Z1 & Traktor DJ2 on iPad Pro /w Apple Silicon: any USB-C cables that charge while playing?

mux

Hello Community,

I am using Traktor DJ2 on an iPad Pro M1. Since iPads are no longer relying on lightning, I got myself an USB-C to USB-A adapter, so that I could use a standard USB-A to USB-B cable to connect my Z1 to it. It basically works, except charging the iPad while playing - of course with the A/C adapter plugged into Z1.

There was once an official NI USB-B Cable to connect Z1 and iPads via lightning - prior to Apple Silicon - which actually did exactly that: charging the device while playing. Can someone confirm that this is still possible using the correct cable - and if yes, which one that would be?

I was asking myself if an USB-C to USB -B could do the trick, but I am not sure about the power-direction in such cables, as peripheral devices - usually connected to USB-B (in this case Z1) - are the ones drawing the power from their host-devices, not providing it.

Any suggestions are highly appreciated, as I loved this compact setup a lot and couldn’t find any usable information on this subject anywhere.

Thanks in advance!

Mark_NI

Hey @mux,

that shouldn't be a problem when using the proper accessories. Could you please specify what kind of adapter you are using? Is it original Apple stuff?

mux

Hi Mark,

I've tested two adapters: an unlabeled one (USB-C to USB 3.0/blue) and an Anker USB-C hub. Apple's official USB-C male to USB-A female adapter-cable, though labeled for iPhone charging via USB-A to Lightning, seems more intended to connect to MacBook USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 ports.

USB-C to USB-B audio cables also directly exist for USB-B sound interfaces on USB-C computers, but the situation remains the same – reliance on the host for power.

I'm curious if anyone has experimented with these options, considering the expenses and efforts required to navigate through them myself.

Thanks!