THE PROBLEM:
I used to be able to just plug a powered usb hub into my iPad Apple Camera adapter and then connect my FLX4 and other additional midi controllers (Midi Fighter) into the USB hub and it worked perfectly. As various other users have reported, the FLX4 recently stopped working with the camera connector. I can still plug the FLX4 directly into the ipad but no longer with the camera connector, which means I need a new solution for being able to use multiple midi controllers.
THE QUESTION:
That said, does anyone know if the Reloop Hub Stand and or Reloop Hub Stand Pro would solve this problem, or should I expect the same issue I have using the Apple Camera connector?
Equipment and systems info for reference:
- iPad 8th Generation - 2020 (with lightning port)
- OS 17.5.1
- DJay Pro (current version)
- Pioneer DDJ-FLX4 Controller (USB C out)
- Midi Fighter 3D (MF-0005) (USB B out)
- Sabrent Powered USB Hub (HB-BUP7) [7 USB 3.0 ports - 36W]
Hi @hawt_mess, it seems like this should work if you connect a genuine Apple USB-C to Lightning cable from the top USB-C port of the stand to your iPad. Then connect your original iPad charger to the bottom USB-C port on the stand. I recommend that you reach out to Reloop support and get their thoughts on this first though.
2 Likes
Thanks for taking the time to reply. I do understand that using an Apple USB-C to Lightning cable run from the stand to the ipad, but my concern is that the FLX4 might encounter the same issue I’m seeing with the Apple Camera Adapter. As far as I can tell, these hubs seem to operate in the same way that the combo of an Apple camera adapter + powered USB hub would, so wouldn’t the same issue exists? This is why I posted here. I’m hoping someone has tested this and can let me know.
For reference, this diagram shows one way in which the FLX4 used to be able to function in conjunction with an ipad, but it no longer does.
You’re welcome @hawt_mess. Unfortunately, I don’t have access to a Lightning port iPad or FLX4 to test myself. I’ve passed this onto our hardware engineer to see if they have a similar setup that they can test. Hopefully, in the meantime, someone here in the community can confirm.
1 Like
@Slak_Jaw quick update. I have submitted a ticket to Pioneer’s support team and hope to hear back some time this week. In the meantime, I have confirmed that the Reloop Hub did not work as a solution for working around using the Apple Camera Adapter when trying to connect to an iPad with a lightning port, but it does work when trying to connect to my usb-c iPhone. Using the iphone and the Reloop Hub, I can connect to the FLX4 and to multiple other midi controllers, such as the Midi Fighter. Hoping to learn more soon.
Thanks for the update @hawt_mess. Sorry to hear that didn’t work. Can you please confirm what FLX4 firmware you are running? Our hardware engineer just tested v106 with the Apple Camera Adapter and a iPad 8 and it was connecting normally. Thanks!
1 Like
Thanks for getting back to me, @Slak_Jaw. I am running v106 (just confirmed). iPad is also up to date. Can you tell me what cable your engineer is using? I am using the apple USB C to Lightning cable to connect to an applle certified 60w wall plug (what came with the ipad). Then connect with USB C (out) port on the FLX4 to the USB A port of the camera adapter. The FLX4 powers up but will not show up in DJay Pro or other apps. On the other hand, when I swap my Midi Fighter for the FLX4, the Midi Fighter shows up immediately.
You’re welcome @hawt_mess. I’ll ask and get back to you.
1 Like
Hi @hawt_mess, they were using the Apple Lightning to USB cable so same as you by the sound of it.
Thanks, @Slak_Jaw. So the setup they are using is arranged exactly the way it is in the diagram I shared above?
Yes, I believe so @hawt_mess
1 Like
I am having the something similar with my camera adaptor. It charges then it stops charging, then I would have to disconnect and connect again to start charging again. However it doesn’t keep it charged. As I’m playing for several hours, I noticed it doesn’t keep up after charging for a few hours my battery is down below 50% plugged directly into the wall with a fast charger. I also bought a powered strip adaptor and still doesn’t keep the charge.
Hi @FLORIDA_BEAT_MAKERS, this sounds like your adapter could be failing. Is it a genuine Apple adapter or 3rd party one? I’ve had similar experiences with several 3rd party adapters.
Also, I would make sure your lighting port on the iPad is clean. I’ve had “dust bunnies” in this socket cause connectivity issues in the pad as well.
1 Like
Yes I got it from the Apple Store. Thank you.
