Can the S88 MK2 be bus-powered over USB-C?

Jim Offerman

Hey!

Is it possible to run the S88 MK2 on bus-power when connected through a USB-C to USB-B cable? If so, is there a specific brand of cable I should buy?

My MacBook Pro does not have any USB-A ports, so I cannot use the cable that came with the S88. I have two USB-C to USB-A cables, but neither will allow the S88 to power on when connected through USB alone. As far as I know, USB-C (3.0) is able to deliver more power than USB-A (2.0), so it shouldn't be an issue? Any ideas why it might not work?

Thanks!

Jim.

JesterMgee

S88 is not USB powered, Only A/M series and S Series MKII S49 and S62 are USB powered. You need the included P/S connected for it to work which is why it is supplied with one.

JesterMgee

S88 is not USB powered, Only A/M series and S Series MKII S49 and S62 are USB powered. You need the included P/S connected for it to work which is why it is supplied with one.

Noah3454

No, the S88 MK2 by Native Instruments cannot be bus-powered over USB-C. The S88 MK2 requires an external power source to operate, and it does not draw power solely from the USB-C connection. Therefore, it is necessary to connect the S88 MK2 to a power outlet using the included power adapter in order to use the device.

PoorFellow

I concur with previous posters (That you need an external power supply for the  S88 MK2 )

But I would also like to add that I think that you are either confused about things (which is really easy to become these days) or are mixing up things !  I myself became somewhat confused when checking up on your idea.  

But ! , don't confuse USB port power with the USB-C Pover Delivery standard. please check these pages :

What are the Maximum Power Output and Data Transfer Rates for the USB Standards? 

https://resources.pcb.cadence.com/blog/2020-what-are-the-maximum-power-output-and-data-transfer-rates-for-the-usb-standards

USB-C Power Delivery :

https://manhattanproducts.eu/pages/usb-c-pd-charging-everything-you-need-to-know

So if you take a look at the "USB-C Power Delivery" standard 2.0/3.0 , profile 3 (15 volts) would support your idea to some extend at least. So , I would say that while it looks as if out of the question to draw the needed power from a normal USB C (3.0) port then I find it feasible , if not already on market , to make some sort of device that would allow you to make an adapter that would out put the need voltage and amps if connected to an USB-C Power Delivery port capable of delivering the power needed..

Ref. :

USB-C Power Delivery 2.0/3.0 :  PROFILE 3 : 15 V , 1.8 - 3.0 [A] , 27 - 45 W , tablets, and small laptops

Jim Offerman

Okay... so it is not bus-powered, that explains a lot! Maybe they should update / correct the manual? Put a little asterisk in this section to explain that the S88 also requires the external power source:

PoorFellow

https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/comment/83508#Comment_83508

Yes , that is the problem when designing manuals that can be used for more products that are more or less alike , to remember to spell out the differences and to make them all clear at all the appropriate places . N.I. ought to have a suggestion thread for improving the manuals for their products that is staff monitired !

Noah3454

No, the S88 MK2 by Native Instruments cannot be bus-powered over USB-C. The S88 MK2 requires an external power source to operate, and it does not draw power solely from the USB-C connection. Therefore, it is necessary to connect the S88 MK2 to a power outlet using the included power adapter in order to use the device.

deebee412

It’s an expensive piece of junk. Bought S88 MK2 7 months ago from Sweetwater and have been using with included external power cable. Suddenly stopped powering up. They just sent me a replacement external power cable and it still won’t power on. Got a quick, short light blink a few times or nothing at all when testing the power connection. Right in middle of album and it dies! Turn it on and off before and after sessions with power button. Anyone else run into these non-usb power issues. Have only used with power plug as an in and out midi controller until it suddenly stopped powering up. Never moves from studio desk nor get plugged in and out.