New Echo III T5 gives new Macs three PCI-E slots across Thunderbolt 5

Sonnet's updated Thunderbolt 5 expansion lineup gives Mac mini, Mac Studio, and MacBook Pro users a way to connect up to three full-size PCIe cards with the newly updated Echo III T5.

The Echo III T5 family brings PCIe expansion to Macs that don't have internal card slots. Audio engineers, video editors, and other professionals can connect specialized hardware for recording, video capture, networking, and storage without replacing their computers.

The systems support up to three full-height, full-length single-width PCIe cards, or one double-width card alongside a single-width card. They're compatible with computers equipped with Thunderbolt 5, Thunderbolt 4, or USB4 ports, although available bandwidth depends on the connection.

Each system uses one x16 and two x8 PCIe 3.1 slots. The systems support compatible non-GPU cards and are qualified by Avid for use with up to three Pro Tools HDX cards.

Echo III T5 Module

The Echo III T5 Module is the foundation of the new lineup. It provides three PCIe slots in a modular design that fits Sonnet's compatible expansion enclosures, allowing existing rackmount installations to gain Thunderbolt 5 connectivity.

The module accommodates cards up to 12.28 inches long, including professional audio processors, video capture cards, storage controllers, and networking adapters. A built-in 400W power supply includes a 75W auxiliary connector for hardware that needs additional power.

Cooling comes from two temperature-controlled Noctua fans rated at 17 dBA, keeping noise low enough for recording studios and other sound-sensitive environments. Two Thunderbolt 5 ports provide connectivity, while an included ThunderLok connector lock helps prevent accidental cable disconnections.

The Echo III T5 Module costs $1,099.99 and is available at B&H.

Echo III T5 Desktop

The Echo III T5 Desktop puts the same three-card expansion system into a standalone enclosure. It's intended for workstations where a rackmount installation isn't practical, including editing desks, recording studios, and production setups that move between locations.

Like the module, the Desktop supports three full-length single-width PCIe cards or a combination of one double-width and one single-width card. It includes the 400W power supply, auxiliary power connector, and dual Noctua fans.

Sonnet also includes a Thunderbolt 5 cable and its ThunderLok connector lock to help prevent accidental disconnections. The enclosure powers on and off automatically with the connected computer, so users don't need to manage its power separately.

The Echo III T5 Desktop is priced at $1,199.99 and can be purchased at B&H.

Echo III T5 Rackmount

The Echo III T5 Rackmount takes the expansion hardware off the desk and puts it into a 2U rackmount enclosure. It's designed for production facilities, equipment rooms, and mobile racks where PCIe hardware needs to live alongside other professional equipment.

Unlike the Desktop, the Rackmount has room for an additional Sonnet expansion module. That gives facilities the option to add more connectivity or PCIe expansion without installing another separate chassis.

The included Echo III T5 Module provides the same three PCIe slots, 400W power supply, and temperature-controlled cooling system. Its Avid qualification also makes the Rackmount an option for professional recording facilities using Pro Tools HDX cards.

The Echo III T5 Rackmount costs $1,319.99 and is available at B&H.

xMac mini (2024+)/Echo III T5

The xMac mini (2024+)/Echo III T5 pairs Sonnet's three-slot Thunderbolt 5 module with its existing 2U rackmount enclosure for Apple's compact desktop. The system accommodates one or two Mac mini computers alongside the expansion hardware.

The updated configuration gives Mac mini users access to three PCIe slots for professional audio, video, networking, and storage cards through a single Thunderbolt connection.

The xMac mini (2024+)/Echo III T5 costs $1,799.99 and is available at B&H. The Mac mini and PCIe cards are sold separately.

The Echo III T5 Module also fits Sonnet's existing xMac Studio rackmount enclosure. The Thunderbolt 5 configuration costs $1,799.99, with the Mac Studio and PCIe cards sold separately.