Sonnet xMac mini (2024+) 2U Rackmount Enclosure System w/ Echo III Module

About: Sonnet xMac mini (2024+) 2U Rackmount Enclosure System w/ Echo III Module

xMac mini (2024+)/Echo III is a versatile preconfigured expansion system that includes a 2U rackmount enclosure that houses two expansion modules: xMac mini (2024+) Module (for connecting Mac mini computers), and Echo III Module (that supports up to three full-height, full-length PCIe cards). The system  is configured to support the connection of three PCIe cards to a single Mac mini, and is certified for Avid Pro Tools | HDX cards.

• Connects Three PCIe Card Slots – Use high-performance PCIe cards with the Mac mini computers.
• Makes Your Mac minis Road-ready – A rugged, steel-framed module with rubber-cushioned brackets securely holds Mac minis in place. The 2U rackmount enclosure houses both the computer mounting module and the Thunderbolt expansion module, enhancing mobility and streamlining your workflow.
• Perfect for Use in Server Rooms – Standard mounting holes and included adjustable rack rails enable easy installation into any standard server rack up to 24" deep.
• Front Panel Power Buttons – Front panel buttons enable easy and reliable operation of the Mac minis’ bottom-mounted power buttons.
• Port and Slot Access – Direct access to the front ports of the front-mounted mini is provided. A front panel USB-C port connects to the rear-mounted mini. A passthrough opening enables cable connections to both minis. Full access is available to all ports on the back of each computer.
• Front to Back Airflow Management – Supports direct airflow through the Mac minis and Thunderbolt expansion module to keep them operating as cool in a rack as on a desk, even when xMac mini (2024+) is mounted between two other rack-mounted components.
• Easy Access – Secured with two thumbscrews each to the back of the enclosure, the xMac mini (2024+) Module and Thunderbolt expansion module can be removed and reinstalled through the front of the enclosure.
• Power Hub – Single power connection for one or two Mac minis.
• Space for Storage – Beneath the computers, space to place two Thunderbolt or USB SSDs (sold separately) is provided.
• Compatibility – Mac mini (2024+).
• Warranty – 2-year product warranty.
• Customer Support – Free lifetime customer technical support.
• The Sonnet Advantage – Innovating technology since 1986.

The latest Mac mini delivers outstanding processing power, outperforming computers multiple times its miniscule size and price, but raw performance is not enough for every task. Take for instance off-the-desk pro workflows — you’ll need to secure the computers and a way to add more connectivity and processing capabilities than minis offers onboard. 

xMac mini (2024+) systems make it possible to seamlessly integrate one or two Mac minis into a compact, rugged steel 2U rackmount enclosure that houses a dedicated computer mounting module alongside a Thunderbolt to PCIe card expansion module, delivering the connectivity and performance required for demanding audio, video, and broadcast workflows.

Control and Connect – Easy Access to Mac minis and PCIe Card Expansion Module

xMac mini (2024+) keeps your Mac minis safely tucked away while providing easy-to-use power buttons for each one — so you can turn them on and off with just a press. Access is provided to the front ports on the mini mounted in front. A USB-C port provides a connection to the mini mounted in the rear, while a cable passthrough on the front panel enables connection of peripherals to either computer. The computer mounting and PCIe card expansion modules are secured with two rear panel thumbscrews each, enabling you to easily pull out and access the modules and installed computers and PCIe cards through the front of the enclosure. The xMac mini (2024+) design enables you to connect and disconnect cables without needing to remove the computers from the modules.

xMac mini (2024+) is designed to allow normal WiFi and Bluetooth wireless operation in most configurations (depending on rack type and position in rack), so you can use wireless devices and iOS device control apps.

Echo III Expansion Module

Echo III is a 3-slot Thunderbolt to PCIe expansion module designed for high-performance PCIe card connectivity. From low-profile, half-length to full-height, full-length in size, Echo III Module supports every Thunderbolt-compatible, non-GPU PCIe card available. Click Here to see supported PCIe cards. The module features 40Gbps Thunderbolt interface, a powerful 400W power supply, ultra-quiet Noctua fans rated at just 17 dBA, and a rugged aluminum enclosure for durable, secure protection.

Designed for Expansion – Connect Specialty Audio and Video Cards

• Preconfigured – Systems Tailored to Your Workflow.
  • For many creative professionals, connecting a Thunderbolt to PCIe card expansion system to their computer is essential for utilizing specialized hardware — such as audio I/O and DSP cards, video capture and playback cards, NVMe SSD storage, and other high-performance adapters – required for their demanding workflows. With a Sonnet preconfigured system, choose a configuration with the PCIe card expansion module that best fits your needs.
• Flexible – Prefer Options? Add Your Own Module.
  • xMac mini (2024+) enclosure system is available without a PCIe card expansion module, allowing you to install one later or use an Echo I, Echo II DV, or Echo III expansion module you may already own from an existing Sonnet Thunderbolt expansion system.
• Maximum Expansion – Need to Maximize Mac mini Density?
  • Mount four Mac minis in just 2U of rack space with by configuring an xMac mini (2024) system with an additional xMac mini (2024+) Module.

Well Ventilated – Supports the Mac mini Thermal Design

xMac mini (2024+) enclosure system secures your Mac minis without trapping them in recirculating hot rack air, supporting their thermal design to keep them as cool in a rack as out on a desk. Ventilation holes on the xMac mini module’s front panel plus enclosed chambers beneath the computers ensures their ability to draw in cool air through their bases, while a completely open back enable them to expel warm air out the back unimpeded.

