USB Hubs and audio gear....

BRISTOL86

I have a Focusrite audio interface which I record guitars through and a MIDI keyboard controller - both USB powered but unfortunately only one USB port on my laptop. 

Is running them theough a USB hub going to cause me problems? Do I need to resign myself to only being able to use one at a time?  

eSully

I have a 4 into 1 usb extender thing which I use with no issue. You should be fine!

BRISTOL86

Thanks. I’m guessing I’d need a powered hub as neither of my devices are mains powered and are powered through USB. 

eSully

I'm not sure, certainly my extender which is just a cheap thing has no issue powering my external harddrive but when recording I use a Vox Tonelab with usb in so that has it's own power supply.

wave100

One USB port... who in their right mind thinks that is enough? Anyway, my laptop (MBP) has 2! So I have my SPL Crimson in 1 and everything else connected to an Ennotek USB3 hub which has a pretty heavy duty laptop style power brick.If I remember correctly, it cost about 40 squid, but I was prepared to pay that for something that worked! My AI, unfortunately, doesn't like being connected to a hub, however the Focusrite might be better in that respect. 

I would be wary of using one of the cheapo hubs as my research (which consisted of reading online reviews) indicated that the power implementation in them might be a problem.

Currently I have connected to my machine via USB:-

Sub Phatty synth and 88 note master keyboard (connected to an unpowered D-link hub) which is then connected to the main hub, wired computer keyboard which has a dongle for a wireless mouse in it's USB port, Steinberg dongle, Arturia Beatstep, Akai Ableton controller and a USB 3 hard disk which leaves one port free - my hub also has 3 charging ports which do not pass data but are quite handy.

To summarize I realise your setup is considerably simpler than mine but I suppose my advice is 1) get a reputable brand and 2) get it on line so you can send it back if it doesn't work!

BRISTOL86

wave100 said:

One USB port... who in their right mind thinks that is enough? Anyway, my laptop (MBP) has 2! So I have my SPL Crimson in 1 and everything else connected to an Ennotek USB3 hub which has a pretty heavy duty laptop style power brick.If I remember correctly, it cost about 40 squid, but I was prepared to pay that for something that worked! My AI, unfortunately, doesn't like being connected to a hub, however the Focusrite might be better in that respect. 

I would be wary of using one of the cheapo hubs as my research (which consisted of reading online reviews) indicated that the power implementation in them might be a problem.

Currently I have connected to my machine via USB:-

Sub Phatty synth and 88 note master keyboard (connected to an unpowered D-link hub) which is then connected to the main hub, wired computer keyboard which has a dongle for a wireless mouse in it's USB port, Steinberg dongle, Arturia Beatstep, Akai Ableton controller and a USB 3 hard disk which leaves one port free - my hub also has 3 charging ports which do not pass data but are quite handy.

To summarize I realise your setup is considerably simpler than mine but I suppose my advice is 1) get a reputable brand and 2) get it on line so you can send it back if it doesn't work!

Don’t get me started...bloody Apple...2 USB ports should be the minimum, 1 is ridiculous. 

I ended up grabbing a decent brand one from amazon so we’ll see if I have any issues, if not their returns are good  

Legionreturns

I was using a powered usb hub for the same reasons. The only thing I've had issues with is my wireless mouse. That keeps dropping. 

Bod

I'm running a NI Maschine Mk2, a Maschine Jam, and a Novation SL 61 from one of these without a problem so you should be OK.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00JX1ZS5O/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

BRISTOL86

Thanks all