Enhance your desktop PC with Sonnet's Echo III Thunderbolt 3 PCIe expansion enclosure. This external enclosure includes one PCIe 3.0 x16 slot and two x8 slots, supporting full-height and full-length non-GPU cards, including video capture and transcoding cards, audio DSPs, 6Gb or 12Gb SAS or SATA host bus adapter, 10Gb or 25Gb Ethernet network cards, or SSD storage.
With its dual Thunderbolt 3 ports, you can connect your computer to the Echo III using the included cable and daisy-chain multiple devices, transferring data at up to 40Gb/s on Windows 10, macOS 10.12.6 or later, and Linux 5.0 or later. Possible configurations include one double-wide and one single-wide card or three single-wide cards, powered by an internal 400W power supply.
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Sonnet Echo III Desktop - Thunderbolt 3 to PCIe Expansion Enclosure
SON-ECHO-3D-TB3
Enhance your desktop PC with Sonnet's Echo III Thunderbolt 3 PCIe expansion enclosure. This external enclosure includes one PCIe 3.0 x16 slot and two x8 slots, supporting full-height and full-length non-GPU cards, including video capture and transcoding cards, audio DSPs, 6Gb or 12Gb SAS or SATA host bus adapter, 10Gb or 25Gb Ethernet network cards, or SSD storage.
With its dual Thunderbolt 3 ports, you can connect your computer to the Echo III using the included cable and daisy-chain multiple devices, transferring data at up to 40Gb/s on Windows 10, macOS 10.12.6 or later, and Linux 5.0 or later. Possible configurations include one double-wide and one single-wide card or three single-wide cards, powered by an internal 400W power supply.
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€1,556.00
Tax excluded
1.882,76 €
Con IVA
- Check availability
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For creativity professionals using the latest laptops, mini-desks and all-in-ones in their workflows, the built-in processing power is not enough to get the job done smoothly. While these computers include high-performance Thunderbolt 3 ports to support peripherals, what they lack are PCIe expansion slots to install specialised cards that add the necessary video and audio inputs, transcode data, or connect to high-speed networking and shared storage. Sonnet has a solution: the Echo III Desktop, a professional Thunderbolt 3 to PCIe card expansion system that allows up to three full-length (12.28-inch long) PCIe cards to be connected at the same time, via a single cable.
This desktop external enclosure includes one PCIe 3.0 x16 and two x8 slots, supporting full-height and full-length non-GPU expansions such as network adapters, SSD cards, USB port cards and more. Configurations include one double-wide and one single-wide card or three single-wide cards, supported by an internal 400W power supply. An internal 6-pin power connector is available, providing up to 75W of supplemental power to expansion cards that require auxiliary power. With its dual Thunderbolt 3 ports, you can connect your computer to the Echo III using the included cable and daisy-chain multiple devices, transferring data at up to 40 Gb/s with your Windows 10, macOS 10.12.6 or later, and Linux 5.0 or later.
Echo III Desktop supports all PCIe 1.1/2.0/3.0 cards including video capture and transcoding cards, audio DSP, 6Gb or 12Gb SAS or SATA host bus adapter, 10Gb and 25Gb network cards, SSD storage, etc.
With two Noctua fans, the Echo III Desktop is designed for ultra-quiet operation so that it can be used comfortably in noise-sensitive environments. With a level of 17.1dBA lower than the maximum limit of 20dBA prescribed for use in recording and broadcast studios, the fans distribute noise across the entire spectrum, minimising the impact on a single frequency. To further ensure negligible noise levels, the fans are temperature-controlled, automatically speeding up and slowing down as required, and the case is designed to optimise airflow over the installed cards to effectively and efficiently cool the system.
Echo III Desktop supports all PCIe 1.1/2.0/3.0 cards including video capture and transcoding cards, audio DSP, 6Gb or 12Gb SAS or SATA host bus adapter, 10Gb and 25Gb network cards, SSD storage, etc.
