Sonnet xMac Studio 3U Rackmount System w/ 3-slot Echo III T5 Module

About: Sonnet xMac Studio 3U Rackmount System w/ 3-slot Echo III T5 Module

Mac Studio delivers phenomenal processing power, outperforming computers many times its size and price – and includes a robust selection of ports. But how do you integrate it into a professional rack-based workflow and expand it’s connectivity beyond what’s available out of the box?

Sonnet xMac Studio/Echo III T5 integrates a Mac Studio (sold separately) into a compact, rugged steel 3U rackmount enclosure with a 3-slot Thunderbolt 5 to PCIe card expansion module. Together they provide a flexible solution to support demainding audio, video and other professional workflows.

• Compact and Rugged – 3U rackmount steel enclosure securely houses a Mac Studio with a pre-installed Echo III T5 expansion module.
• Echo III T5 Module – Supports three full-height, full-length non-GPU PCIe cards, such as Avid Pro Tools | HDX cards. Click here for a list of compatible PCIe cards.
• Expansion module features three PCIe 3.1 slots, two 80 Gbps Thunderbolt 5 ports, 400W power supply, and dual Noctua quiet fans (rated at 17 dBA).
• Makes Your Mac Studio Road-ready – 3U rackmount enclosure with firm rubber cushions securely holds the Mac Studio and Echo III T5 Module in place, adding mobility to your workflow
• Ideal 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 Button and Integrated USB-A Ports – Front panel button enables operation of the computer’s rear-mounted power switch; integrated USB-A hub connects four USB peripherals to the Mac Studio.
• Slot and Port Access – Provides access to the computer’s SD card slot and front and back panel ports, enabling you to connect and disconnect cables easily.
• Front to Back Airflow Management – Supports direct airflow through the enclosure, Mac Studio, and Echo III T5 Module to keep them operating as cool in a rack as on a desk, even when xMac Studio is mounted between two other rack-mounted components.
• Easy Access – No tools required; removable front panel secured with thumbscrews allows easy installation of and access to the Mac Studio. Secured with three thumbscrews on the back, the Echo III T5 Module can be removed and reinstalled through the front of the enclosure without removing the front plate.
• Space for Storage – Behind a covered opening beneath the computer is a space to place two Thunderbolt or USB SSDs (sold separately); two included adhesive-backed magnets secure them in place.
• Thunderbolt 5 to PCIe Device – Provides 3400 MB/s aggregate, bi-directional PCIe bandwidth to the installed cards when connected to a Thunderbolt 5 computer port.
• Connect an Additional Device – Secondary Thunderbolt port provides 15W of power for an additional Thunderbolt or USB device.
• Compatibility – Compatible with all Mac Studio models.

Designed for Expansion: Mac Studio + PCIe Cards

For many creative professionals, PCIe card expansion for connecting specialty I/O and processing cards to handle audio and video post-production projects is not an option — it’s a necessity! The xMac Studio/Echo III T5 provides space to securely house a Mac Studio with Sonnet’s Echo III T5 3-slot PCIe card expansion module preinstalled in the enclosure’s expansion bay.

Configured with Echo III T5 Module

Three PCIe 3.1 Slots – 3400 MB/s Aggregate, Bi-directional PCIe Bandwidth. Echo III T5 Module features one x16 and two x8 PCIe 3.1 slots. When connected to a Thunderbolt 5 computer port, it provides them 3400 MB/s aggregate, bi-directional PCIe bandwidth. The module supports  single- and double-width PCIe 4.0, 3.1, 2.0, and 1.1 cards including:

• Video capture, streaming and transcoding cards
• Audio DSP cards
• 10Gb and 25Gb Ethernet adapters
• SSD storage cards
• SAS host bus adapters
• Other specialty PCIe cards

Comprehensive PCIe Card Support

xMac Studio/Echo III T5  is large enough to support the majority of Thunderbolt compatible, non-GPU cards. Not sure if a card you own or are considering is compatible? We’ve created a compatibility list that lists many cards conforming to Thunderbolt technology requirements and organized by fit and power compatibility with specific expansion systems.

400W of Power

A built-in 400W power supply (with 75W aux. power connector) supports power-hungry cards including Avid Pro Tools | HDX, AJA Kona 5, Blackmagic DeckLink 4K Extreme 12G, and DeckLink 8K Pro G2, and Deltacast 12G/4C cards. Systems power on and off automatically with the connected Mac Studio.

Quiet Operation

Dual temperature-controlled, variable-speed Noctua fans (rated at 17 dBA) offer ultra-quiet operation.

