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My Search for the Perfect USB-C Hub: A Complete Failure | haQ attaQ

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Comments

  • @Gavinski said:

    If they added a headphone jack with in/out, so I could record from headphone inline mic, I would buy it, even at that ridiculous price

    Indeed...
    I mean the iPhone shipped with a Lightning headset and that's a no-go with every single hub I've seen so far?!

    The LinQ USB-C bridge/hub I have accepts an additional USB-C device so when I don't have my Audient ID4mk2 connected I can connect the Apple USB-C -> 3.5mm dongle to it. If I use TRS headphones (with no in-line microphone) I can also record from a USB mic such as my 1st gen iRig Mic HD and monitor thru the headphones though the latency will be set by the hosts buffer size and hearing one-self 'delayed'(especially >1024 buffers) in the headphones is a sure way for getting dizzy fast and it becomes hard to speak clearly.

    And I'll tag @jakoB_haQ since he's in Sweden. Kjell & CO seems to have added LinQ stuff to their product line-up!
    This the new gen of the the one I've got minus the card-readers.
    https://www.kjell.com/se/varumarken/linq/dator/mac-tillbehor/linq-5in1-pro-multiadapter-for-usb-c-5-anslutningar-p65834
    (I've got the previous generation 7-in-1).

    Cheers!

  • @jakoB_haQ said:
    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.




    I’ve used this one for about a year . It’s been put to the test as I make music wherever I am . The car waiting to pick up kids , my studio or in bed 🤷‍♂️ I used it for about 6 months with a cheap
    extension that was handy because if inserted into iPad with logo up on the ext cable , audio would continue from iPad speakers . Logo down and it would come through the hub 😉 but the cable died 🤣😂🤣 . The hub however (🤞don’t jinx me) is still fully functional 👍 snaps in tight even when left hanging when in iPad stand . It’s light but feels sturdy enough as I’ve dropped it a couple of times onto tile floor. I haven’t had need to test the sd or tf inputs but didn’t buy for this use so 🤷‍♂️ I have the 3 usb unit but see now there are 4 usb units . Have link here to same unit I have . I don’t know this seller , just sourced a link to similar unit .

    https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/165737744394?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=LccEW6gUQxm&sssrc=2349624&ssuid=lKZ1SDZvQOe&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

  • @Gavinski said:

    @richardyot said:
    Also Jakob's video is slightly misleading because he states that Apple don't make any USB-C dongles that can charge the iPad, but they do make one, although it's expensive:

    https://www.apple.com/uk/shop/product/MUF82ZM/A/usb-c-digital-av-multiport-adapter

    So you could use that adapter with a cheapo USB 2 hub and avoid most of the issues that people seem to be having. Plug a powerbank into the dongle and you should be able to charge the iPad while also powering audio interfaces etc...

    If they added a headphone jack with in/out, so I could record from headphone inline mic, I would buy it, even at that ridiculous price

    I think you just need the Apple headphone to USB-C adapter:

    https://www.apple.com/uk/shop/product/MU7E2ZM/A/usb-c-to-35mm-headphone-jack-adapter

    You can plug it into a hub if you also need to run peripherals at the same time:

    https://www.cultofmac.com/678055/pro-tip-your-apple-usb-c-headphone-adapter-works-anywhere/

  • So to summarize: you probably don't need an expensive USB hub.

    There are several options that should work without problems:

    If all you need to do is use headphones then there are two simple options:

    Apple USB-C to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter:

    https://www.apple.com/uk/shop/product/MU7E2ZM/A/usb-c-to-35mm-headphone-jack-adapter

    or the Apple USB-C to USB Adapter with a cheap DAC such as a Sharkoon or Soundblaster Play. Or a more expensive DAC such as the Dragonfly series:

    https://www.apple.com/uk/shop/product/MJ1M2ZM/A/usb-c-to-usb-adapter

    If you need to power peripherals and use headphones, then get the more expensive Apple USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter:

    https://www.apple.com/uk/shop/product/MUF82ZM/A/usb-c-digital-av-multiport-adapter

    then you can plug any hub you like into that, and also deliver power to the iPad using a powerbank plugged into the Apple adapter. This should charge your iPad and also help deliver power to your peripherals. If you plug a hub into the adapter (any hub will do, it doesn't need to be fancy), then you can plug a DAC into the hub, or even the Apple USB-C to 3.5mm adapter.