With two Noctua fans, the Echo III Desktop is designed for ultra-quiet operation so that it can be used comfortably in noise-sensitive environments. With a level of 17.1dBA lower than the maximum limit of 20dBA prescribed for use in recording and broadcast studios, the fans distribute noise across the entire spectrum, minimising the impact on a single frequency. To further ensure negligible noise levels, the fans are temperature-controlled, automatically speeding up and slowing down as required, and the case is designed to optimise airflow over the installed cards to effectively and efficiently cool the system.
Part of the DuoModo family
The heart of the Echo III Desktop – the Echo III Module – is part of Sonnet’s DuoModo™ family of modular Thunderbolt expansion systems, comprising of interchangeable modules for PCIe cards and eGPU card expansion, a Mac mini mounting system (with integrated 40Gbps Thunderbolt storage dock), and desktop and rackmount enclosures so you can quickly and easily interchange modules depending on your workflow.
Sonnet Echo III PCIe Expansion Box Features
- Connects up to three high-performance PCIe cards without GPUs
- Compatible with Pro Tools | HDX
- Three PCIe slots (one x16 plus two x8)
- Supports three full-height single-wide cards, or one double-wide plus one single-wide card
- Pro Power (400W integrated power supply with 75W auxiliary power)
- Energy Saving (automatically turns on/off with the computer)
- Remarkably Quiet (17dBA Noctua fans)
- 40Gbps Thunderbolt 3 Interface
- Two Thunderbolt 3 ports (one port for the computer, second port supports daisy-chaining of Thunderbolt peripherals)
- Rugged aluminium enclosure
- Includes 0.7-meter Thunderbolt 3 cable
- Includes Sonnet-designed ThunderLok 3 (prevents accidental cable disconnection)
- Compatible with Mac®, Windows® and Linux®.
- Avid® certified
- 2-year product warranty
In the box
- Sonnet Echo III Thunderbolt 3 to PCIe Card Desktop Expansion System
- Power cable
- Thunderbolt 3 cable
- Thunderbolt 3 ThunderLok 3 Connector Retention Clip
Rackmount version available: Echo III Rackmount
Choose between the Echo III Rackmount and Echo III Desktop to suit your workflow needs. The 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. The Echo III Rackmount even offers space for an optional expansion module.
Data sheet
- Data and Control
- Thunderbolt
- Connector A
- Thunderbolt 3
- B Connector
- USB-C
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What is the Sonnet Echo III Desktop and what does it do?
The Sonnet Echo III Desktop is an external expansion system that converts a Thunderbolt 3 (or Thunderbolt 4) port on your computer into three PCIe (PCI Express) slots.
It allows laptops and desktops that don't have internal PCIe slots (such as Mac Studio, Mac mini, MacBook Pro, or iMac) to use high-performance professional PCIe cards. These cards can be for video capture, audio processing (DSP), high-speed SSD storage, 10/25GbE networking, and more. It is a solution for significantly expanding the capabilities of a computer.
Is it compatible with Macs with M1, M2, or M3 chips?
Yes, the Sonnet Echo III Desktop is fully compatible with Macs equipped with Apple M series chips, as well as Macs with Intel processors that have Thunderbolt 3 ports.
Apple's M chips, despite their ARM architecture, have native support for Thunderbolt technology, allowing the expansion chassis to work seamlessly and access installed PCIe cards at maximum performance, as long as the cards themselves have drivers compatible with macOS and Apple Silicon architecture.
What kind of PCIe cards can I install?
It supports most single-width, full-height PCIe cards. Specifically, it supports three single-width cards or one double-width card and one single-width card. It does not support graphics cards (GPUs).
The chassis is designed for professional cards that do not require the high power and specialized cooling systems needed by high-end GPUs. The internal design, power supply, and heat dissipation are optimized for video, audio, storage, and other cards, which are the main requirements of the audiovisual market.
What transfer speeds does it offer? Is it as fast as an internal PCIe slot?
