Sonnet Xmac Mac Mini Server

Item Description

XMac MacMini server Thunderbolt 3 edition to PCIe card expansion system

1U rackmount enclosure for Mac Mini with Thunderbolt 3 ports

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Transform a Mac mini® with Thunderbolt 3 Ports or an M1 Mac mini from a Basic Computer to a Workstation!

For many applications, a Mac mini has all the processing power necessary to allow it to replace a full-sized desktop or workstation. But for pro audio and video users, the mini’s compact size can limit its potential—there are no slots for PCIe expansion cards needed to provide additional connectivity and functionality, and you need to securely rackmount the computer. Sonnet’s award-winning xMac™ mini Server addresses these issues and maximizes a Mac mini’s capabilities in a big way.

Inside its custom 1U enclosure(*), the xMac mini Server securely mounts your Mac mini, and connects two PCIe cards to the computer through one of its Thunderbolt 3 ports. A USB-A port and a power button mounted on the front panel allow the connection of a keyboard, mouse, thumb drive or other USB peripheral to, and the operation of the system without requiring access to the back of the computer. Additional panel-mount cables (HDMI, 10 Gigabit Ethernet, and USB-A) are included to connect the ports on the computer to ports on the back of the xMac mini Server for convenient external connection. Due to the active electronics at both ends of Thunderbolt cables, passthrough Thunderbolt ports are not possible, but an opening on the back panel enables you to easily route cables to the computer or the internal connections on an installed card.

Imagine The Possibilities...

Video Ingest Station. ProTools Multitrack Recording Rig. Metadata Controller.
Large-Capacity RAID Storage Server. Video wall server.

Connect two high-performance PCIe cards to transform your Mac mini from a simple computer to something much more.

(Mac mini and PCIe cards sold separately)

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Key Features

  • Adds Connectivity and Capabilities to Your Mac mini—Connects two high-performance PCIe 1.1, 2.0, or 3.0 expansion cards to the Mac mini
  • Diverse PCIe Card Support—Supports pro video capture and playout, pro audio, 10 Gigabit Ethernet, Fibre Channel, SAS/SATA RAID controllers, and other PCIe cards
  • Server Room Ready—1U rackmount enclosure with user-replaceable fans, easy to remove lid, built-in cable management features
  • Makes Your Mac mini Road-Ready—Securely holds the computer and PCIe cards in place during transport, adding mobility to your Mac
  • Two Thunderbolt 3 Ports—One port used to connect to the computer; second port supports daisy-chaining of up to five additional Thunderbolt(2) peripheral devices to your computer, attaching a single USB(3) peripheral device, or connecting a 4K display.
  • Rear Panel Connectivity, Front Panel Operation—Ethernet, HDMI and USB-A ports mounted at the rear of the chassis for easy connectivity; front panel power button activates power switch on Mac mini; illuminated USB-A port enables connection of keyboard, mouse, thumb drive, etc.
  • Power for High-Performance PCIe Cards—Integrated 150W power supply provides plenty of power for cards you install; auxiliary PCIe power connector enables use of power hungry non-GPU cards such as the Avid® Pro Tools|HDX or the RED® ROCKET-X™

Dual PCIe 2.0 Slots; Supports PCIe 1.1, 2.0, and 3.0 Cards

The xMac mini Server supports one full-height, full-length, single-width card, plus one full-height, half-length card. Plus, if you install a PCIe card that includes a daughter card (or interface connector bracket) like the ones included with RME’s HDSPe MADI FX card, Blackmagic Design’s DeckLink 4K Extreme 12G, and the Lynx AES16e-50, a supplied mounting bracket allows you to securely mount the daughter card inside the chassis next to the main card, leaving the xMac’s second PCIe slot open for another card.

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Expansion Made Easy
The xMac mini Server provides easy access to its PCIe slots and your computer’s ports; simply loosen two thumbscrews and then slide the top cover off. Once inside, installing PCIe cards and connecting cables to the computer are simple. The included Thunderbolt 3 (40Gbps) cable connects your Mac mini to one of the xMac mini Server’s Thunderbolt 3 ports, linking the PCIe slots to the computer. The xMac’s second Thunderbolt 3 port enables daisy chaining of additional Thunderbolt peripherals such as additional PCIe expansion (like Sonnet’s Echo Express III-R rackmount chassis), pro video breakout boxes, video capture and playback devices, audio I/O devices, and more.

