Sonnet Echo Express III-R Thunderbolt 2 Expansion System

Today’s ultra-light notebooks, mini, and all-in-one desktop computers now have tremendous processing power-power that many thought would only be possible in full-size workstation or large desktop computers. Smaller in size and more portable, they’re very desirable. For pros in the creative fields, processing power alone is not enough. A prime example is the new Mac Pro. Proven to be a processing powerhouse and packed with Thunderbolt 2 and USB 3.0 ports, it lacks the PCIe expansion slots necessary to install specialty cards to connect various video and audio inputs, for transcoding data, and to connect to high-speed storage and networks. With the Sonnet Echo Express III-R, Sonnet has created a solution that leverages the paradigm shift enabled by Thunderbolt technology, allowing PCIe expansion slots to be connected outside a computer. This rackmount Thunderbolt 2-to-PCIe card expansion chassis makes it possible for you to connect three professional video capture, audio interface, SAS or SATA HBA, 16Gb or 8Gb Fibre Channel, 10 Gigabit Ethernet, and RAID controller PCIe cards to any Mac with a Thunderbolt port.

Use Up to Three PCIe Cards with Computers Lacking Expansion Slots

 

 

Featuring 20Gbps Thunderbolt 2 technology that provides sufficient bandwidth to support many of the highest performance and most demanding PCIe cards, the Echo Express III-R delivers maximum performance when connected to a computer with Thunderbolt 2. The Sonnet Express III-R is also fully compatible with computers with 10Gbps Thunderbolt technology, supporting the majority of cards at full-performance.

Avid Qualified Media Composer Pro Tools

The Echo Express III-R is Avid qualified. It has been tested and approved for use with Pro Tools HD 11 software, and is qualified by the Avid Audio group or use with Pro Tools HDX and HD Native systems and separately qualified by the Avid Video group for use with Media Composer/Symphony with the latest Mac Pro (Late 2013). See the AVID website for details on Pro Tools and Media Composer compatibility.

Three Slots, No Compromise

 

Sonnet’s Echo Express III-R supports three full-size PCIe cards, up to 12.28-inch (full-length). 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. The use of large, slow-spinning fans in the Echo Express III-R makes it a remarkably quiet operator. Two Thunderbolt ports support daisy chaining of up to six devices to a single port on your computer.

Built for Speed

 

 

20Gbps Thunderbolt 2 technology-equipped computers are here. The original 10Gbps Thunderbolt interface has provided breakthrough bandwidth for external expansion, more than sufficient to support the maximum performance of most PCIe cards. However, some high bandwidth adapters such as the RED ROCKET, 16Gb Fibre Channel cards, multi-port 10 Gigabit Ethernet cards, or other bandwidth-hungry cards requiring more than 10Gbps. Thunderbolt 2 removes this barrier by providing more bandwidth for demanding applications. The Echo Express III-R’s Thunderbolt 2 interface takes full advantage of this increased bandwidth to ensure optimum performance from installed cards when the chassis is connected to a Thunderbolt 2-equipped computer. Need to connect to a computer equipped with 10Gbps Thunderbolt? No problem, the Echo Express III-R is fully compatible with earlier generation Thunderbolt computers as well.

 

 

Front View of Echo Express III-R

Rear View of Echo Express III-R (with Mobile Rack Device Mounting Kit Installed)

Mobile Rack Device MountingKit

Smart Design Inside and Out

Constructed of heavy-duty steel, the Echo Express III-R’s enclosure not only provides secure mounting for the inner assembly and protection for the PCIe cards installed inside, but it supports maximum airflow for cooling, regardless of where it is installed in a rack. The fans are variable-speed and temperature-controlled, and the computer-modeled airflow management ensures that even hot-running cards and the chassis’ components 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, there is no guesswork in setting a switch position, and no need for tools to change fan speed settings. Since Echo Express products automatically power on and off with your computer, there is no power switch needed on the chassis. The III-R includes adjustable and removable rackmount extension rails that allow the chassis to be installed securely in a variety of racks from 16 to 24 inches deep. The III-R provides space for other equipment, too. Utilizing the optional Mobile Rack Device Mounting Kit, you can install two 5.25-inch form factor mobile rack devices (sold separately) in the III-R’s enclosure without taking up additional rack space.

