The Echo Express SE I Desktop Thunderbolt 2 Expansion System for PCIe Cards from Sonnet supports most Thunderbolt-compatible cards, including PCIe 1.1, PCIe 2.0, and PCIe 3.0 cards up to 7.75" long. It is suitable for connecting one professional video capture, audio interface, SAS or SATA HBA, 16Gb or 8Gb Fibre Channel, 10Gb Ethernet, or RAID controller PCIe card to any Mac or Windows PC with a Thunderbolt 2 or Thunderbolt port. The PCIe expansion slot is necessary to install specialty audio, video, networking, and storage controller interface cards. The SE I features Thunderbolt 2 technology, which provides up to 20 Gb/s of bandwidth for demanding, high-performance PCIe cards, and incorporates support for the DisplayPort 1.2 protocol, which enables video streaming to a 4K video monitor. The Echo Express SE I may also be upgraded to Thunderbolt 3 by switching the PCIe card in the chassis.
General Features
20 Gb/s Thunderbolt 2 Interface
The Echo Express SE I features 20 Gb/s Thunderbolt 2 which provides ample bandwidth for many of the most demanding, high-performance PCIe cards, and incorporates support for the DisplayPort 1.2 protocol, which enables video streaming to a 4K video monitor. While the SE I delivers maximum performance when connected to a computer with Thunderbolt 2 ports, it is also fully compatible with computers with 10 Gb/s Thunderbolt, supporting most cards at full performance.
Now Available - Thunderbolt 3 Upgrade Card, and Thunderbolt 3 Edition
If you already purchased an Echo Express SE I and have been waiting to upgrade it to 40 Gb/s Thunderbolt 3, your wait is over. The Thunderbolt 3 upgrade card for the Echo Express SE I is now available. Installing the upgrade is as simple as switching a PCIe card in the chassis. If you're in the market for a Thunderbolt 3-to-PCIe card expansion system, the Echo Express SE I - Thunderbolt 3 Edition is also available.
Full Performance In a Small and Light Package
The Echo Express SE I is small, light, and good for use in situations where you only need to connect only a single PCIe card. Measuring a compact 5.6 x 8.6 x 3.5", the SE I was designed to have a small footprint, yet is large enough to support the vast majority of Thunderbolt-compatible PCIe cards.
The SE I's small size doesn't limit its performance. Installed in this system, a card will perform the same as when installed in an Echo Express SE II, Echo Express III-D, or Echo Express III-R. And like the other Echo Express models, the SE I includes two Thunderbolt ports to support daisy-chaining of up to six devices from a single port on your computer.
The SE I's small size doesn't limit its performance. Installed in this system, a card will perform the same as when installed in an Echo Express SE II, Echo Express III-D, or Echo Express III-R. And like the other Echo Express models, the SE I includes two Thunderbolt ports to support daisy-chaining of up to six devices from a single port on your computer.
Smart Design Inside and Out
Constructed of rugged and lightweight aluminum, the outer shell of the Echo Express SE I securely protects the installed PCIe card. The card is protected inside, too. Instead of using a fixed speed fan that may not reliably cool a hot-running card, or a fan with a switch that leaves it up to you to guess the correct speed, the SE I employs a variable-speed, temperature-controlled fan to ensure the card and chassis' components remain reliably cool. The SE I's fan automatically speeds up as necessary to cool the installed card when it's hot, and slows down when it's cool. Since Echo Express products automatically power on and off with your computer, there is no power switch on the chassis, ensuring you don't waste energy by forgetting to turn it off.
One PCIe 2.0 Slot, Plus Space for a Daughter Card
The Echo Express SE I's PCIe 2.0 slot supports one half-length, full-height, single- or double-width PCIe card. Double-width? Some specialty cards, such as RME's HDSPe MADI FX card, Blackmagic Design's DeckLink 4K Extreme, and the Lynx AES16e 50, include a daughter card that mates with and provides additional external connections to the main card. The daughter card occupies the adjacent space without filling a PCIe slot.
Nearly Every Thunderbolt-Compatible PCIe Card Supported
Able to accommodate cards up to 7.75" long, Sonnet's Echo Express SE I supports nearly every Thunderbolt-compatible card available. PCIe 1.1, 2.0, and 3.0 cards are supported. Do you have a card in mind but aren't sure it's compatible? Sonnet has worked closely with PCIe card manufacturers to provide a list of compatible cards on their supporting PCIe Card Thunderbolt Compatibility Chart. The chart provides an up-to-date list of cards that have been tested to be recognized over a Thunderbolt connection and compatible with Thunderbolt technology requirements.
Quiet, Please
The Echo Express SE I was designed to be quiet so that it can be comfortably used in noise-sensitive environments. The airflow path within the chassis has been specially designed to enable the temperature-controlled, variable speed fan to quietly and efficiently cool the installed card, even during peak operation.
Strong Link in the Chain
This Sonnet solution supports daisy chaining of additional Thunderbolt technology-enabled peripherals, such as an additional Echo Express chassis, the Apple Thunderbolt Display, video capture devices, and data storage devices. For connected devices requiring extra power, 10W is provided through the daisy chain port to peripherals.
Thunderbolt Cable and ThunderLok Included
Sonnet includes a Thunderbolt cable to connect the Echo Express SE I to your computer, and a ThunderLok Thunderbolt connector retainer clip to secure the cable to the Echo chassis. Thunderbolt connectors are held in place by friction, which works well in situations where equipment remains undisturbed while operating. But when there's a chance of movement nearby, there's a chance the Thunderbolt cable can be unintentionally unplugged, possibly leading to loss of your work or data. Sonnet's ThunderLok prevents accidental cable disconnections from the Echo chassis, and is easy to install and use. Just slide it over one end of the cable, plug in the connector, and secure it to the chassis by turning a thumbscrew. Because of its unique design, ThunderLok does not attach to the connector, but remains on the cable so it won't get lost when not in use.
Get Full Thunderbolt Performance, At a Distance
Whether noisy PCIe card fans make it impractical to use the Echo SE I in a noise-sensitive environment, or because securing it in another room is required, you may find it necessary to put some space between the system and computer. Optical Thunderbolt cables, available in lengths up to 197' / 60 meters, enable you to locate your equipment where you need and connect the pieces without loss of functionality.
Please note that optical Thunderbolt cables do not work with the ThunderLok.
Please note that optical Thunderbolt cables do not work with the ThunderLok.
Sonnet Echo Express SE I Desktop Thunderbolt 2 Expansion System for PCIe Cards
Thunderbolt Cable
ThunderLok Thunderbolt Connector Retainer Clip
Power Cord
Universal Power Adapter
Limited 2-Year Manufacturer Warranty
Thunderbolt Cable
ThunderLok Thunderbolt Connector Retainer Clip
Power Cord
Universal Power Adapter
Limited 2-Year Manufacturer Warranty