Control and Connect: Easy Access to Mac Studio and PCIe Card Expansion Module

xMac Studio/Echo III T5 places your Mac Studio behind a quick and easy to remove front panel. Convenient front panel operation allows you to:

• Turn on the computer with its own dedicated front power button
• Connect USB devices through a 4-port USB-A hub
• Access the Studio’s front ports and SD card slot

Three rear panel locking thumbscrews allow you to easily pull out and access the Echo III T5 Module and PCIe cards through the front without removing the front panel. The xMac Studio design enables you to connect and disconnect cables without needing to remove the computer from the enclosure.

xMac Studio/Echo III T5 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.

Cool Design: Engineered Around Mac Studio Airflow

xMac Studio/Echo III T5 secures your Mac Studio without trapping it in recirculating hot rack air, supporting its thermal design to keep it as cool in a rack as out on a desk. Ventilation holes on the enclosure’s front panel plus an enclosed chamber beneath the Mac Studio ensures the computer’s ability to draw in cool air through its base, while a completely open back enables it to expel warm air out the back unimpeded.

Space for SSDs: Secure Two Thunderbolt or USB SSDs Under the Mac Studio

xMac Studio/Echo III T5 provides space beneath the computer to house two Thunderbolt or USB SSDs (sold separately) up to 3.2 inches wide by 0.9 inch tall. Simply remove the rear access panel, apply the supplied adhesive-backed magnet to the bottom of the SSDs, insert the SSDs and connect them to the computer, and then reinstall the panel. The space is also suitable for other thin, bus-powered devices.

Road Trip Ready: Workflows On the Go

Do you need to take your workflow on the road? xMac Studio/Echo III T5 is a perfect travel solution. Its 16.5-inch mounting depth – plus firm rubber cushions that securely hold your Mac Studio in place during transport – make xMac Studio/Echo III T5 ideal for use in molded rack cases from Gator Cases, fly racks from SKB Cases, or most any travel rack.

Secure Connections for High Performance

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

• ThunderLok Advantage: Many Sonnet Thunderbolt products featuring Thunderbolt ports come equipped with threaded mounting holes to securely attach a Sonnet ThunderLok connector lock, preventing Thunderbolt cables from accidentally disconnecting.

Thunderbolt 5: More Than Just the Fastest External Interface Available

Echo III T5 Module features an ultra-high-speed Thunderbolt 5 interface that delivers the PCIe bandwidth needed to support demanding cards at high performance. The system includes two Thunderbolt 5 ports: one connects to the computer, while the second enables you to connect an additional Thunderbolt or USB peripheral device:

• Powers Peripherals. 15 watts is provided to bus-powered USB or Thunderbolt devices requiring extra power through the secondary Thunderbolt port.
• Connect One 5K Display Using Spare Bandwidth. Maximize the utilization of one computer Thunderbolt port, connecting a 5K display while retaining full PCIe bandwidth.

Specifications

• Compatibility
  • Mac Compatibility: Mac Studio
  • PCIe Cards Compatibility: Click here for compatibility chart
• Rack Hardware
  • Warranty: 2-year
  • Form Factor: 3U rackmount enclosure
  • External Connectors: Four USB-A ports
  • Power Supply: Universal 400W, 115-230V AC, 50-60 Hz
  • Operating Temperature: 0ºC to 35ºC (32ºF to 95ºF)
  • Dimensions (WxDxH): 19 x 16.5 x 5.2 in. (48 x 41.9 x 13.3 cm)
  • Weight: 16 lbs (7.26 kg)
• Echo III T5
  • Compatibility
    • Mac Compatibility
      • Mac with Thunderbolt 5, Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt/USB4, or Thunderbolt 3 ports
      • macOS 15+; compatible with macOS 27
    • Windows Compatibility
      • Windows computer with Thunderbolt 5, Thunderbolt 4, or USB4 ports
      • Windows 11 25H2+
      • Windows Server 2025
    • Linux Compatibility
      • Linux computer with Thunderbolt 5, Thunderbolt 4, or USB4 ports
      • Supported Linux kernel, 6.6 or later
    • PCIe Card Compatibility
      • Click Here for a list of compatible PCIe cards
  • Form Factor: Thunderbolt desktop enclosure
  • 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 (Facing Rear, Left to Right)
    • 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
    • Three full-length, full-height, single-width PCIe cards or
    • One full-length, full-height, double-width PCIe card, plus one single-width card
  • Power Supply: Universal 400W, 115-230V AC, 50-60 Hz
  • Operating Temperature: 0ºC to 35ºC (32ºF to 95ºF)
  • Weight: 9.7 lbs (4.40 kg)
  • Dimensions (WxDxH): 3.5 x 16.7 x 9 in. (8.9 x 42.4 x 22.9 cm)

What's in the Box

• xMac Studio Enclosure with Echo III T5 Module
• 6-pin PCIe auxiliary power cable
• 0.8-meter Thunderbolt 5 cable
• ThunderLok-A connector lock (for securing Thunderbolt cable)
• Extension rails (for rack depth 16-24 inches)
• 2x Adhesive-backed magnets (for mounting portable SSDs)
• Documentation