Expand Your Workflow: Professional 3-Slot Thunderbolt 3 to PCIe Rackmount Expansion
Modern computers like the Mac Studio and high-performance laptops offer incredible processing power but have left internal expansion behind. For creative professionals relying on specialized PCIe cards for audio I/O, video capture, data storage, and high-speed networking, this creates a major workflow bottleneck. The Sonnet Echo III Rackmount is the definitive solution, engineered to bridge the gap between your computer's powerful Thunderbolt 3 port and the essential PCIe cards your work demands.
This robust, rack-mountable chassis transforms your compact computer into a production powerhouse. By connecting a single 40Gbps Thunderbolt 3 cable, you instantly add three full-length PCIe slots, enabling you to integrate your pro audio interfaces, video capture cards, NVMe storage solutions, and 10Gb Ethernet adapters. With 2750 MB/s of PCIe bandwidth available, your cards will perform with the same speed and stability as if they were installed directly inside a traditional workstation tower.
Designed for the most demanding professional environments, the Echo III Rackmount is built to perform under pressure. A dedicated "HDX Mode" ensures full compatibility for up to three Avid Pro Tools | HDX cards right out of the box. The internal 400W power supply, complete with a 75W auxiliary power connector, provides ample, stable electricity for even the most power-hungry cards. To maintain a pristine recording environment, the system is cooled by dual, temperature-controlled Noctua fans that operate at a whisper-quiet 17 dBA, keeping your high-performance gear cool without adding noise to your studio or suite. Housed in a rugged aluminum chassis and featuring two Thunderbolt 3 ports for daisy-chaining, the Echo III is a mission-critical infrastructure investment that unlocks your computer's true potential.
Key Features
- Pro-Level Expansion: Adds three full-length PCIe 3.0 slots (one x16, two x8) to any computer with a Thunderbolt 3 port.
- Pro Tools | HDX Compatible: Features a dedicated mode for using up to three Avid Pro Tools | HDX cards simultaneously.
- Broad Card Compatibility: Supports a vast range of Thunderbolt-compatible non-GPU PCIe cards, including audio, video, storage, and networking hardware.
- Robust 400W Power Supply: Delivers ample, stable power for demanding cards, including 75W of auxiliary power.
- Whisper-Quiet Cooling: Dual variable-speed Noctua fans (rated at 17 dBA) provide efficient and virtually silent cooling.
- Full-Speed 40Gbps Interface: A Thunderbolt 3 interface provides up to 2750 MB/s of PCIe bandwidth to the installed cards.
- Flexible Daisy-Chaining: Features two Thunderbolt 3 ports to connect to your computer and up to five additional Thunderbolt devices.
- Rugged Rackmount Design: Housed in a durable 1U aluminum chassis, built for professional studio and on-location environments.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Form Factor | 1U Rackmount Unit |
| External Connectors | 2x Thunderbolt 3 Ports, 1x C14 Power Connector |
| Expansion Slots | 1x x16 mechanical (x8 electrical) PCIe 3.0 2x x8 mechanical (x8 electrical) PCIe 3.0 |
| PCIe Cards Supported | Three full-length, single-width cards, or one double-width card plus one single-width card. |
| Power Supply | Universal 400W, 115-230V AC, 50-60 Hz |
| Auxiliary Power | 1x 75W 6-pin PCIe power connector |
| Interface | 40Gbps Thunderbolt 3 |
| Bandwidth | Up to 2750 MB/s |
| Cooling | Two temperature-controlled, variable-speed Noctua fans (17 dBA) |
| Material | Rugged Aluminum Housing |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 19 x 16 x 1.75 in. (48.3 x 40.6 x 4.4 cm) |
| RoHS Compliant | Yes |
Shipping policy
Any items which are in stock, will be dispatched immediately - same day if possible and morning of the following business day at the latest. Items which are not in stock at our local warehouse will be routed to us, and dispatched immediately upon arrival to us. In that case, the estimated dispatch time is noted on the product page.
Note that you are always welcome to email info@dittools.eu or call (+372) 5556 0057 for a more accurate shipping time estimate, as this does vary depending on a number of factors.
Standard shipping
Unless otherwise noted, all items are shipped standard via DPD. We normally ship to European Union countries only – do contact us for possible exceptions, particularly other European mainland countries. Shipping times vary between 1 to 10 business days within Europe – an up to date estimate will be given at checkout.
Express shipping
Our shipping partner for expedited deliveries is DHL Express; please contact us directly for a quote.
Returning an item
If you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, you can return your item(s) for a full refund within 14 days of confirmed delivery.
Special sales, demo items and promotions may have modified return policies. If an item from a bundle is returned for refund, the total bundle discount or the total value of the gifts will get deducted from the returned item prior to issuing a refund. If the bundle discount (or gift value) exceeds the value of the returned item, the difference must be paid to be able to return the item.
Return autorization
If you would like to return any item(s), please contact us by either emailing info@dittools.eu or calling (+372) 5556 0057. We will share with you a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) code and ask that you clearly mark this code outside of your shipping box as you ship your item(s) back for a refund.
You will be liable for the shipping and any applicable customs/duty fees returning the item(s).
Incorrect items
If the return is made due to a faulty product, or an incorrectly shipped product, or if you are returning the item(s) due to a defect, or functionality issue, or because it is not the item you have ordered, we will gladly email or mail a return shipping label covering all shipping related expenses. In order to determine whether the return is initiated due to a technical problem, we may ask for you to provide visual support like images or a video on the item(s).
Shipping
Returned merchandise must be in its original packaging, and placed in a decent shipping box, e.g. the same box that we shipped the items to you in. Please make sure to clearly mark the RMA code you have received from us outside on the box.
Do not forget to cover or peel off any existing shipping labels on the box.
DIT Supplies OÜ cannot be held accountable for return shipments that have not reached us or returns made without RMA codes. We strongly advise that if you are returning the item(s) with a carrier of your choice that you use a traceable shipping method.
It may take 4-5 business days for your return to reach us. Once it is received and inspected, your refund will be processed and automatically applied to your credit card or original method of payment within 14 business days. Please note that depending on your credit card company, it may take an additional 2-4 business days after your credit is applied for it to post to your account.
Customs, duties & taxes
There are no customs duties or taxes on orders shipping within the EU. Orders shipped outside of the EU may be subject to import taxes, customs duties and fees collected by the destination country. The recipient of an international shipment may be subject to such import taxes, customs duties and fees, which are collected once a shipment reaches the recipient's country. Additional charges for customs clearance must be paid for by the recipient; we have no control over these charges and cannot predict what they may be. Customs policies vary widely from country to country; and when customs clearance procedures are required, it can cause delays beyond our original delivery estimates. We advise that you contact your local customs office for more information.