Built using extruded aluminum for greater durability, the SF3 Series CFast 2.0 Pro Card Reader from Sonnet features dual CFast 2.0 slots and 40 Gb/s of Thunderbolt 3 bandwidth to quickly ingest footage from CFast 2.0 and CFast 1.0 memory cards. Thanks to this bandwidth, both card slots can be used simultaneously at speeds up to 1000 MB/s. When only one card slot is being used, data is transferred at speeds up to 550 MB/s. This card reader connects to your compatible Windows or Mac system using a user-replaceable Thunderbolt 3 cable, and is powered using the Thunderbolt bus, which means that no external power supplies are required. Should the Thunderbolt 3 cable break, it can be replaced by removing the reader's back cover plates, unplugging the cable, and then plugging in a replacement.

Please note that this card reader requires Thunderbolt 3 and will work with Windows 10 or later and macOS 10.12.6 or later, including Big Sur and M1 Macs. It is also forward compatible with Thunderbolt 4.

General Features

Supports CFast 2.0 Cards at Maximum Speeds

With the increasing popularity of professional digital cinema cameras from RED, Canon, ARRI, and Blackmagic Design, the use of CFast 2.0 memory cards has soared, and the need for a truly high-speed card reader is undeniable. With current CFast 2.0 cards rated read speeds near 550 MB/s, it's clear that USB readers don't fill that need, but Sonnet's SF3 Series CFast 2.0 Pro Card Reader does. Featuring a 40 Gb/s Thunderbolt interface, this RED APPROVED device quickly ingests footage from CFast memory cards to your Mac or Windows computer with Thunderbolt 4 or Thunderbolt 3 ports at the fastest speeds the cards will support.

Dual CFast Slots - Ingest from Two Cards at the Same Time

Sonnet's SF3 Series CFast 2.0 Pro Card Reader employs its dual card slots to take advantage of the tremendous bandwidth offered by Thunderbolt technology. This CFast 2.0 readere is capable of ingesting media files simultaneously from two cards at concurrent data transfer speeds up to 1000+ MB/s, which is more than double the average ingest speed of USB 3.0 card readers. Using the Sonnet reader makes for a significantly more convenient and efficient workflow.

Bus Powered - No Power Adapters Required

The SF3 Series CFast 2.0 Pro Card Reader connects directly to your Mac or Windows computer's Thunderbolt 4 or Thunderbolt 3 port or at the end of a Thunderbolt device chain. Requiring only a single cable to connect to your computer, this Sonnet reader is bus powered, meaning that no separate power supply required).

Ready to Rack and Portable - Designed for DIT Workflows

Sonnet's SF3 Series pro card readers include threaded mount points that enable you to securely attach two readers side-by-side on a rack tray in just 1 RU of rack space.

On the Road Travel Companion - Portable, Rugged, and Stackable

Measuring a compact 5.8" x 1.0" x 3.5", the SF3 Series CFast 2.0 Pro Card Reader is suitable for use in any workspace, even where space is tight. The reader's shell is made from extruded aluminum, making it lightweight, and yet rugged enough to be transported in an equipment bag without fear of damaging the case.

Sonnet SF3 Series Pro Card Readers - Designed to be Stacked and Daisy Chained

SF3 Series pro card readers feature rugged aluminum enclosures designed to be stacked and daisy chained, enabling multiple CFast 2.0, CFexpress/XQD, RED MINI-MAG, SxS Pro, and SxS PRO X readers to occupy the same footprint, while connecting to your computer through a single cable. You can take advantage of Thunderbolt's PCIe 3.0 x4 bandwidth of up to 2750 MB/s of to ingest four, six, or more cards simultaneously.

40 Gb/s Thunderbolt Interface

Featuring a 40 Gb/s Thunderbolt interface, this reader ingests footage from all CFast memory cards to Mac and Windows computers with Thunderbolt 4 or Thunderbolt 3 ports, whether on location, in the studio, or in the edit suite.

Cable Built-In - Never Lose It, Easily Replaceable.

Through the use of a captive cable, the SF3 Series CFast 2.0 Pro Card Reader's 40 Gb/s Thunderbolt cable remains firmly connected to it at all times. Should the cable ever break, it can easily be replaced with an approved replacement cable available from Sonnet or a Sonnet-authorized service center.

Forward Compatible with Thunderbolt 4 Computers

SF3 Series professional media readers are fully compatible with Thunderbolt 4 computers. Sonnet's media readers are purposely designed with a Thunderbolt 3 controller and its four lanes of PCIe, which are not available in a Thunderbolt 4 peripheral, to achieve maximum simultaneous ingest speeds.