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Idea Enabler
Mac mini as an ingest station for uncompressed 4K video? Absolutely. Mac mini as a virtual sound check, pro audio plug-in DAW and record rig? Sure! xMac mini Server enables you to expand your Mac mini’s capabilities in ways you never imagined. For PCIe card compatibility information, see our PCIe Card Thunderbolt Compatibility Chart for a list of cards(4) that have been tested to be recognized over a Thunderbolt connection and compatible with Thunderbolt technology requirements.

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Power for High-Performance PCIe Cards

The xMac mini Server integrates a universal 150W power supply and includes an auxiliary PCIe power connector for cards that require supplementary power, such as the Avid Pro Tools|HDX or the RED ROCKET. In short, there is plenty of power for any combination of compatible cards.

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40Gbps Thunderbolt 3 — The USB-C That Does It All

The xMac mini Server includes two Thunderbolt 3 ports; the first is used for connection to your computer, while the second supports daisy chaining of up to five additional Thunderbolt peripheral devices to a single port on your Intel based Mac mini or M1 mac mini(2). This Sonnet solution includes 10Gbps USB 3.1 Gen 2 support, meaning you can connect a USB device to the second Thunderbolt 3 port using the proper cable or adapter. There’s also full support for connecting a 4K display @ 60Hz. For connected peripherals requiring extra power, 15 watts is provided to connected bus-powered devices.

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Smart Design Inside and Out

The xMac mini Server has numerous thoughtful design touches. The fans are user-replaceable, and there’s an optional extra-quiet fan kit available. The xMac mini Server’s power switch turns the computer on and off without the need for you to reach around back, and the PCIe slots power on/off with the Mac mini for energy savings. The enclosure’s rear panel includes mounting holes for two BNC connectors used for HD/SDI output from cards like the RED ROCKET-X, or for MADI and word clock IO from cards like the RME HDSPe MADI FX. There’s a central power hub for the computer and the PCIe slot’s power supply, enabling you to power everything with one power cord. The front panel USB-A provides port provides a handy visual cue, lighting up when the computer is on.

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Thunderbolt 3 (40Gbps) Cable and ThunderLok™ 3 Included
To connect your computer to the xMac mini Server, Sonnet includes a 0.5-meter Thunderbolt 3 (40Gbps) cable. And, to prevent accidental cable disconnection which can lead to data loss, we include a Sonnet ThunderLok 3 Thunderbolt connector retainer clip(5) to secure the cable to the xMac. ThunderLok 3 is easy to install and use—just slide it over one end of the cable, and then plug in the connector and secure it to the chassis by turning a thumbscrew. Because of its unique design, ThunderLok remains on the cable so it won’t get lost when not in use.

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Forward Compatible with Thunderbolt 4 Computers
Some customers prefer to connect a notebook or all-in-one computer to the xMac mini Server and it is fully compatible with Thunderbolt 4 computers. It was purposely designed with a Thunderbolt 3 controller and its four lanes of PCIe (not available in a Thunderbolt 4 peripheral) to achieve maximum performance. Learn more about the performance benefits of Thunderbolt 3 over Thunderbolt 4.(watch video from the Video tab)

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Backward Compatible with Older Macs
No Thunderbolt 3? No problem—the Echo III Desktop is also compatible with Macs with Thunderbolt 2 ports when used with the bi-directional Apple® Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter and a Thunderbolt cable (both sold separately).

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Part No XMAC-MS-A-TB3 xMac mini Server(******)
Warranty 2-year
Form Factor 1U Rackmount Enclosure
Dimensions (WxDxH) 19 x 17.75 x 1.72 in. (48.3 x 45.1 x 4.4 cm)
Weight 16 lbs (7.26 kg)
External Connectors
  • Two Thunderbolt 3 ports (one open, one used)
  • One RJ-45 Gigabit/10 Gigabit Ethernet port extension
  • Two USB-A port extensions (one front-mount and 1 rear-mount)
  • One HDMI port extension
Internal Connectors
  • 6-pin Mini-Fit Jr (provides auxiliary power for PCIe cards that require it)
  • One C-8 power
PCIe Expansion Slots
  • One x8 (x4 electrical) PCIe 2.0 half-length
  • One x16 (x4 electrical) PCIe 2.0 full-length
Compatible PCIe Cards(***) PCIe cards listed on our supporting PCIe Card Thunderbolt Compatibility Chart and as specified by card manufacturers
Power Supply Universal 150W, 90-260V AC, 50-60 Hz
Operating Temperature 0º C to 35º C (32º F to 95º F)
RoHS Compliant Yes
Package Contents