Quiet, Please

The Echo Express III-R was designed to be remarkably quiet so that it can be comfortably used in noise-sensitive environments and it is indeed the quietest Echo chassis yet. Its dual, ultra-quiet, temperature-controlled fans assist the natural convection of warm air through the PCIe cards. Echo Express III-R’s fans vent warm air through custom Venturi openings with low form-drag grills, resulting in reduced air velocity, turbulence, and, consequently, fan noise.

Every Thunderbolt-Compatible Card Supported

The Echo Express III-R supports three standard width, full-length PCIe cards, or one double-width, full-length card plus one single-width card, enabling it to support every Thunderbolt-compatible card available. PCIe 1.1, PCIe 2.0, and PCIe 3.0 cards are supported. 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 PCIe cards on our supporting PCIe Card Thunderbolt Compatibility Chart. The chart provides an up-to-date list of cards that have been tested to be recognized over a Thunderbolt connection and compatible with Thunderbolt technology requirements.

Red Rocket Supporter

If you’re a RED ROCKET, or RED ROCKET-X user, you already know that the card normally takes up two PCIe slots-one for the card itself and another for the BNC connector bracket (for HD-SDI output). Sonnet designed the Echo Express III-R to accommodate the card/bracket pair in a single slot. This Echo chassis includes mounting holes designed specifically for the installation of two BNC connectors, enabling you to install the RED ROCKET card in one slot and its BNC connectors in the Echo chassis’ mounting holes, leaving the two remaining slots open. The extra bandwidth afforded by the Thunderbolt 2 interface significantly doubles the ROCKET’s throughput, too.

Designed for BNC Connector Cables-Echo Express III-R’s back panel has two mounting holes for BNC connectors, allowing the use of a RED ROCKET card without the need for the BNC connector bracket that would normally occupy a valuable PCIe slot.

Desktop Version Available

The Echo Express III is available in two versions, the Echo Express III-D (desktop) and Echo Express III-R (rackmount), to suit your workflow needs. The III-D’s form factor makes it easy to transport. The III-R mounts in a rack space 2U tall, and is just 16 inches deep, making it perfect for use in a wide range of popular mobile racks, carts, and rack cases, and server rooms as well.

Strong Link in the Chain

These Sonnet solutions support daisy chaining of additional Thunderbolt technology-enabled peripherals such as an additional Echo Express, the Apple Thunderbolt Display, video capture devices, and data storage devices. For connected devices requiring extra power, 10 watts is provided through the daisy chain port to peripherals.

Thunderbolt Cable and ThunderLok™ Included

Sonnet includes a Thunderbolt cable to connect the Echo Express III-R to your computer, and a ThunderLok Thunderbolt connector retainer clip(3) to secure the cable to the Echo chassis. Thunderbolt connectors are held in place by friction, which works well in situations where equipment remains undisturbed while operating. But when there’s a chance of movement nearby, there’s a chance the Thunderbolt cable can be unintentionally unplugged, possibly leading to loss of your work or data. Sonnet’s ThunderLok prevents accidental cable disconnections from the Echo chassis, and is easy to install and use-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 does not attach to the connector but remains on the cable so it won’t get lost when not in use.

 

 

 

 

Get Full Thunderbolt Performance, At a Distance

 

Whether noisy PCIe card fans make it impractical to use the Echo Express III-R in a noise-sensitive environment, or because securing it in another room is required, you may find it necessary to put some space between the chassis and computer. No problem! Optical Thunderbolt cables, available in lengths up to 60 meters, enable you to locate your equipment where you need and connect the pieces without loss of functionality.