    FWIW I'm still running a 10.5 Pro, but as it happens I always use a DAC anyway (never the headphone jack). But I am thinking of getting a new iPad Pro which is why I'm researching all the options. From what I can tell the simplest solution is to use the Apple adapters and a basic hub.

  • @richardyot said:
    So to summarize: you probably don't need an expensive USB hub.

    There are several options that should work without problems:

    If all you need to do is use headphones then there are two simple options:

    Apple USB-C to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter:

    https://www.apple.com/uk/shop/product/MU7E2ZM/A/usb-c-to-35mm-headphone-jack-adapter

    or the Apple USB-C to USB Adapter with a cheap DAC such as a Sharkoon or Soundblaster Play. Or a more expensive DAC such as the Dragonfly series:

    https://www.apple.com/uk/shop/product/MJ1M2ZM/A/usb-c-to-usb-adapter

    If you need to power peripherals and use headphones, then get the more expensive Apple USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter:

    https://www.apple.com/uk/shop/product/MUF82ZM/A/usb-c-digital-av-multiport-adapter

    then you can plug any hub you like into that, and also deliver power to the iPad using a powerbank plugged into the Apple adapter. This should charge your iPad and also help deliver power to your peripherals. If you plug a hub into the adapter (any hub will do, it doesn't need to be fancy), then you can plug a DAC into the hub, or even the Apple USB-C to 3.5mm adapter.

    FWIW I'm still running a 10.5 Pro, but as it happens I always use a DAC anyway (never the headphone jack). But I am thinking of getting a new iPad Pro which is why I'm researching all the options. From what I can tell the simplest solution is to use the Apple adapters and a basic hub.

    Just a FYI, the Apple headphones adapter beats most DAC’s available.

  • @richardyot said:

    @Gavinski said:

    @richardyot said:
    Also Jakob's video is slightly misleading because he states that Apple don't make any USB-C dongles that can charge the iPad, but they do make one, although it's expensive:

    https://www.apple.com/uk/shop/product/MUF82ZM/A/usb-c-digital-av-multiport-adapter

    So you could use that adapter with a cheapo USB 2 hub and avoid most of the issues that people seem to be having. Plug a powerbank into the dongle and you should be able to charge the iPad while also powering audio interfaces etc...

    If they added a headphone jack with in/out, so I could record from headphone inline mic, I would buy it, even at that ridiculous price

    I think you just need the Apple headphone to USB-C adapter:

    https://www.apple.com/uk/shop/product/MU7E2ZM/A/usb-c-to-35mm-headphone-jack-adapter

    You can plug it into a hub if you also need to run peripherals at the same time:

    https://www.cultofmac.com/678055/pro-tip-your-apple-usb-c-headphone-adapter-works-anywhere/

    Ah - but the headphones I use aren't USB C. So I'd need a 3mm to USB C dongle, then a USB C to 3mm dongle?!!

  • @BroCoast said:

    @richardyot said:
    So to summarize: you probably don't need an expensive USB hub.

    There are several options that should work without problems:

    If all you need to do is use headphones then there are two simple options:

    Apple USB-C to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter:

    https://www.apple.com/uk/shop/product/MU7E2ZM/A/usb-c-to-35mm-headphone-jack-adapter

    or the Apple USB-C to USB Adapter with a cheap DAC such as a Sharkoon or Soundblaster Play. Or a more expensive DAC such as the Dragonfly series:

    https://www.apple.com/uk/shop/product/MJ1M2ZM/A/usb-c-to-usb-adapter

    If you need to power peripherals and use headphones, then get the more expensive Apple USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter:

    https://www.apple.com/uk/shop/product/MUF82ZM/A/usb-c-digital-av-multiport-adapter

    then you can plug any hub you like into that, and also deliver power to the iPad using a powerbank plugged into the Apple adapter. This should charge your iPad and also help deliver power to your peripherals. If you plug a hub into the adapter (any hub will do, it doesn't need to be fancy), then you can plug a DAC into the hub, or even the Apple USB-C to 3.5mm adapter.