xMac mini Server (assembled)
Daughter card mounting bracket
0.5-meter Thunderbolt 3 (40Gbps) cable
Thunderbolt 3 cable lock(*****)
Power cord
Documentation

Note: Mac mini and PCIe cards sold separately

Compatibility
  • Mac mini (M1) with PCIe cards that have M1
    compatible drivers
    macOS 11 - macOS 12
  • Mac mini (2018 Intel current version)
    macOS 10.14.6 – macOS 12
  • Mac mini (Late 2014) with Apple Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter and Thunderbolt 2 cable
    OS X 10.10.5 – macOS 12
  • Mac mini (Late 2012) with Apple Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter and Thunderbolt 2 cable
    OS X 10.8.5 – macOS 10.15.7
PCIe Card Compatibility
Technical Notes

* Metal enclosures can attenuate the Bluetooth signal from your Mac mini. Using an external adapter such as Sonnet’s Long-Range USB Bluetooth 4.0 Micro Adapter (plugged into the USB port on the front of RackMac mini) can improve its performance.

** Second Thunderbolt 3 port supports Thunderbolt and Thunderbolt 2 peripheral devices on Macs used with the Apple Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter, sold separately.

***Second Thunderbolt 3 port supports USB 3.1 Gen 1 (5Gb) or Gen 2 (10Gb) devices when connected with proper cable or adapter (sold separately).

****Compatibility requires the installation of Thunderbolt technology-aware drivers, available from the manufacturer. See our supporting PCIe Card Thunderbolt Compatibility Chart for a partial list of compatible PCIe cards.

*****ThunderLok 3 compatible specifically with Sonnet 0.5-meter and 0.7-meter Thunderbolt 3 cables; Sonnet 1- and 2-meter Thunderbolt 3 cables require ThunderLok 3L

******Mac mini and PCIe cards sold separately.

Warranty 2-years

About Us

 E-mail address: please contact us via eBay messaging 

Payment

PayPal only.

Shipping

SHIPPING RATES:

Shipping to UK, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Channel Islands and Isle of Man

Service: Standard Service Royal mail First class packet post 1-2 working days
Cost: Free

Royal mail Special delivery - guaranteed next day delivery Express service 1-2 working days, signature required
Cost: £7.00

FOR NEXT DAY DELIVERY SHIPPING WITHIN UK, ORDERS MUST BE PLACED BEFORE 4.30PM, Orders placed after 4.30pm will be processed and shipped the following working day.

International shipping

Service: Prices may vary depending on country/shipping zone, please check shipping cost on eBay listing page or at the checkout.

Terms

GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE

1. THE CONTRACT BETWEEN US

We must receive payment of the whole of the price of the goods that you order before your order can be accepted.
Once payment has been received by us we will confirm that your order has been accepted by sending an e-mail to you at the e-mail address you provide in your order form. Our acceptance of your order brings into existence a legally binding contract between us.

2. PRICE

2.1 The price payable for goods that you order are set out in our website.
2.2 You will be required to pay extra for delivery and we reserve the right to cancel the contract if we cannot deliver to your area. Our delivery charges are set out in our website.

3. RIGHT FOR YOU TO CANCEL YOUR CONTRACT

3.1 You may cancel your contract with us for the goods you order at anytime up to the end of the seventh working day from the date you receive the ordered goods.
You do not need to give us any reason for canceling your contract nor will you have to pay any penalty.
3.2 To cancel your contract you must notify us by e-mail.
3.3 If you have received the goods before you cancel your contract then you must send the goods back to our contact address at your own cost and risk.
If you cancel your contract but we have already processed the goods for delivery you must not unpack the goods when they are received by you and you must send the goods back to us at our contact address at your own cost and risk as soon as possible and in any event not later than 14 days after the date on which you received the goods.
3.4 Once you have notified us that you are canceling your contract, any sum debited to us from your credit card or Paypal account will be re-credited to your account as soon as possible and in any event within 30 days of your order PROVIDED THAT the goods in question are returned by you and received by us in the condition they were in when delivered to you.
If you do not return the goods delivered to you or do not pay the costs of delivery, we shall be entitled to deduct the direct costs of recovering the goods from the amount to be re-credited to you.