Space for External SSDs – Secure Two Thunderbolt or USB SSDs Beneath the Mac minis

Space is provided beneath the computers to store two Thunderbolt or USB SSDs (sold separately) up to 3.2 inches wide by 0.75 inch tall. The space is also suitable for other thin, bus-powered devices.

Ready for the Road – Your Workflow Made Mobile

Do you need to take your workflow on the road? xMac mini (2024+) is a perfect travel solution. Its 16.5-inch mounting depth – plus brackets with firm rubber cushions that securely hold your Mac minis in place during transport – make xMac mini (2024+) perfect for use in molded rack cases from Gator Cases, fly racks from SKB Cases, or most any travel rack.

Expansion Bay

When the time comes to expand your system, simply remove the front expansion bay face plate and install your choice of expansion module.

Additional Expansion Options

• Need to Maximize Mac mini Density? Add an Additional xMac mini (2024+) Module
  • xMac mini (2024+) System + xMac mini (2024+) Module - If you need to rack up as many Mac minis into as little space as possible — while thoroughly securing them and properly supporting their cooling systems — choose an xMac mini (2024+) preconfigured system and add an additional xMac mini (2024+) Module. This configuration supports four Mac minis in just 2U of rack space.
• Need to Use More PCIe Cards? Connect an Additonal Echo III Rackmount System
  • xMac mini (2024)/Echo III + Echo III Rackmount + Echo III Module - Mac mini computers come equipped with three Thunderbolt ports, each supported by its own bus that provides full Thunderbolt PCIe bandwidth. If you need to connect more than three PCIe cards, choose an xMac mini (2024+)/Echo III and attach an Echo III Rackmount system configured with an additional Echo III Module to support nine professional PCIe cards with one Mac mini, all in just 4U of rack space.
    • Or, support multiple Echo III Modules with each of two Mac minis in the xMac mini Module.
• Need Access to Six Bandwidth-hungry PCIe Cards? Add an Echo II DV Rackmount System + Echo II DV Module
  • xMac mini (2024+)/Echo II DV + Echo II DV Rackmount + Echo II DV Module - Take advantage of Mac mini’s single Thunderbolt bus per Thunderbolt port configuration — choose the xMac mini (2024+)/Echo II DV and add an Echo II DV Rackmount system plus an additional Echo II DV Module for maximum performance potential using two Mac minis. With three Echo II DV Modules connected to six Thunderbolt ports on two minis (three per computer), each of the six card slots receives full Thunderbolt PCIe bandwidth so you can exploit six video I/O, 10 or 25Gb Ethernet, or NVMe SSD cards at the same time, all in just 4U of rack space.
    • Or, support multiple Echo II DV Modules with each of the two Mac minis in the xMac mini module.

Specifications

• Hardware
  • Form Factor: 2U rackmount enclosure
  • Compliance
    • RoHS3 (Directive 2015/863)
    • IEC62368-1and IEC62368-2 Safety
  • Warranty: 2-year
  • Dimensions (WxDxH): 19 x 16.5 x 3.6 in. (48.3 x 41.9 x 9.1 cm)
  • Weight: 29 lbs (13.15 kg)
• Compatibility
  • Mac Compatibility: Mac mini 2024+
  • PCIe Cards Compatibility: Click Here for list of compatible PCIe cards
• xMac mini (2024+) Module
  • External Connectors
    • USB-C port
    • Power (C14-type)
  • Internal Connectors
    • Two power (C7-type)
  • SSD Maximum Height
    • 0.7 in. (18 mm)​
• Echo III Module
  • External Connectors
    • Two Thunderbolt ports
    • Power (C14-type)
  • Internal Connector: 6-pin auxiliary power; provides up to 75W of power for PCIe cards that require supplemental power
  • Expansion Slots (Top to Bottom)
    • One x8 mechanical (x8 electrical) PCIe 3.1
    • One x16 mechanical (x8 electrical) PCIe 3.1
    • One x8 mechanical (x4 electrical) PCIe 3.1
  • PCIe Cards Supported
    • One full-length, full-height, double-width PCIe card, plus one single-width card or
    • Three full-length, full-height, single-width PCIe cards
  • Power Supply: Universal 400W, 115-230V AC, 50-60 Hz(2)
  • Operating Temperature: 0ºC to 35ºC (32ºF to 95ºF)
• System Configuration
  • xMac mini (2024+) Module
    • Module for adding up to two Mac minis
    • Front power buttons
    • Front panel USB-C port (to rear Mac mini, if installed)
    • Front panel cable passthrough (for connecting devices to either Mac mini through front)
    • Power hub (single power connection for one or two Mac minis)
    • SSD storage space (for up to two external SSD drives)
  • Echo III Module
    • Connects to Mac mini via one Thunderbolt cable
    • Installed in enclosure expansion bay
    • Features three PCIe 3.1 slots
    • Supports three full-height, full-length PCIe cards
    • Supports up to three Avid Pro Tools | HDX Cards
    • Two 40Gbps Thunderbolt ports
    • 400W power supply (with 75W aux. power connector)
    • Dual Noctua quiet fans(rated at 17 dbA)
  • System Includes
    • Two power cables
    • 40Gbps Thunderbolt cables
    • ThunderLok-A connector locks

What's Included

• 2U rackmount enclosure
• xMac mini (2024+) Module
• Echo III Module (3-slot Thunderbolt to PCIe card expansion)
• Two region-specific power cables
• 6-pin auxiliary power cable
• 0.8- meter Thunderbolt cable
• ThunderLok-A connector lock
• Extension rails for rack depth 16-24 inches
• User’s Guide