S49 Mk3 only connects to Komplete Kontrol sporadically

With the number and types of fix that you have already attempted then you should contact either N.I. Komplete Kontrol Support or N.I. Hardware Support .

In case that you need guidance contacting support : Please read : how to get support !

I knew there was an issue with USB-C, I was never able to update the firmware on my unit without plugging the 2nd USB-C port into a power source. I assumed this was the same thing as putting a USB hub inline

For some reason that I don't know then that's how I read your post when taking a quick look (as you had had an USB-C hub inline). My apologies for this misconception.

a USB-C hub needs to be inline specifically on the data connection?

Yes , that is exactly how it is , that or using an USB-A port on computer via USB-C to USB-A adapter while at the same time powering the keyboard using an USB-C PSU capable of PD with PD ready cable.

Preposed setup to fix the issue:

S49 Mk3 USB-C Host Port ← → USB-C Cable ← → USB-C Powered Hub ← → Mac Studio USB-C Port

Does that sound correct?

Yes , that sounds correct provided that the hub is self powered and capable of delivering power to the keyboard and that the cable used supports both data and Power Delivery. In some cases for whatever reason (cable issue ?) I think that some people also have attached USB-C power to the USB-C power-in at the keyboard. But the self powered hub as described at least in theory ought to be enough to off-set the eventual USB-C port problems.

Quote Matthew_NI, Product Team, 3:05 PM , 2024-02-19 ,

To be very clear, and to avoid any one opinion becoming misinformation, I'll re-state what has been said in various places:

As frustrating as this is to you, it is also to us.

This issue is specific to the USB-C implementation on certain computer models.

This issue is not specific to the peripherals themselves.

This issue causes the communication in the protocol to essentially break, thus data is dropped.

This manifests as various symptoms, depending on the peripheral. For Kontrol S MK3, the dropped data can interrupt a firmware update, or controller -> DAW and/or controller ->Plug-in sync.

The issue can appear at random, frequently or infrequently.

Using a USB-C hub interrupts and bypasses the problematic communication specific to the chips used in the USB-C implementation of affected machines.

We can highlight and advise on workarounds, should a customer be affected.

We can, and have, reported this directly to the manufacturers of affected models. So have many other manufacturers of peripherals.

They can, and have, fixed it in newer models, but of course there exist affected models in the market that will forever be subject to the workaround.

We cannot do any more than this. I'm sorry that some of you choose to blame us. I recognize that it's deeply frustrating, but I cannot change the facts of the matter that I've outlined above.