4. CANCELLATION BY US

4.1 We reserve the right to cancel the contract between us if:
4.1.1 we have insufficient stock to deliver the goods you have ordered;
4.1.2 we do not deliver to your area; or
4.1.3 one or more of the goods you ordered was listed at an incorrect price due to a typographical error or an error in the pricing information received by us from our suppliers.
4.2 If we do cancel your contract we will notify you by e-mail and will re-credit to your account any sum deducted by us from your credit card or PayPal account as soon as possible but in any event within 30 days of your order.
We will not be obliged to offer any additional compensation for disappointment suffered.

5. DELIVERY OF GOODS TO YOU

5.1 We will deliver the goods ordered by you to the address you give us for delivery at the time you make your order.
5.2 Delivery will be made as soon as possible after your order is accepted and in any event within 30 days of your order.
5.3 You will become the owner of the goods you have ordered one your payment has been received and the goods have been delivered to you.
Once goods have been delivered to you they will be held at your own risk and we will not be liable for their loss or destruction.

6. LIABILITY

6.1 If the goods we deliver are not what you ordered or are damaged or defective or the delivery is of an incorrect quantity, we shall have no liability to you unless you notify us by e-mail at our contact address of the problem within 10 working days of the delivery of goods in question.
6.2 If you believe that the goods are defective then you must return them to us for testing. If we determine that the goods are defective then you will be given, at your decision, either;
6.2.1 a replacement or;
6.2.2 a full refund including the delivery costs of returning the goods.
If we determine that the goods are not defective then they shall be returned to you.
6.3 If you do not receive goods ordered by you within 30 days of the date on which you ordered them, we shall have no liability to you unless you notify us by e-mail of the problem within 40 days of the date on which you ordered the goods.
If you notify a problem to us under this condition, our only obligation will be, at your option;
6.3.1 to make good any shortage or non-delivery;
6.3.2 to replace any goods that are damaged or defective;
6.3.3 to refund to you the amount paid by you for goods in question.
6.4 Save as precluded by law, we will not be liable to you for any indirect or consequential loss, damage or expenses (including loss of profits, business or goodwill) howsoever arising out of any problem you notify to us under conditions 6.1 or 6.3 and we shall have no liability to pay any money to you by way of compensation other than to refund to you the amount paid by you for the goods in question under clauses 6.2.2 and 6.3.3 above.
6.5 You must observe and comply with all applicable regulations and legislation, including obtaining all necessary customs, import or other permits to purchase goods from our site.
The importation or exportation of certain of our goods to you may be prohibited by certain national laws. We make no representation and accept no liability in respect of the export or import of the goods you purchase.
6.6 Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in these terms and conditions is intended to limit any rights you might have as a consumer under applicable local law or other statutory rights that may not be excluded nor in any way to exclude or limit our liability to you for any death or personal injury resulting from our negligence.

7. NOTICES

Unless otherwise expressly stated in these terms and conditions, all notices from you to us must be in writing and sent to our contact e-mail address and all notices from us to you will be displayed on our website from time to time.

8. EVENTS BEYOND OUR CONTROL

We shall have no liability to you for any failure to deliver goods you have ordered or any delay in doing so or for any damage or defect to goods delivered that is caused by any event or circumstance beyond our reasonable control including, without limitation, strikes, lock-outs and other industrial disputes, breakdown of systems or network access, flood, fire, explosion or accident.

9. INVALIDITY

If any part of these terms and conditions is unenforceable (including any provision in which we exclude our liability to you) the enforceability of any other part of these conditions will not be affected.

10. PRIVACY

You acknowledge and agree to be bound by the terms of our privacy policy which may be found by clicking here. [PRIVACY POLICY ].

