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My Search for the Perfect USB-C Hub: A Complete Failure | haQ attaQ
I have searched for the perfect USB-C hub for my iPad Pro but every hub I've tested so far, has failed me in some way.
Please share your experiences, good and bad. If you’re using any of the hubs I’ve tried here, please tell me about how it worked out for you.
Comments
Thank you for finally saying this!
I'm happy with the USB3.1 version of this one...
https://linqbyelements.dk/products/pro-usb-c-10gbps-multiport-hub-with-4k-hdmi-and-card-reader
I use the Apple USB-C -> 3.5mm dongle in the USB-C port of the hub when my Audient ID4mk2 is not connected to it.
So far it has not failed me even once...
You a there a USB-C hub that also gives you multiple USB-C outs. All the ones I’ve seen are USB-C to multiple USB-3
@jakoB_haQ on the topic of cables being easier/cheaper to replace, I've been using Uni's hub with detachable cable, and I'm thoroughly happy with it. It doesn't have audio out though. I'm glad that you bring up the issue with with hubs that try to sit flush with the iPad, the bad connection is not only a nuisance but can fry the iPad as well because of the stress on the port (if I remember correctly one forum member had this happen with at least two iPads).
I bit the bullet and spent a fair amount of money on an OWC Thunderbolt dock (https://eshop.macsales.com/shop/owc-thunderbolt-dock). The Thunderbolt is only useful if you have an iPad Pro, so that's a downside, but I think it would work fine as a USB C dock. And it's expensive. But it's been very solid, has 3 TB4/USB C ports plus 3 USB 3/A ports, plus a headphone port, SD card reader, Ethernet port and a front-facing USB A/2.0 port. Charges my iPad and can power all my accessories at the same time. Also works great with and can charge my MacBook Pro. Not a good mobile solution since it needs shore power but it's great in the studio.
The one I have has an extra USB-C port devices (works well with Apple USB-C -> 3.5mm Dongle too) in addition to the USB-PD port for charging the iPad.
I think you may have to step up to a Thunderbolt dock to get multiple USB-C ports. Need to consider whether that's necessary compared to plain USB 3. It's likely only useful for storage drives that are used intensively, e.g. for video editing.
Edit: There is a USB-C hub with 3 USB-C ports (this one). So you can use USB-C connectors, but they're still only USB 3.1, not full USB-C ports.
I got this one.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Apple-USB-C-Digital-Multi-port-Adaptor/dp/B07XFYZLTJ?pd_rd_w=FXlCV&content-id=amzn1.sym.e9c30756-181a-4068-ac3a-74afd7f110a2&pf_rd_p=e9c30756-181a-4068-ac3a-74afd7f110a2&pf_rd_r=T969PB830JHSJDMHHKDC&pd_rd_wg=YS7Z7&pd_rd_r=50b7e734-9863-4c20-a469-eadaf366eae2&pd_rd_i=B07XFYZLTJ&psc=1&ref_=pd_bap_d_rp_28_t
Thank you for all of the tips! The first thing I’ll be doing is buying an extension cable to see how that can work out for me.
I’m also collecting data about all of the hub tips I’m getting. I’ll see which ones get mentioned the most and I’ll start ordering them one by one. 🙏🙏🙏
I paid the premium (several hundred quid) for the step up to a Thunderbolt 4 dock and it's been almost as problematic as cheap USB-C ones. USB-C / Thunderbolt is an absolute mess.
I see so many discussion about thunderbird being a mess. What is it that goes wrong with them?
I don't use a USB-C hub with my iPad Pro, just this OTG adapter and then my old USB 2.0 hub (unpowered). I have had several controllers (2x Launchpad, a Midi Fighter Twister and more) and my audio interface connected (Zoom U24) and it has worked flawlessly for a year now.
EDIT: Just checked my wiring, the U24 does need power, but I just run a second USB cable from the (unpowered) hub.
