USB Hub for macbook pro

[Massili]

Ok, A macbook pro has only 2 usb ports and i have these equipments that uses usb:

- External 7200 HD
- Interface
- Midi controller keyboard
- e-license key for cubase

I know i need one dedicated port for the external HD for tracking and running samples, then left one port for the others 3.

May i use a usb hub (with a external power source) to connect the 3 below?

- USB Interface
- USB Midi controller keyboard
- e-license key for cubase

My interface is a M-audio fast track and i just track guitars and vocals, mixing, mastering and regular playback. I use the midi controller to play VSTi, write drum parts and synths.

In the future i do intend to get a firewire interface but for now i can't afford it yet.

also, do you guys know what the firewire chipset of the new macbooks pro and imac?

 

[JonWormwood]

We run an m audio fast track ultra, dmxis unit and wireless keyboard off a non-powered USB hub live.

 

[Tommy Evans]

All the manuals and some people I've talked to say that "important things" need to be connected directly to the computer. But I've never heard anyone tell me anything bad about using ports for anything though. I'd like to test it but am weary about harming my equipment. Someone else do it and let us know how it goes

 

[Tommy Evans]

* I mean hubs, not ports.

 

[oroinvictus]

With USB hubs, you may experience a bit of latency during recording. I personally haven't used USB hubs very often, but you're taking a connection that can move at around 400mb/s max (USB 2.0), and throttling that through another connection that can transfer around 400 mb/s max. Now, with that said, in my experience with hubs, I haven't really had any project-ruining or uncurable or even really noticeable latency issues - however, sometimes with the way laptop mobo's are configured, one USB port might be receiving more power than the other one, I can't say if this may be a problem or not for your specific MBP, but it is for mine.

 

[Tommy Evans]

Hm cuz I'll be honest, I'm runnin everything on my PC laptop and it would be nice to have enough ports for a mouse. :/
I'll try a hub soon and go easy on it.

 

[LeSedna]

The 17' mbp has 3 ports,
About the hub, I would try to get a good one, and possibly one that has its own power cable, cause with only a few devices connected it can be enough, but if in the future you wanna plug another HD and a mouse and any other USB devices, the mbp can have trouble powering them all and you will be surprised to see you're having problems during recording or anything.

 

[jipchen]

I have the Logitech Premium 4 Port USB Hub and it works great, never had a problem. It can be powered with its own power adapter, but for most stuff it isn't even necessary, even for big external harddisks (3,5") so you can also use it without the extra power if you have / want to.

 

[fatalforce]

from what ive heard, only use the left side usb port on your mbp for audio. i have a hub for my ilok, fan cooler, etc.

 

[ahjteam]

I have a mouse, ilok, eLicenser and midi keyboard on the hub, interface goes to firewire-port and then I have one free.

from what ive heard, only use the left side usb port on your mbp for audio

sources for this?

 

[Massili]

Cool

I'll be fine with a USB Hub then!

Thank you all!

 

[fatalforce]

http://createdigitalmusic.com/2009/04/mac-usb-audio-woes-m-audio-says-avoid-the-left-hand-usb-port/

I'm not sure this is the same article I read but it has something to do with the power being supplied to the left port. It's a bit dated but I have late 2007 mbp 3.1