    FWIW I'm still running a 10.5 Pro, but as it happens I always use a DAC anyway (never the headphone jack). But I am thinking of getting a new iPad Pro which is why I'm researching all the options. From what I can tell the simplest solution is to use the Apple adapters and a basic hub.

    Just a FYI, the Apple headphones adapter beats most DAC’s available.

    Yes I agree, the main benefit of a separate DAC is to be able to control the sample rate so it's not locked to 48khz, but I'm not sure how well that works on the new iPads (I don't have one to test yet).

  • edited October 2022

    @Gavinski said:

    @richardyot said:

    @Gavinski said:

    @richardyot said:
    Also Jakob's video is slightly misleading because he states that Apple don't make any USB-C dongles that can charge the iPad, but they do make one, although it's expensive:

    https://www.apple.com/uk/shop/product/MUF82ZM/A/usb-c-digital-av-multiport-adapter

    So you could use that adapter with a cheapo USB 2 hub and avoid most of the issues that people seem to be having. Plug a powerbank into the dongle and you should be able to charge the iPad while also powering audio interfaces etc...

    If they added a headphone jack with in/out, so I could record from headphone inline mic, I would buy it, even at that ridiculous price

    I think you just need the Apple headphone to USB-C adapter:

    https://www.apple.com/uk/shop/product/MU7E2ZM/A/usb-c-to-35mm-headphone-jack-adapter

    You can plug it into a hub if you also need to run peripherals at the same time:

    https://www.cultofmac.com/678055/pro-tip-your-apple-usb-c-headphone-adapter-works-anywhere/

    Ah - but the headphones I use aren't USB C. So I'd need a 3mm to USB C dongle, then a USB C to 3mm dongle?!!

    I was assuming you were using regular headphones with a 3.5mm connection, in which case the Apple dongle should do the job :)

    (edit) in case it's not clear, you plug regular headphones or headsets into this:

  • @richardyot said:

    (edit) in case it's not clear, you plug regular headphones or headsets into this:

    That's the one I have, the cable feels pretty fragile so a a bit of gaffer-tape will do wonders just in case :sunglasses:
    I've abused the old Lightning -> 3.5mm dongle quite a bit and it's still working...

  • edited October 2022

    @richardyot said:

    @JoyceRoadStudios said:

    @richardyot said:

    @JoyceRoadStudios said:
    I got one of those little Vava 8-in-1 hubs initially in 2020 and after using it once or twice it just sits in a drawer. Only one usb-c port and for charging only, but the bigger problem was when the hub was plugged in there was always some sort of ground loop noise or hum added to my signal. And this was with the iPad not even charging. So I gave up on hubs a while ago and just have several tiers of audio interfaces that have most of the i/o I would need already onboard. That doesn’t solve the larger problem we are all experiencing, but my point is that the hub itself needs to be designed not just with the necessary inputs we all need, but also with wiring and shielding and components that won’t affect or degrade the signal.

    Perhaps one of those apple magic keyboards, with its extra usb-c port for charging the iPad, could be an elegant way to still use a hub on the iPad but without need to charge it through that hub…

    The way to avoid ground hum is to power the hub with a powerbank rather than the mains.

    That’s sage advice for sure.

    The hub I have is not a powered hub though. So I would have my audio interface ( bus powered) going into one of the usb-a inputs on the hub. guitar plugged into the interface. I also have an old midi keyboard (Fatar from the 90s) plugged into another usb-a input on the hub, via the Iconnectivity Mio midi-usb adapter. That adapter works flawlessly and allows you to go from 5 pin midi to usb without any issue. But, they keyboard itself is powered by mains via its own 9V adapter, so I would assume that caused the hum. These days I just plug the midi keyboard into the 5 pin midi on the back of my motu m4, no need for hub. My set up is pretty simple though. iOS music peeps still need a proper hub solution. That keyboard someone posted upthread looks dope.