The Echo III Desktop uses a 40Gbps Thunderbolt 3 interface, which translates to a bandwidth of approximately 2750 MB/s. This performance is similar to that offered by a PCIe 3.0 x4 slot.
Thunderbolt 3 is the fastest connection technology available for this type of device. Although an internal PCIe 3.0 x16 slot could offer higher bandwidth (up to a theoretical 16GB/s), Thunderbolt 3's 2750MB/s is more than sufficient for the performance of the vast majority of professional cards used in audio and video, such as 4K capture cards, Avid HDX cards, or SSD storage cards.
Do you need an external power supply?
Yes, the chassis has an internal 400W power supply. It connects to AC power and can also supply up to 75W of auxiliary power to PCIe cards that require it (via an internal 6-pin connector).
PCIe cards, especially high-performance ones, consume power that the Thunderbolt port alone cannot provide. The Echo III Desktop's integrated power supply not only powers the chassis itself and its electronics, but also ensures that the installed cards receive the power they need to function properly and stably.
How is the equipment and cards cooled? Is it noisy?
It incorporates two temperature-controlled Noctua fans that automatically adjust their speed. These fans are very quiet, with a noise level of only 17 dBA.
Noctua fans are known for their low noise levels. Being temperature-controlled, they only increase their speed when necessary to dissipate heat from cards in intensive use, keeping the working environment as quiet as possible, which is crucial in audio or video recording studios.
Can I connect other devices to the Echo III Desktop?
Yes, it has a second Thunderbolt 3 port. This port allows daisy-chaining of up to five additional Thunderbolt devices. It can also provide up to 15W of power to bus-powered peripherals.
The Thunderbolt interface design allows for daisy-chaining of multiple devices. This second port is extremely useful for not sacrificing a Thunderbolt port on your computer and being able to connect, for example, a 4K monitor or a high-performance external hard drive, while keeping the connection chain optimized.
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Form Factor
Desktop Thunderbolt 3-to-PCIe card expansion system
External Connectors
Two Thunderbolt 3 ports
Power C14 type
Internal Connectors
6-pin Mini-Fit Jr (same type as on legacy Mac Pro motherboard; provides power for PCIe card that requires supplemental power)
Expansion Slot
One x8 mechanical (x8 electrical) PCIe 3.0
One x8 mechanical (x4 electrical) PCIe 3.0
One x16 mechanical (x8 electrical) PCIe 3.0
PCIe Cards Supported
Three full-length, full-height, single-width PCIe cardsor
One full length, full-height, double width PCIe card, plus one single-width card
Note: PCIe cards old separately
Compatible PCIe Cards
For a list of compatible PCIe cards, see the following PDF
Power Adapter
Universal 400W, 115-230V AC, 50-60 Hz NRTL Certified
Operating Temperature
0ºC to 35ºC (32ºF to 95ºF)
Dimensions (WxDxH)
3.5 x 16.7 x 9 in. (8.9 x 42.4 x 22.9 cm)
Weight
9.7 lbs. (4.4 kg)
Compliance
RoHS 3 (Directive 2015/863)
IEC623688-1 and IEC62368-2 Safety
Package content
Echo III Desktop System
Region-specific power cable for US, Australia, Europe, Japan, Switzerland, or UK
6-pin PCIe auxiliary power cable
Thunderbolt 3 cable
ThunderLok 3 Thunderbolt connector retainer clip
Documentation
SO Compatibility
Mac (M series) with PCIe cards that have compatible drivers
Mac (Intel) with Thunderbolt 3 ports
Mac (Intel) with a Thunderbolt 2 or Thunderbolt 1 port with an Apple Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter plus a Thunderbolt 2 cable (both sold separately)
macOS 10.12.6+
macOS Ventura compatible
Windows computer with Thunderbolt 4 or Thunderbolt 3 ports Windows 11 and 10
Linux computer with Thunderbolt 4 or Thunderbolt 3 ports Linux Kernel 5.0+
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