Sonnettech Echo III Desktop 3-slot Thunderbolt™ 3 to PCIe card expansion system

Connect Three Full-length PCIe Cards to Computers with Thunderbolt 3 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 computers include high-performance Thunderbolt™ 3 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 solution—the Echo™ III Desktop—a professional Thunderbolt™ 3 to PCIe card 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.

The Thunderbolt 3 Link
Plugged into one of your computer’s Thunderbolt 3 ports, the 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).

Supports Every Thunderbolt 3 Compatible, Non-GPU PCIe Card
Echo III Desktop supports every Thunderbolt 3 compatible, non-GPU PCIe 1.1/2.0/3.0 card available including video capture and transcoding; audio DSP; 6Gb or 12Gb SAS or SATA host bus adapter; 10Gb, 25Gb or 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
Ready for up to three Pro Tools | HDX PCIe Cards – no extra parts required
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 3.0 Slots and Power to Spare
The Echo III Desktop features one x16 and two x8 PCIe 3.0 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! 

Sonnet Thunderbolt 3 Cable & ThunderLok 3
Sonnet includes a 0.7-meter Thunderbolt 3 (40Gbps) cable that transfers data at Thunderbolt 3’s full 2750 MB/s PCIe bandwidth. In addition, Sonnet provides a ThunderLok 3 Thunderbolt connector retainer clip(2) that prevents accidental cable disconnections—just slide it over one end of the cable, and then plug in the connector and secure it to the chassis by turning a thumbscrew. Because of its unique design, ThunderLok remains on the cable so it won’t get lost when not in use.

Key Features:

Adds Connectivity & Capabilities
Connects up to three high-performance non-GPU PCIe cards via a Thunderbolt 3 cable to your computer lacking expansion slots.

Pro Tools | HDX Compatible
HDX compatibility mode enables use of up to three Pro Tools | HDX PCIe cards with no additional parts needed.

Broad PCIe Card Compatibility
Every Thunderbolt 3 compatible, non-GPU card supported regardless of length or height.

Three PCIe 3.0 Slots
One x16 plus two x8 slots support three full-height, single-width cards, or one double-width card plus one single-width card.

Pro Power
Integrated 400W power supply with 75W auxiliary power. Saves energy by powering on/off automatically with the computer.

Remarkably Quiet
Dual temperature-controlled, variable-speed Noctua fans rated at 17dBA automatically and quietly cool the cards.

40Gbps Thunderbolt 3 Interface
Offers 2750 MB/s of PCIe bandwidth for the installed cards(1).

Two Thunderbolt 3 Ports
One port connects to computer; second port supports daisy-chaining of up to five additional Thunderbolt peripheral devices.

Rugged Aluminum Housing
Provides robust and secure protection.