    This might help to fix the hum issue from your old MIDI keyboard, plug it into the MIDI ports on the hardware and send the MIDI straight to the iPad wirelessly:

    https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01AXSYSLU/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00

    (edit): sorry I see you've solved the problem by plugging the keyboard into the MOTU

    Oh I know it well, I use Yamaha’s other Bluetooth dongle, the UD-BT01 for another piece of kit, the Line 6 Short Board mkii midi foot controller which connects via USB-B. So the dongle powers it and transmits midi via BT. The short board has its own midi assigning software on desktop so you can go in there once and set everything and forget. Seriously works flawlessly with something like th-u which does CCs and midi mapping. The short board has like 13 footswitches and an exp pedal. I haven’t yet found a better combo than UD-BT01 plus ShortBoard mkii. For the dongle it needs to just be recognized first by your iPad via Midimittr app, and it’s set and forget.

  • @Jack_Fancy said:
    I’ve been using this guy as an all-in-one for music, video, writing, etc…

    How does this handle the mapping of the command key? Can it be remapped to the key(s) right next to the space bar?

  • @yahwehq said:

    @Jack_Fancy said:
    I’ve been using this guy as an all-in-one for music, video, writing, etc…! )

    lol this is actually an interesting concept but ugly as sin

    This intrigued be for a bit….
    https://www.raspberrypi.com/products/raspberry-pi-400/

  • @richardyot said:

    @Gavinski said:

    @richardyot said:

    @Gavinski said:

    @richardyot said:
    Also Jakob's video is slightly misleading because he states that Apple don't make any USB-C dongles that can charge the iPad, but they do make one, although it's expensive:

    https://www.apple.com/uk/shop/product/MUF82ZM/A/usb-c-digital-av-multiport-adapter

    So you could use that adapter with a cheapo USB 2 hub and avoid most of the issues that people seem to be having. Plug a powerbank into the dongle and you should be able to charge the iPad while also powering audio interfaces etc...

    If they added a headphone jack with in/out, so I could record from headphone inline mic, I would buy it, even at that ridiculous price

    I think you just need the Apple headphone to USB-C adapter:

    https://www.apple.com/uk/shop/product/MU7E2ZM/A/usb-c-to-35mm-headphone-jack-adapter

    You can plug it into a hub if you also need to run peripherals at the same time:

    https://www.cultofmac.com/678055/pro-tip-your-apple-usb-c-headphone-adapter-works-anywhere/

    Ah - but the headphones I use aren't USB C. So I'd need a 3mm to USB C dongle, then a USB C to 3mm dongle?!!

    I was assuming you were using regular headphones with a 3.5mm connection, in which case the Apple dongle should do the job :)

    (edit) in case it's not clear, you plug regular headphones or headsets into this:

    Ah yeah, but I think that each of the hubs I used only had one USB C port and that was for charging. Apart from that they had only other types - USB 2 probably

  • fwiw, this Dell adapter might be a cheaper alternative to the apple adapter with power delivery:

    https://www.amazon.com/Dell-Adapter-USB-C-Power-Pass-Through/dp/B08BN321Z2?th=1

    and fwiw^2, this Sabrent hub mostly works well for me with an m1 ipad pro, komplete audio 6 ifx & a couple usb midi controllers :

    https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07KJR8LV5/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

    only problem is it will sometimes lose the ethernet connection until i cycle power on the hub. but my ethernet is a bit odd to begin with.

  • @jakoB_haQ said:
    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.

    look at this... original hyperdrive ;-) solves your problem with Anker ;)

  • @dendy said:

    @jakoB_haQ said:
    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.

    look at this... original hyperdrive ;-) solves your problem with Anker ;)

    This is very true, my hyperdrive 6 in one hasn't skipped a beat, no drop outs, works with multiple devices connected even by an Anker usb 3 hub in the usb a socket..

  • My Anker hub works like a dream had it for a few years

  • @richardyot said:

    FWIW I'm still running a 10.5 Pro, but as it happens I always use a DAC anyway (never the headphone jack). But I am thinking of getting a new iPad Pro which is why I'm researching all the options. From what I can tell the simplest solution is to use the Apple adapters and a basic hub.

