Rackmount Chassis Sonnet xMac Studio/Echo III 3U SSD 40 Gbit/s Black

The Sonnet xMac Studio/Echo III is a 3U rackmount enclosure engineered to house a Mac Studio and provide optional three-slot PCIe card expansion via an Echo III Thunderbolt-to-PCIe module. The steel chassis secures the Mac Studio in a rack, preserves its thermal design, and offers space beneath the computer for up to three slim Thunderbolt or USB SSDs. The enclosure supports Thunderbolt 40 Gbit/s connectivity to expansion cards and includes an internal 400 W power supply to support demanding audio/video PCIe cards.

Advantages

The enclosure allows professional PCIe expansion for audio and video post-production cards while keeping the Mac Studio protected in a standard 3U rack space. A built-in 400 W power supply supports power-hungry cards and the Echo III module accepts low-profile to full-height, full-length PCIe cards. A 40 Gbit/s Thunderbolt interface provides high PCIe bandwidth to installed cards, and quiet temperature-controlled fans reduce noise. Front-panel access, a 4-port USB-A hub, and a removable expansion module simplify use and maintenance without removing the Mac Studio from the chassis.

Suitable for

• Audio post-production systems requiring Avid Pro Tools | HDX cards
• Video capture and playback setups using PCIe cards such as AJA or Blackmagic
• Rack-mounted studio environments needing secure Mac Studio installation
• Mobile production rigs and road cases with limited mounting depth

Key specifications

• Form factor: 3U rackmount steel chassis sized for Mac Studio
• PCIe expansion: supports up to three PCIe cards via Echo III module (low-profile to full-height/full-length)
• Interface bandwidth: 40 Gbit/s Thunderbolt (approx. 2800 MB/s PCIe bandwidth to cards)
• Power: built-in 400 W power supply for installed PCIe cards
• Cooling: dual temperature-controlled variable-speed fans (quiet operation)
• Storage space: accommodates up to three slim Thunderbolt or USB SSDs (max ~3.2" x 0.75") beneath Mac Studio
• Access: front-panel power button, USB-A hub, removable expansion module for front access to PCIe cards
• Wireless: top opening allowing Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth operation in most rack configurations

How to use

Install the Mac Studio into the xMac Studio chassis and, if required, fit the Echo III PCIe expansion module into the rear module bay. Mount desired Thunderbolt-compatible PCIe cards into the Echo III module following the card manufacturer’s installation instructions. Connect the Mac Studio to the module via the provided Thunderbolt connection. Secure SSDs beneath the Mac Studio using the supplied adhesive-backed magnets and reinstall the rear access panel. Power for the enclosure and installed cards is managed by the internal 400 W supply and the system powers on and off with the connected Mac Studio.

Usage recommendations

Use the Echo III expansion module for non-GPU Thunderbolt-compatible PCIe cards and verify card compatibility with Sonnet’s supported cards list. Allow space in the rack for proper airflow, and position the chassis so the Mac Studio base is unobstructed to preserve its thermal performance. For transport, use a molded or flight rack that accommodates the 16.5-inch mounting depth and secure the Mac Studio with the included rubber cushions.