Designed for Expansion
Connect Specialty Audio and Video Cards
Three Systems to Choose From
For many creative professionals, PCIe card expansion for connecting specialty cards to handle audio and video post-production projects is not an option — it’s a necessity! Sonnet designed the xMac Studio for pro workflow flexibility; choose a system configured with a Thunderbolt to PCIe card expansion module that best suits your needs. xMac Studio is also available without a module so you can add one at a later date, or use one of your existing compatible Sonnet expansion modules*.
xMac Studio/Echo III
Professional 3U Rackmount Enclosure with Three Slot Thunderbolt to PCIe Card Expansion System for Mac Studio
Designed for Three PCIe Cards Expansion – Connect Speciality Audio and Video Cards
For many creative professionals, PCIe card expansion is not an option – its a necessity for connecting specialty cards to handle audio and video post-production projects. xMac Studio is a rugged steel 3U rackmount enclosure for securing a Mac Studio with optional PCIe card expansion module in a rack, placing the Mac Studio behind a quick and easy to remove front panel. Sonnet designed the xMac Studio/Echo III for pro workflow flexibility; a rugged steel enclosure protects the Mac Studio while a three slot PCIe expansion module provides expansion for up to three PCI cards, including support for up to three Avid Pro Tools | HDX cards.
Echo III Expansion Module Features
Versatile PCIe Card Expansion – From low-profile, half-length to full-height, full-length in size, Echo expansion modules support every Thunderbolt-compatible, non-GPU PCIe card available. View PDF of supported PCIe cards.
400W of Power – Built-in 400W power supply supports power-hungry cards including Avid Pro Tools | HDX, AJA® Kona® 5, Blackmagic Decklink 4K Extreme 12G, and Blufish444’s Epoch and KRONOS SDI cards. System powers on and off automatically with the connected Mac Studio.
Quiet Fans – Dual temperature-controlled, variable-speed Noctua fans rated at 17 dbA offer ultra-quiet operation.
40Gbps Thunderbolt Interface – 40Gbps Thunderbolt interface offers 2800 MB/s of PCIe bandwidth to the installed PCIe cards.
Control and Connect – Easy Access to Mac Studio and PCIe Card Expansion Module
Convenient front panel operation allows you turn Mac Studio on with its own dedicated front power button, connect USB devices through a 4-port USB-A hub, and access the computer’s front ports and SD card slots. When equipped with an Echo III or Echo I PCIe Card Expansion Module, three rear panel locking thumbscrews allow you to easily pull out and access the module and PCIe cards through the front without removing the front panel. xMac Studio’s design enables you to connect and disconnect cables without needing to remove the Mac Studio from the enclosure.
An opening on top of xMac Studio ensures hindrance-free wireless signal access. The xMac Studio 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.
Go with the Airflow – Supports Mac Studio's Thermal Design
xMac Studio secures your Mac Studio without trapping 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 SSD Drives – Secure up to Three Thunderbolt or USB SSD Drives Under the Mac Studio
xMac Studio provides space beneath the computer to house up to three Thunderbolt or USB SSDs (sold separately) up to 3.2 inches wide by 0.75 inch tall. Simply remove the rear access panel, apply the supplied adhesive-backed magnet to the bottom of the SSD, insert the SSD and connect it 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? The xMac Studio 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 ideal for use in molded rack cases from Gator Cases, fly racks from SKB Cases, or most any travel rack.
