Sonnet Announces New Rack Mount for Mac Pro

News

by Tej BabraMarch 28^th, 2014

Sonnet recently announced a new rack mount enclosure for the Mac Pro known as the xMac Pro Server.  The 4U rack mount enclosure for the Mac Pro has integrated 3 PCIe slots, Thunderbolt 2 technology and expandability of Echo Express III -R.  This could be the mounting option many broadcasters, and filmmakers require for the rack mounted systems.

Sonnet is attempting to provide clients with a solution that require rack mounting their Mac Pro’s. In most broadcast scenarios, the old Mac Pro towers were rack mounted. However, the new Mac Pro made things interesting for engineers to come with solutions for editors. This new rack mount server may be the solution to this problem.  Editors may also find this beneficial for various workflows such as express card support for many of XDCAMs, and SxS media that are still being used today.

Sonnet’s xMac Pro Server supports 3 PCIe slots, and Thunderbolt 2 technology. The server is approximately 16 inches deep, and will hold the the Mac Pro and installed cards all within the case for rack mounting. The back of the rack contains 3 USB 3.0 ports as well as support for two Gigabit Ethernet ports and an HDMI port. There is also a single USB 3.0 slot on the front.  The server also integrates a universal 300W power supply and includes a 75W PCIe power connector for cards that require supplementary power, such as the Avid Pro Tools|HDX, or the new RED ROCKET-X.

Sonnet’s xMac Pro server also provides you with a solution for working with the new RED Rocket X. This could be beneficial for anyone working within RED 4K, as they are able to take advantage of the power of a Mac Pro. Many editors are discovering how capable the Mac Pro is when it comes to working with 4K footage.

The xMac Pro definitely currently looks like a great solution on paper. The server provides expandability for the Mac Pro and adds benefits express cards. This seems to address some of the concerns in post production. This could potentially really open up the Mac Pro platform to more workflow possibilities.

Sonnet announced the xMac Pro will be ready to ship in June and you can sign up for updates now.