What USB C powered hubs and USB C to USB cables to use for NI controllers ?

Jeremy_NI
Jeremy_NI Customer Care Posts: 7,023 mod
edited March 2022 in Komplete General

Hey dear NI fam, we often get this question asked in support, especially from new Macbook users: What would we recommend for powered USB hubs and/or USB C to USB B cables for our hardware controllers, Maschine, Komplete Kontrol, Traktor ?

Since we can't really recommend brands as a company, we could use your help on that matter.

What are your experiences ? Can you share models and brands you are using and would recommend ?

Comments

  • JesterMgee
    JesterMgee Member Posts: 2,095 Expert
    edited March 2022

    Ha. Yeah macOS is so fragile with everything, seems to crumble in the corner if you give it even a slightly dirty look!

    I can't recommend brands and the ones I see people recommend are usually stupidly "high end" expensive solutions. I use a generic one I got from Kogan.com.au (unpowered/powered multi-hub)

    https://www.kogan.com/au/buy/kogan-8-1-type-c-pd-hub-gigabit-ethernet-port-4k-30hz-hdmi-space-grey/

    image.png

    Works with anything I throw at it, tho on my mac that isn't much, but it passes the USBC power through so can power devices and gives me the all important physical network+HDMI ports. I did have a generic one from eBay but that didn't work, tho I think that was a physical issue as it caused the machine to almost freeze when plugged in. Could also depend on what the day of the week is, what the temperature currently is and in what phase the moon cycle is if things work properly these days on macOS. No doubt whatever option you select it will stop working after the next OS update :)

    Cables, again no idea on brands and on my windows machines literally everything has worked from USB2/3 hubs and a 5m generic USB cable. Trick is to make sure you get one that has the shielding and the higher spec and of course if you have any kind of problems, always revert to the included NI cable (which has the NI logo embedded in the plug) to see if that works.

  • Murat Kayi
    Murat Kayi Member Posts: 371 Pro

    This is my chance to ask what the cylindrical thingamabob on the original USB cables my Maschine controllers came with is for and if those cables ever break if I need to get some kind of special USB cable to ensure smooth Maschining?

  • V01d
    V01d Member Posts: 12 Member
    https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/comment/8631#Comment_8631

    You talk about the Ferrite Bead?


    Wikipedia:

    A ferrite bead (also known as a ferrite block, ferrite core, ferrite ring, EMI filter, or ferrite choke) is a type of choke that suppresses high-frequency electronic noise in electronic circuits.

    Ferrite beads employ high-frequency current dissipation in a ferrite ceramic to build high-frequency noise suppression devices.

  • Maciej Repetowski
    Maciej Repetowski Member Posts: 178 Pro

    Anything from Startech.com worked really well with any Macs I’ve had so far.

  • Murat Kayi
    Murat Kayi Member Posts: 371 Pro

    I lost one of the original cables and although I find the answer to to my question fascinating, I can say it works with whatever ***** cable you plug into those Maschines

  • JesterMgee
    JesterMgee Member Posts: 2,095 Expert
    https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/comment/8631#Comment_8631

    What @V01d posted. It's used to suppress interference signals in some cables, not usually a requirement for things to work specifically, more just an insurance to help combat unwanted noise (but sometimes a UL requirement to make sure the device operates within acceptable RF noise requirements) and often it's not to make the cable or device work better, it's to catch and "choke" any signals the cable may be throwing out so as not to cause issues in other gear such as noise induced in your audio cables. If you ever hear that digital static noise when you do things on your computer going through your speakers, this is what these things on cables will suppress.

  • thetablofy
    thetablofy Member Posts: 1 Newcomer
    edited September 5
    https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/1455/what-usb-c-powered-hubs-and-usb-c-to-usb-cables-to-use-for-ni-controllers

    I understand that you're looking for recommendations for USB-C powered hubs and USB-C to USB-B cables to use with Native Instruments (NI) controllers like Maschine, Komplete Kontrol, and Traktor. While I can't endorse specific brands or models, I can provide you with some general tips on what to look for when selecting these accessories:

    USB-C Powered Hubs:

    1. Compatibility: Ensure that the powered hub is compatible with USB-C connections and provides sufficient power for your NI controllers. Look for hubs that support USB 3.0 (or higher) standards to ensure fast data transfer.
    2. Number of Ports: Choose a hub with an adequate number of USB ports to accommodate all your devices. Consider the number of NI controllers you plan to connect simultaneously.
    3. Power Delivery (PD) Capability: If you're using a MacBook or other laptops with USB-C ports, a hub that supports Power Delivery can charge your laptop while using it as a hub.
    4. Build Quality: Look for hubs from reputable brands known for their quality and durability. Read user reviews to get a sense of reliability.
    5. Additional Features: Some hubs come with features like Ethernet ports, HDMI outputs, or SD card readers. Consider your specific needs when choosing a hub. best tablet for outdoor use

    USB-C to USB-B Cables:

    1. Cable Length: Choose the appropriate cable length to ensure flexibility in positioning your controllers. Too long a cable can lead to signal degradation, while too short a cable may limit placement options.
    2. Data Transfer Speed: Ensure that the cable supports high-speed data transfer rates to prevent latency or performance issues with your NI controllers.
    3. Durability: Look for cables with sturdy connectors and robust shielding to prevent signal interference and ensure long-term reliability.
    4. Reversible Connectors: USB-C cables are reversible, making them easier to plug in. However, check that the USB-B end is compatible with your NI controllers.
    5. Brand Reputation: Select cables from reputable brands known for producing quality cables. This can reduce the risk of compatibility issues or cable failures.
    6. Compatibility: Verify that the cable is compatible with your specific NI controllers. Some controllers may require proprietary cables, so consult your device's documentation.

    To get specific product recommendations and learn about user experiences, you can visit online forums, review websites, or social media groups dedicated to Native Instruments users. Members of these communities often share their experiences with various accessories and can provide valuable insights into what works well with NI controllers.

  • JesterMgee
    JesterMgee Member Posts: 2,095 Expert

    To get specific product recommendations and learn about user experiences, you can visit online forums, review websites, or social media groups dedicated to Native Instruments users. Members of these communities often share their experiences with various accessories and can provide valuable insights into what works well with NI controllers.

    You mean, like this forum right here discussing this exact thing.... Another generic bot reply maybe?

  • Kymeia
    Kymeia Member Posts: 1,959 Expert
    edited September 5

    I followed the advice here:

    https://support.native-instruments.com/hc/en-us/articles/210293725-Choosing-the-Correct-USB-Cable-for-Your-NI-Hardware-Device

    Our tests have shown that you should always use USB cables carrying a /2C (or X2C) code beginning with 24 (e.g. 24/2C, 24AWGX2C, AWG 24X2C).

    the ones I have used with this spec include

    https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B0919FS5CV?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

    or

    https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B00CKDC5V2?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

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