Echo III Desktop

3-slot Desktop Thunderbolt to PCIe Card Expansion System for Computers with Thunderbolt Ports

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

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 the 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 Macs or Intel Macs with Thunderbolt 3 ports, as well as Windows or Linux computers with Thunderbolt 5 or Thunderbolt 4 ports.

The Thunderbolt Interface Connection

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).

Supports Every Thunderbolt Compatible, Non-GPU PCIe 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.

Avid Pro Tools Qualified

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.

Three PCIe 3.1 Slots and Power to Spare

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!

Dual Fans. Ultra-quiet Operation.

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.

Secure Connections for High Performance

Thunderbolt Cable and ThunderLok Included

ThunderLok Advantage

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.

Thunderbolt Technology

Fastest External Interface Available

Sonnet Thunderbolt products feature a high-speed Thunderbolt interface that delivers PCIe bandwidth needed to support data transfers at full speed.