11. THIRD PARTY RIGHTS

Except for our affiliates or representatives, a person who is not a party to this agreement has no right under the UK Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 to enforce any term of this agreement but this does not affect any right or remedy of a third party that exists or is available apart from that Act.

12. GOVERNING LAW

The contract between us shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with Northern Irish law and the courts of Northern Ireland shall have jurisdiction to resolve any disputes between us.

13. ENTIRE AGREEMENT

These terms and conditions, together with our current website prices, delivery details, contact details and privacy policy, set out the whole of our agreement relating to the supply of the goods to you by us. Nothing said by any sales person on our behalf should be understood as a variation of these terms and conditions or as an authorized representation about the nature or quality of any goods offered for sale by us. Save for fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation, we shall have no liability for any such representation being untrue or misleading.

Returns

5.    DELIVERY OF GOODS TO YOU

5.1 We will deliver the goods ordered by you to the address you give us for delivery at the time you make your order.
5.2 Delivery will be made as soon as possible after your order is accepted and in any event within 30 days of your order.
5.3 You will become the owner of the goods you have ordered one your payment has been received and the goods have been delivered to you.
Once goods have been delivered to you they will be held at your own risk and we will not be liable for their loss or destruction.

6. LIABILITY

6.1 If the goods we deliver are not what you ordered or are damaged or defective or the delivery is of an incorrect quantity, we shall have no liability to you unless you notify us by e-mail at our contact address of the problem within 10 working days of the delivery of goods in question.
6.2 If you believe that the goods are defective then you must return them to us for testing. If we determine that the goods are defective then you will be given, at your decision, either;
6.2.1 a replacement or;
6.2.2 a full refund including the delivery costs of returning the goods.
If we determine that the goods are not defective then they shall be returned to you.
6.3 If you do not receive goods ordered by you within 30 days of the date on which you ordered them, we shall have no liability to you unless you notify us by e-mail of the problem within 40 days of the date on which you ordered the goods.
If you notify a problem to us under this condition, our only obligation will be, at your option;
6.3.1 to make good any shortage or non-delivery;
6.3.2 to replace any goods that are damaged or defective;
6.3.3 to refund to you the amount paid by you for goods in question.
6.4 Save as precluded by law, we will not be liable to you for any indirect or consequential loss, damage or expenses (including loss of profits, business or goodwill) howsoever arising out of any problem you notify to us under conditions 6.1 or 6.3 and we shall have no liability to pay any money to you by way of compensation other than to refund to you the amount paid by you for the goods in question under clauses 6.2.2 and 6.3.3 above.
6.5 You must observe and comply with all applicable regulations and legislation, including obtaining all necessary customs, import or other permits to purchase goods from our site.
The importation or exportation of certain of our goods to you may be prohibited by certain national laws. We make no representation and accept no liability in respect of the export or import of the goods you purchase.
6.6 Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in these terms and conditions is intended to limit any rights you might have as a consumer under applicable local law or other statutory rights that may not be excluded nor in any way to exclude or limit our liability to you for any death or personal injury resulting from our negligence.

NOTE:

To return an item for replacement or refund you must obtain RMA - return material authorization number. Please, under no circumstances send any item back to us without RMA.
An RMA number allows us to process your return quickly.Without it, your refund or exchange will delay due to identification an item.
If you believe, that item is not what did you order or is faulty or damaged, then;
- contact us via eBay messaging system
- member of our team will set up return material authorization number (RMA) for your return order
- RMA is then sent to you via email together with return address.
- please, write RMA number on the top side of the envelope for easier identification.
When contacting us regarding return, please have your eBay user ID and item number ready.

What else do I need to know about making a return?

All returns will be treated on a wait-to-receive basis.

Flexx memory will issue your refund or replacement after we receive your returned product along with your authorized RMA number.
If you are returning a two-piece kit, you will need to send both parts.
When returning any non-DRAM item (SSD, flash drive, or card reader), return all accessories (such as cables, manuals, or CDs) that shipped with the product. If any accessories are missing, a restocking fee may be deducted from your refund.
Products that have been modified are not covered by our limited warranty.
Flexx memory reserves the right to charge a restocking fee (up to 20 percent) at our discretion.
Please retain all shipping information, including tracking numbers, until your account or original credit card has been credited by Flexx memory or until you receive the replacement product.

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