If I use the same setup with a lightning device or (old) laptop then I need to power the hub and audio interface and use a CCK instead of the OTG adapter, but for iPad Pro the power into the OTG adapter is enough to keep everything running.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B09J2MRL8S/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Jakob Hak, you have just validated thousands of hours of research, countless bad forum posts, and dozens, DOZENS, of failed/bunk usb hub purchases. At long last, to learn, it's not just me who is incapable of getting a solid answer for this on the internet. SALVATION!!!
I’d recommend a Kingston Nucleum together with a usb C extension cable.
I’ve only had it a couple of months but it’s been very reliable so far.
No complaints?
Holy cow... just noticed that dock is $300... 🥲
https://www.owc.com/solutions/thunderbolt-dock
@jakoB_haQ
As far as I know, USB-C extension cables don't pass power to the hub. My experience with three of them. If there's one that works, I'd love to know, so it doesn't stress the iPad connection. Using a Belkin hub, very happy with it, and a 65W Apple power adapter, iPad Air 5.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B091KKB74Y
this works for me. its only short.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Extension-RIITOP-Extender-Compatible-Nintendo-Red/dp/B08DR6R5SZ/ref=sr_1_37?crid=XB2DY26UOJEE&keywords=usb+c+extension+cable&qid=1666123383&qu=eyJxc2MiOiI1LjE3IiwicXNhIjoiNC44MSIsInFzcCI6IjQuNjQifQ==&sprefix=usb+c+extension+cable,aps,156&sr=8-37
I use this one. Technically, I use one that is branded with "VAVA" but it doesn’t seem to be available anymore. Looks pretty much the same as the one linked, sans the branding and has the same specs: Card readers, 60W power delivery, 3 USB-A outs (2x USB 3, 1x USB 2), PD port, headphone out etc. - I had it since 2020 and use it with iPads and my PC. Never had a single problem with it. Very handy device, only thing I’d like to have is audio line in but that is asking a bit too much from such a device
Edit: I use this thing as well, very handy when all you need is a headphone jack and want the ability to charge your iPad or iPhone at the same time.
It looks like it supports power delivery, great! Thanks so much for the tip, I’ll order it and see how it goes.
Edit: seems like more extension cables support charging than last I looked/purchased. Anyone else have success?
The one thing it does say on a label on the cable is that if it doesn't work, you need to insert the cable the other way around.
sounds mad but it works.
Kingston Nucleum wins in the comments? (It gets my vote.)
Mine says the same on the cable. Something to do with how USB protocols work if I remember correctly, can’t check the text right now. I marked the "good" side so I know which way is up
Yes, the one I use supports charging. The label on the extension cable says there could be a problem when connecting USB 2 peripherals like a keyboard as those support only one side (in which case you just need to turn the connection 180 degrees), but that is not applicable here.
Not sure what you mean, USB-C is the connector, while USB 3.1 refers to data transfer.
I use that hub and find it pretty much perfect, apart from being a bit pricey. Seems to me it has “full USB-C ports“.
So far, it works with everything I’ve thrown at it (headphones, midi keyboards, audio interfaces and SSD drives).
I use this one, and find it great with headphones, audio interfaces, midi keyboards and SSD drives…
https://www.sitecom.com/en/usb-c-hub-4-port/cn-386/p/1881
i have 3 different models...the oldest one being 10 years old now. 0 issue in those 10 years.....
(edit: full discosure, they only on macs and pc's. i dont have an ipad pro, no do i think i will ever)
I have used this Thunderbolt hub since it was first available to buy, with both my iPad Pro 11" and a MacBook Pro, with no issues. The cost made me hesitate but it was worth it to have a long, replaceable cable and many ports. https://www.caldigit.com/thunderbolt-4-element-hub/
https://www.amazon.com/UGREEN-Headphone-Adapter-Charging-Compatible/dp/B08519D4R4
This has been working well, too.
Just invested in this:
https://www.amazon.com/Extension-Faracent-Version-Charging-Wireless/dp/B08PBL5K3P