Echo Express SE III-D Maximize

Echo Express SE III-R

Connect Three Full-Length PCIe Cards to Any Mac with a Thunderbolt 3 Port

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Connect Three Full-Length PCIe Cards to Any Mac with a Thunderbolt 3 Port

PCIe Card and Notebook Icons

For pros working in the creative fields, a computer’s processing power alone is not enough to get the job done. A prime example is the latest MacBook Pro®, which, while offering great performance, lacks the PCIe expansion slots necessary to support specialty cards that connect pro video and audio inputs, transcode data, and connect to high-speed storage and networks. Instead of slots, these computers include ultra high-performance Thunderbolt™ 3 ports to support peripherals. Sonnet’s Echo™ Express III-R (Thunderbolt 3 Edition) leverages the Thunderbolt 3 ports’ PCIe data to connect PCIe expansion slots outside of a computer. This desktop Thunderbolt-to-PCIe card expansion chassis enables you to connect three professional PCIe cards—including video capture, audio interface, SAS or SATA HBA, 16Gb or 8Gb Fibre Channel, 10 Gigabit Ethernet, and RAID controllers—at the same time to any Mac® or Windows®(1) computer with a Thunderbolt 3 port.

The Echo Express III-R (Thunderbolt 3 Edition) features a 40Gbps Thunderbolt 3 interface, which offers double the PCIe bandwidth and connectivity of Thunderbolt 2, and yields up to 2750 MB/s of bandwidth, enabling it to support 4K video capture and processing cards at high frame rates, and 16Gb FC cards and dual-port 10GbE cards at full performance(2)(3). With the ability to handle multiple demanding, highest performance PCIe cards, support for connecting two 4K displays @ 60Hz or one 5K display @ 60Hz(4), and support for a vast array of Thunderbolt(5) and USB(6) devices, Thunderbolt 3 is a leap forward in every way.

Key Features

Connects Three Full-Length PCIe Cards to any Mac® and Windows Computer with Thunderbolt™ 3 Ports—Use multiple high-performance PCIe cards at the same time

Three PCIe 3.0 Slots—Supports three full-height, single-width cards, or one double-width card plus one single-width card

40Gbps Thunderbolt 3 Interface—Offers 2750 MB/s of PCIe bandwidth, doubling the performance of Thunderbolt 2

Two Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) Ports—One port used to connect to the computer; second port supports daisy-chaining of up to five additional Thunderbolt(5) peripheral devices to your computer, attaching a single USB(6) peripheral device, or connecting up to two 4K displays or one 5K display(4)

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

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

Rugged Aluminum Housing—Provides robust and secure protection

Power for Peripherals—Provides up to 15W of power to connected peripherals

Every Thunderbolt 3- and macOS®-compatible Card Supported—Works with every Thunderbolt 3- and macOS compatible PCIe card, regardless of length or height

Thunderbolt Cable Included—Includes 1-meter Thunderbolt 3 (40Gbps) cable

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

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Up to Double the Performance of Thunderbolt 2
480 MB/s
USB 3.0
960 MB/s
USB 3.1 Gen 2
1350 MB/s
2750 MB/s
Thunderbolt 2
Thunderbolt 3

300W Power, 75 Aux Power, and Enviro-Friendly Icons

Echo Express III-R TB3 (Inside View)Three PCIe 3.0 Slots, No Compromise

Sonnet’s Echo Express III-R supports three full-size PCIe cards, up to 12.28 inches (full-length) long. 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.

 



Thunderbolt 3 Daisychain Diagram

Connect computer to one port on the Echo Express III-R (Thunderbolt 3 Edition) and daisy chain up to 5 additional Thunderbolt devices
(plus two 4K monitors, one 5K display, or one USB 3.1 device)

40Gbps Thunderbolt 3 —
The USB C That Does It All

The Echo Express III-R (Thunderbolt 3 Edition) includes two Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports; the first is used for connection to your computer, while the second supports daisy chaining of up to five additional Thunderbolt peripheral devices to a single port on your computer(5). The III-R includes 10Gbps USB 3.1 Gen 2 support, meaning you can connect a USB device to the second port using the proper cable or adapter. The III-R also provides full support for connecting two 4K displays @ 60Hz or one 5K display @ 60Hz(4). For connected devices requiring extra power, 15 watts is provided to connected bus-powered devices.



One Port Delivers Up to 40Gbps Icon
Echo Express III-R TB3 (Front View)

All-Around Smart Design

Aluminum and Auto Power IconsThe Echo Express III-R's enclosure is formed of heavy-duty steel to provide secure mounting for the inner assembly and protection for the PCIe cards installed inside, and to support maximum airflow for cooling, regardless of where you install it in a rack.

Its two large, slow-spinning fans, enhanced with computer-modeled airflow management, ensure that even hot-running cards remain reliably cool without the need to install an extra PCIe blower card that would prevent the use of one of the three slots. Because the fans automatically speed up and slow down as needed, you don’t have to guess which speed setting to select, and there’s no need for tools to change settings. There is no power switch on the chassis, nor is one needed, because the III-R automatically powers on and off with your computer.


The III-R’s adjustable rackmount extension rails enable the chassis to be installed securely in a variety of racks from 16 to 24 inches deep (optional, extra-long extension rails that support installation in racks up to 32.5" deep are also available). Captive thumbscrews secure the inner assembly, enabling you to secure, release, and slide it out without the need of tools. Using an optional Mobile Rack Device Mounting Kit, you can install two 5.25-inch mobile rack devices (sold separately) in the III-R's enclosure without taking up additional rack space.

