Solutions for lots of USB in the studio

The Lounge General Discussion
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Hi guys - I added up that I’ve got 12 USB devices in use in the studio at one time - synths, audio interface, controllers etc. I have USB hubs hanging off USB hubs and at times I get quirky behaviour (on my M2 Mac) - devices going “missing” until they’re moved to another port, some devices only being happy if they are plugged directly into the computer without a hub, etc. And don’t get me started on USB noise, another topic in itself.

I wondered if this is just something I have to accept will always be a kludge, or if any of you have made purchases / developed strategies to bring sanity and order to your USB gear? Enormous or specialised USB hubs? MIDI interfaces? Abandoning USB altogether unless you simply can’t avoid it? And is there a hard limit on how many USB devices one machine can support, for music purposes?

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Hey! you need a MTT hub (like the one from Elektron) that allow multiple parallel usb data streams rather than the regular type.

edit : also check that you have enough usb power for your devices. (some hubs can be powered externally if needed)

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I also face issues with my USB hub and I’m curious to read fellow nauts’ responses. I plug in three hard drives, but my laptop only recognizes one. Synths usually don’t pose any issues either when used for MIDI or their pluggin version.

The only thing I’m sure about is that it makes a big difference if you have a USB hub with power supply instead of it being powered from a laptop or a PC. Unfortunately, I face issues with my hub, even though I use a dedicated power supply.

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…the last usb hub for audio i’ll ever need is elektrons overhub, cenk gave me years ago…
it’s just rocksolid and keeps, as it’s natural mtt powered hub behaviour guarantees, everything up float at any given cirumstances…
but wait, not 100% truu…from time to time i also hook up an additional external ssd and that looses connection once, whenever i close down the laptop screen and so my mac asks to reboot it again…all other connected gear, midi controlers/interfaces /instruments stay always present and in proper realtime touch…that’s 8 individual lanes…

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Yep, an MTT Hub like Elektron’s Overhub is specifically designed to solve this. I’ve used and can recommend the Overhub, but im downsizing my studio and selling mine for reasons unrelated to its utility.

If you’re interested: https://www.elektronauts.com/t/fs-us-elektron-overhub-with-power-supply-55-free-ship-no-fees/209577

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I have that and it is fine for my needs…

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I had some trouble some time ago and Focusrite people said I should always connect the audio interface directly to the PC. Does this solve that problem too?

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The big Sabrent hubs work well for me. I plug all of my stuff into this:

https://a.co/d/bdwQlpV

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I don’t know for Focusrite, I always have my RME connected on the last usb input ( 16 ) and never had a problem.

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I have a Sabrent hub as well but this one: 16-Port USB 3.0 Hub and Charger - Sabrent

It works flawlessly.

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