Features:

• Provides PCIe Card Expansion-Use high-performance PCIe cards with Thunderbolt-equipped computers
• Thunderbolt 2 Interface-Maximum performance with computers with Thunderbolt 2 technology, backward compatible with host computers and other devices equipped with 10Gbps Thunderbolt technology
• Provides Space for Installing Additional Devices-Using optional Mobile Rack Device Mounting Kits, you can install HDDs, SSDs, a tape or optical drive, and more inside the Echo Express III-R enclosure
• Upgradeable-Upgradeable-When available, upgrade to 40Gbps Thunderbolt 3 Technology with a replacement Thunderbolt interface card
• Three PCIe Slots-Supports three full-length, full-height, single-width cards, or one double-width card plus one single-width card
• 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
• Integrated Universal Power Supply-Built-in 300W power supply with 75W auxiliary power connector
• Rugged Steel Housing-Provides robust and secure protection for any environment
• Every Thunderbolt-Compatible Card Supported-Works with every Thunderbolt-compatible PCIe card, regardless of length or height
• AVID Qualified for Pro Tools|HDX & HD Native and Media Composer/Symphony
• Thunderbolt Cable & ThunderLok Included-Includes Thunderbolt cable and ThunderLok Thunderbolt connector retainer clip to secure cable from accidental disconnections

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Brand	Sonnet Teachnologies
Condition	New

Hardware:

• Form Factor: Rackmount Thunderbolt 2-to-PCIe card expansion system
• External Connectors: Two Thunderbolt 2 ports
• Internal Connector: 6-pin Mini-Fit Jr (same type as on legacy Mac Pro motherboard; provides up to 75W of power for PCIe cards that require supplemental power)
• Expansion Slots:

Top to Bottom

• One x8 mechanical (x4 electrical) PCIe 2.0
• One x16 mechanical (x8 electrical) PCIe 2.0
• One x8 mechanical (x8 electrical) PCIe 2.0
• PCIe Cards Supported⁽¹⁾:
• One full length, full-height, double-width PCIe card, plus one single-width card or
• Three full length, full-height, single-width PCIe cards
• Compatible PCIe Cards⁽²⁾: Up-to-date PCIe cards listed on our supporting PCIe Card Thunderbolt Compatibility Chart
• Power Supply: Universal 300W, 115-230V AC, 50-60 Hz⁽⁴⁾
• Operating Temperature: 0° C to 35° C (32° F to 95° F)
• Dimensions (WxDxH): 19 x 16 x 3.48 in. (48.26 x 40.6 x 8.85 cm)
• Weight: 19 lbs (8.6 kg)
• RoHS Compliant: Yes
• Package Contents:
• Echo Express III-R Thunderbolt 2-to-PCIe Card Expansion System
• Power cord
• Thunderbolt cable
• ThunderLok Thunderbolt Connector Retainer Clip⁽³⁾
• Documentation

Mac Compatibility

• Mac with a Thunderbolt or Thunderbolt 2 port
• OS X 10.8.5+
• macOS Mojave compatible

PCIe Card Compatibility

• For up-to-date PCIe card compatibility see our PCIe Card Thunderbolt Compatibility Chart
• For maximum PCIe bandwidth when used with a Mac Pro (late 2013), dedicate one of the computer's Thunderbolt 2 busses to the Echo Express III-R. For more info see Sonnet's FAQ Article

Technical Notes:

(1) PCIe cards and Mobile Rack Device Mounting Kit.
(2) Compatibility requires the installation of Thunderbolt technology-aware drivers, available from the manufacturer. See our supporting PCIe Card Thunderbolt Compatibility Chart for a list of up-to-date compatible PCIe cards.
(3) ThunderLok compatible with all copper Thunderbolt cables. Not yet compatible with optical Thunderbolt cables.
(4) Power supply will operate at 90-115V AC, with linear power deration of 240W-300W over that range.

Download User Manual for Sonnet Echo Express III-R Thunderbolt 2 Expansion System