Echo Express III-R TB3 Installed Inside Mobile Rack Case

Echo Express III-R TB3 (Front View)

Captive thumbscrews provide quick and easy installation of PCIe cards and Mobile Rack Kit expansion devices
Echo Express III-R TB3 In Recording Studio

Fan with Cool AirQuiet Operator

The Echo Express III-R is remarkably quiet—comfortably used in noise-sensitive environments, it is one of the quietest Echo systems. The natural convection of warm air through the PCIe cards is assisted by ultra-quiet, temperature-controlled, variable-speed fans, and vented out of the chassis with reduced air velocity and turbulence, resulting in little fan noise.

Every Thunderbolt 3 Compatible
PCIe Card Supported

The Echo Express III-D supports three single-width, full-length PCIe cards, or one double-width, full-length card plus one single-width card, enabling it to support every Thunderbolt 3- and macOS-compatible PCIe 1.1, PCIe 2.0, and PCIe 3.0 card available.

x8 and x16 PCIe Cards

Echo Express III-R features two x8 plus one x16 PCIe slots for versatile card support

Designed for BNC Connector Cables

Echo Express III-R’s back panel has two BNC connector mounting holes, enabling the use of a RED ROCKET card without the need to install the BNC connector bracket that would normally occupy a valuable PCIe slot.

BNC Connector Cable


Do you have a card in mind but aren’t sure it’s compatible? We’ve worked closely with PCIe card manufacturers to provide a list of compatible cards on our supporting PCIe Card Thunderbolt Compatibility Chart. The chart provides a list of cards that have been tested to be recognized over a Thunderbolt connection and compatible with Thunderbolt technology requirements.

PCIe Card Thunderbolt Compatibility Chart

RED ROCKET Supporter

Sonnet designed the Echo Express III-R to accommodate the RED ROCKET or RED ROCKET-X and its BNC connector bracket (for HD-SDI output) card/bracket pair in a single slot. This Echo chassis includes two BNC connector mounting holes, enabling the installation of the card in one slot and its BNC connectors in the chassis’ mounting holes, leaving the two remaining slots open.

RED ROCKET Card

RED ROCKET Card

Mobile Rack Device Mounting Kits
Mobile Rack Device Mounting Kits

Sonnet’s optional Mobile Rack Device Mounting Kits enable you to add more expansion devices to your rack without taking up additional rack space. The Mobile Rack Device Mounting Kit includes an internal 100W power supply inside to power the installed devices, a large internal fan to quietly and efficiently cool the expansion kit, and mounting hardware to secure the devices and the kit itself. Preconfigured kits include the mobile rack peripherals, PCIe card, and necessary cables; you provide drives as necessary.

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5-Year Warranty Logo5-Year Warranty Included
at No Extra Cost

Why pay an additional 10–15% on top of the purchase price to extend the warranty period beyond one year? Sonnet backs the Echo Express III-R with its Pro 5-year warranty.

Thunderbolt 3 Cable1-meter Thunderbolt 3 (40Gbps) Cable Included

To connect the Echo Express III-R (Thunderbolt 3 Edition) to your computer, Sonnet includes a 1-meter Thunderbolt 3 (40Gbps) cable.

 

Echo Express III-D - Thunderbolt 3 Edition
Desktop Version Available

The Echo Express III (Thunderbolt 3 Edition) is available in two versions, the III-R (rackmount) and III-D (desktop), to suit your workflow needs. The III-D’s form factor is perfect for users who need their expansion system to support every size of Thunderbolt-compatible cards available, and be rugged and transportable.

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Sonnet Thunderbolt Expansion Partners

Sonnet works closely with the following partners to ensure Thunderbolt compatibility for their products. See the PCIe Card Thunderbolt Compatibility Chart for a list of products that have passed Thunderbolt compatibility testing with Sonnet products.

AdobeAJAAppleApogeeArecaATTOAudinateAvidBlack Magic DesignBlueFish 444CalDigitDeltacastExaSANFocusriteFusion ioHigh PointLynx Studio TechnologyMatroxMyricomNewer TechOWCREDRMESiennaSmall Tree Softron Media ServicesSolid State LogicStorageDNATandberg DataTolis GroupTools On AirUniversal Audio

One Port Delivers Up to 40Gbps Icon

 

Bandwidth & CPU Usage

Thunderbolt 3 (40Gbps) Cable and ThunderLok 3 Included

The Twin 10G Thunderbolt 3 Edition adapter includes a 0.5-meter Thunderbolt 3 cable to connect to your computer, and a Sonnet ThunderLok 3 Thunderbolt connector retainer clip(8) to secure the cable to the adapter. Sonnet’s ThunderLok 3 helps prevent accidental cable disconnects that can lead to data loss, securing the Thunderbolt cable to the adapter. ThunderLok 3 is easy to install and use—just slide it over one of the cable’s connectors, plug in the connector, and then secure it to the adapter by turning a thumbscrew. Because ThunderLok doesn’t attach to the connector, it remains on the cable and won’t get lost when not in use.

 

Thunderbolt 3 Daisychain Diagram

Connect computer to one port on the Twin 10G Thunderbolt 3 Edition adapter and daisy chain 
up to 5 additional Thunderbolt devices (plus two 4K monitors, one 5K display, or one USB 3.0 device)

 

Twin 10G 10GbE Connected to iMac

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Echo Express SE III-R

Echo Express SE III-R

Connect Three Full-Length PCIe Cards to Any Mac with a Thunderbolt 3 Port

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