Sonnet Echo Express III-R Thunderbolt PCIe Expansion Chassis

[Andi R]

is there nobody out there who is already using this sonnet chassis???

do I really have to be the first one to buy one and test it myself?

[nst7]

According to Sonnet's chart, it's qualified for both HDX and HD Native, so I don't see why it wouldn't work. If it's qualified on that chart, it means Sonnet has done their own testing, so don't worry if Avid hasn't caught up yet.

Besides, these are the same technology as the older chassis, the main difference being Thunderbolt 2, and improved cooling/power supply, etc. So it shouldn't matter much anyway.

Here's the chart:

http://www.sonnettech.com/support/ch....html#proaudio

Whoever you buy it through, just double check what their return policy is.

[Andi R]

Hi nst7,

thank you very much for your post!

I know that Sonnet do their testing, but there is a difference if it is officially supported by Avid or not. not technically (working or not) but of support.

Since we are a company we only invest in officially supported stuff.

and for the same reason (company) we cannot return anything we buy. only private buyers can return in Germany. Business Clients can't return items.

Thats why I am so careful.

Oh, and we need 4. not only one chassis. 4. Doesn't make it easier.

[nst7]

Okay, I understand. It just seems like Avid takes a very long time to certify things, and sometimes they don't even get around to it. So you could be waiting quite a while.

Perhaps you handle the return rule this way: First, buy the unit as an individual. Make sure it works. Then return it as an individual. Then have your company buy what it needs. Just an idea.

[vkohlhorst]

This is Vicky from Magma. Magma has a 3 slot Thunderbolt to PCIe Expansion Chassis that is approved by Avid for Pro Tools HDX - ExpressBox 3T.

If you specifically need a rackmount enclosure, we also have a new expansion series called ROBEN-3 that offers rackmount capabilities for our 3-slot chassis. You can see more information on our website at http://www.magma.com/catalog/thunderbolt-pcie-expansion.

The ROBEN-3TM allows you to mount your own Mac mini insides and still have access to three full-length PCIe slots. There's also quiet cooling features and an area to secure your iLok in the front.

Hope this helps!

[groundcontrol]

Roben looks like a winner. Great configuration options.
Will definitely look at this for my new system.

[DetroitT]

For Barry's line (Why did I waist my time installing)!
re:11 on an HD accel.

I have HD 3 running 10.3.7 and have the 11 license.
I use 11 for offline stem & VI bouncing using a moth I/O for monitoring
192's for the HD system.

Back to topic.
Sonnet Echo Express III-R Thunderbolt PCIe Expansion Chassis
or Magma for me will come down to cost.
My PT 11 thunderbolt is an Mac MINI with only 1 port to chain so twin ports is a need.
More would be better however TB2 needs to happen 1st.

[Wolfgang Eller]

Originally Posted by DetroitT

Sonnet Echo Express III-R Thunderbolt PCIe Expansion Chassis
or Magma for me will come down to cost.

Exactly!
If the price of these 2 items would be more or less the same in US it would be a no brainer, but in Germany Magma is twice the price compared to the Sonnet.

[Andi R]

so, any updates on this topic?

still no one using an Echo Express III-R?

anyone using a Magma Roben?

Cheers!

[Johnny Hulst]

Ive just received the Sonnet Echo Express III-D, hooked it up to my iMac (still waiting for the delivery of the ordered MacPro) and it works perfect with HDX.

No extra installs, just works... the 2 fans run at a low speed... Compared to the loud magma units this is pretty quiet...

Hope to get the MacPro next week, give an update then.

greetings

Johnny Hulst

Link to some pictures (hope it works)
http://www.hulst.nu/photo/#Albums/album_536f6e6e6574