full-length). The III-R integrates a universal 300W power supply and includes a 75W PCIe power connector for cards that require supplementary power, such as the Avid® Pro Tools|HDX or the RED® ROCKET-X. Even with all that power, the III-R is enviro-friendly; it automatically powers on or off whenever the connected computer powers on or wakes, or powers off or sleeps, respectively. The use of large, slow-spinning fans in the Echo Express III-R makes it a remarkably quiet operator. Two Thunderbolt ports support daisy chaining of up to six devices to a single port on your computer.

Key Features

Provides PCIe Card Expansion—Use high-performance PCIe cards with Thunderbolt-equipped computers

Thunderbolt 2 Interface—Maximum performance with computers with Thunderbolt 2 technology, backward compatible with host computers and other devices equipped with 10Gbps Thunderbolt technology

Provides Space for Installing Additional Devices—Using optional Mobile Rack Device Mounting Kits, you can install HDDs, SSDs, a tape or optical drive, and more inside the Echo Express III-R enclosure

Upgradeable—When available, upgrade to 40Gbps Thunderbolt 3 Technology with a replacement Thunderbolt interface card

Three PCIe Slots—Supports three full-length, full-height, single-width cards, or one double-width card plus one single-width card

Remarkably Quiet—Large, temperature-controlled, variable-speed fans that automatically cool the cards, plus computer-modeled design that reduces airflow turbulence and velocity, combine to provide quieter cooling for all cards

Integrated Universal Power Supply—Built-in 300W power supply with 75W auxiliary power connector

Rugged Steel Housing—Provides robust and secure protection for any environment

Every Thunderbolt-Compatible Card Supported—Works with every Thunderbolt-compatible PCIe card, regardless of length or height

AVID Qualified for Pro Tools|HDX & HD Native and Media Composer/Symphony

5-Year Warranty Included at No Extra Cost—No extra charge for full 5-year warranty

 Thunderbolt Cable & ThunderLok Included—Includes Thunderbolt cable and ThunderLok Thunderbolt connector retainer clip to secure cable from accidental disconnections