Echo III Desktop (Thunderbolt to PCIe Card Expansion System) - SONNETTECH (2025)

Table of Contents

Connect Three Full-length PCIe Cards to Computers with ThunderboltPorts The Thunderbolt Connection Supports Every Thunderbolt Compatible, Non-GPU PCIeCard Avid Media Composer Qualified Three PCIe 3.1 Slots and Power toSpare Dual Fans. Ultra-quiet Operation. Thunderbolt Technology Fastest External Interface Available Rackmount Version Available Echo III Desktop Expansion System References

Echo III Desktop Thunderbolt Expansion System

Creative Expansion

Echo III Desktop

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

Creative Expansion

Echo III Desktop

3-slot desktop Thunderbolt to PCIe card expansionsystem for computers with Thunderbolt4 or Thunderbolt3ports

Connect Three Full-length PCIe Cards to Computers with ThunderboltPorts

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 has a creative solution — Echo™IIIDesktop — a professional Thunderbolt Expansion System that enables you to connect three (upto) full-length (12.28inches long) PCIecards at the same time, via a singlecable.

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The Thunderbolt Connection

Plugged into one of your computer’s Thunderbolt ports, EchoIII Desktop system enables you to connect professional PCIe cards (three full-height, single-width cards, or one double-width card plus one single-widthcard). Watch this video to learn more about the performance benefits of the Thunderbolt controller in Sonnet Thunderboltproducts.

Supports Every Thunderbolt Compatible, Non-GPU PCIeCard

EchoIII 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 yoursystem.

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 expansionsystems.

PCIe Cards Compatibility PDF›

Avid Pro Tools Qualified

Ready for up to Three Pro Tools | HDX PCIe Cards – noExtra PartsRequired

At the flick of a switch, the Avid qualified EchoIII 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 HD2020 software, and Avid Pro ToolsHDX and HDNativesystems.

Avid Pro Tools | HDX cards sold separately

Avid Media Composer Qualified

Echo III is separately qualified by the Avid Video group for use with Avid Media Composer/Symphony with many current and older Mac computers with Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt2ports.

Connects up to three high-performance non-GPU PCIe cards via a Thunderbolt cable to your computer lacking expansionslots.

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

Every Thunderbolt compatible, non-GPU card supported regardless of length orheight.

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

Integrated 400W power supply with 75W auxiliary power. Saves energy by powering on/off automatically with thecomputer.

Dual temperature-controlled, variable-speed Noctua fans rated at 17dBA automatically and quietly cool thecards.

Offers full PCIe bandwidth for the installedcards.

One port connects to computer; second port supports daisy-chaining of additional Thunderbolt peripheraldevices.

Provides robust and secureprotection.

Supports Mseries Macs (with PCIe cards that have compatibledrivers).

Supports Intel Macs with Thunderbolt3 ports and and Windows computers with Thunderbolt5, 4, or 3ports.

Supports Linux computers with Thunderbolt5, 4, or 3 ports.

Founded in 1986 in Orange County, Southern California — the vibrant hub of technology and engineering south of Silicon Valley — Sonnet has been at the forefront of innovation. Over the years, we've developed numerous award-winning products that enhance performance and connectivity for Mac, Windows, and other industry-standard computers. Many of our team members have been with us for over two decades, providing us with extensive expertise about our current and past offerings. If you ever need technical support for any of our products, don’t hesitate to reach out; we’re here to assistyou.

Three PCIe 3.1 Slots and Power toSpare

Echo IIIDesktop features one x16 and two x8 PCIe3. 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 EchoIII 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 thesystem!

Dual Fans. Ultra-quiet Operation.

Featuring dual Noctua fans, the EchoIII 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 thesystem.

Comparative examples of noise levels source: iacacoustics.com

Secure Connections for High Performance

Sonnet includes a Thunderbolt cable that supports Thunderbolt’s maximum bandwidth and is fully compatible with Thunderbolt 5, 4, and 3 computers. Sonnet also provides ThunderLok,™ aThunderbolt connector retainer clip, that prevents accidental cable disconnections.

Many Sonnet Thunderbolt products featuring Thunderbolt ports come equipped with threaded mounting holes to securely attach Sonnet ThunderLok retainer clips, 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.

Connect Additional Thunderbolt Devices

One port is reserved for connecting to your computer; the second port enables connection of additional Thunderbolt peripheral devices in a daisy chain.

10Gbps USB3.2 Gen2 Support

10Gbps USB 3.2 Gen 2 support allows you to connect a USB device to the second Thunderbolt port using the proper cable or adapter.

Provides 15W of Power

For peripherals requiring extra power, 15 watts is provided to bus-powered devices through the secondary Thunderbolt port.

Supports Connecting Up to One 8K Display

Maximize the utilization of one computer Thunderbolt port, connecting the largest display supported by your computer.

Echo III Desktop is fully compatible with the latest Thunderbolt computers, including Apple MseriesMacs. SonnetThunderbolt Expansion Systems are purposely designed with a Thunderbolt3 controller and its four lanes of PCIe (not available in a Thunderbolt4 peripheral) to achieve maximum simultaneous ingestspeeds. Watch this video to learn more about the performance benefits.

Compatible with Apple M series Macs

see Tech Specs for details

Echo III Desktop is compatible with Macs with Thunderbolt2 or Thunderbolt 1 ports when used with the bi-directionalAppleThunderbolt3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt2 Adapterand a Thunderboltcable (bothsoldseparately).

Rackmount Version Available

‍Choose between EchoIII Rackmount and EchoIII Desktop to suit your workflow needs. EchoIIIRackmount mounts in a rack space 2U tall, and is only 16.5inches deep, making it ideal for use in a wide range of popular mobile racks, carts, and rack cases, and in server rooms as well. EchoIIIRackmount even offers space for an optional expansion module.

See Tech Specs for footnotes.
Product specifications and information subject to change without notice. Computer hardware and accessories featured in photos that are not included with product are shown for illustration purposes; items sold separately.