Have MacBook Air M1 which has only 2 USB-C ports - not enough, because I want to connect an audio interface and camera, etc… The problem is, the couple hubs I’ve tried do apparently not provide enough speed of connection for the GRV-6 to both have power AND have audio work. If I use, say, a multi-port hub - it will power up the GRV-6 but it won’t actually connect and work. So trying to figure out which hubs will actually work with audio devices like the GRV-5 and/or, say, a Mark of the Unicorn (MOTU) M6 audio interface, so that I could plug both of them into a hub and still have another port open… Any ideas? There are so many hubs out there but hard to know which would fully work with the GRV-6…
welcome!
the m1 macbook air is a capable laptop, but limited in ports as you point out
the purchasing of USBC hubs is a minefield
there is a audio interface out there called the audio4c… its unique in the sense that you can plug in x6 midi controllers(class compliant)via usbhub, but simulltaneously connect any 2 devices… ie, a Mac/ipad/PC/android and it shares the audio interface
the unit requires AC power…
the unit can also work stand alone with synthesizers etc
one of the usbC ports that you would connect a ipad to… also charges the unit, providing power delivery 5V 3A
the main thing one needs to be aware of with the unit, is making sure midi controllers are class compliant…
1 Like
I went the same route, and had equal difficulties finding the right hub.
I think I can help and make it easier for you.
So, here are a things to know.
On all USB hubs, there is a main connector (the one with a cable). This connector must be connected to the master device : The computer. So, it’s not like you can connect anything you want in all ways you want, regardless of what is connected where. I took me some time to understand this. This may be one of the reasons for your issues.
Some of these USB hubs have a dedicated Power USB C side entry slot, that will indeed power the other slots, but will only feed the power, no data. This slot is only for power feed to the hub, and cannot be used for data (only power). This one can be connected to your Apple Power Adapter, for example.
So, when looking for a hub, you have to look about these things : Is the main slot (the one that is wired) ok for your computer. For example, obviously, if your computer has a USB-C or USB-A slot, you must choose a hub having this type of connector as main connector. This main connector is the one that is sticking out (with a cable). This one goes to your computer.
I have also found out price doesn’t mean value. The best USB hubs do not need to be expensive.
I personally recommend UGreen. Easy to find on Amazon, but go the UGreen website to understand the one you need. They are sleek, reliable, inexpensive. Like, they tick every box at once. I also recommend UGreen for cables. But again check if it is a power cable, data cable, or both (you want both to avoid further mess, they are usually a bit more expensive - not much tho).
In hubs, and in cables, you have to check which slots are handling power, and which ones are handling data. Many do both, and this is what you want ofc.
USB-C is very helpful, once you have the right hubs and cables. Otherwise, it can be a minefield indeed.
And keep in mind the master device is the computer, not the controller. The controller is just a sophisticated keyboard.
2 Likes
Hi @Clarkzzz, welcome to the Community! I’ve also had good success with the UGreen powered USB-C hubs. This is the one I’m currently using UGreen Revodok
I’ve also recently been using the Reloop Stand Hub Pro.
Thanks y’all!
I ended up with a powered OWC Thunderbolt hub -problem solved! Both audio
interface and DJ decks plug into it and it into Macbook Air - and
everything works.
1 Like
Perfect! You’re welcome @Clarkzzz. Thanks for the follow up. Glad to hear it’s working as expected.