    Yeah I’m gonna get the camera connector kit for my new M2 Pro and continue use to use my current audio interface with that. I already have a powered USB hub to power it all and connect my Keystep Pro. As long as I can plug in my ATH-M50x phones I’m happy.

  • I use Caldigit SOHO USB-C dock with a 65w Apple brick
    it’s real limited for USB ports and I use the one usb-c for headphone dongle
    But so far it has been working well. And it’s the newest fast usb spec.

  • Hello,
    my angled Basseus' working good. On 2 iPads. But remember, this is version without memory card slots. This on Amazon is old crap. Shouldbe with HMDI on top, then on the side 2 x USB 3(?), USC-C w/PD, and audio jack. No troubles. Of course, in my rig, this hub is connected to another one, where all of the rest of my stuff is connected.
    Cheers.

  • Get this. No need to thank me.

  • @ambrosiajam said:
    Get this. No need to thank me.

    [picture of Novation AudioHub]

    Forget it. It's discontinued.

  • Dang. I think you can still find em used for pretty reasonable price? It works very well as a midi usb hub in addition to the audio interface capabilities. I think it even has like 6 separate assignable outputs, technically. And a separate gain knob for headphone output.
    I was very surprised at how much it could do!
    Too bad

    @VoytecG said:

    @ambrosiajam said:
    Get this. No need to thank me.

    [picture of Novation AudioHub]

    Forget it. It's discontinued.

  • Just bought Hyperdrive 6-in-1 and i’m very satisfied … it firs perfectly and even with smart cover ot’s relatively ok, top cover is just s tiny bit elevated when closed, bottom cover no problem at all, fits perfectly ..


  • @dendy said:
    Just bought Hyperdrive 6-in-1 and i’m very satisfied … it firs perfectly and even with smart cover ot’s relatively ok, top cover is just s tiny bit elevated when closed, bottom cover no problem at all, fits perfectly ..


    Just as a warning: I don't have first-hand experience with these, but other forum members have had issues, like shorting contacts in the connector (because it's easier to inadvertently apply torque to it) leading to pretty disastrous consequences for the hub and the ipad. Maybe that rubber thing does help prevent any meaningful twisting though.

  • @Grandbear said:
    Maybe that rubber thing does help prevent any meaningful twisting though.

    yeah thst rubber black removable thing is absolutely essential.. i know some people remove it but that is bad idea and i can see how it can lead to issue you described .. when used properly (with it or using little cable adapter), it's pretty safe

  • @dendy said:

    @jakoB_haQ said:
    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.

    look at this... original hyperdrive ;-) solves your problem with Anker ;)

    Strongly recommend against this. Have had several, they both ended up failing and furthermore caused problems with my USB c port that were expensive to fix. If you are going to use it, at a bare minimum don't use it with the smart keyboard attached.

  • @zah said:

    @Danny_Mammy said:
    My Anker hub works like a dream had it for a few years

    Yeah, it seems like most have a positive experience with Anker. :)
    And you get an 18 month warranty/replacement on Anker stuff as well.

    @Gavinski said:
    Yep, I had an Anker one fry my ipad. I also had 2 Ankers fail and 1 Hyperdrive (or maybe it was 2 Hyperdrives and 2 Anker) fail, all within a year. Never touching those pieces of shit again.

    Gavinski, sounds like user error. Not sure how someone can blow through 4 devices within a year! I dunno, maybe you have electrical issues in your home.

    This is true about electrical issues - whoever did the wiring in the apartment I'm in needs to be shot lol

  • @Gavinski said:

    @dendy said:

    @jakoB_haQ said:
    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.

    look at this... original hyperdrive ;-) solves your problem with Anker ;)

    Strongly recommend against this. Have had several, they both ended up failing and furthermore caused problems with my USB c port that were expensive to fix. If you are going to use it, at a bare minimum don't use it with the smart keyboard attached.

    Also, to elaborate Dendy, when I last had problems with these models that sit flush to the iPad, although it seems you can use them fine with the smart keyboard, when I try to contacted the seller to discuss the hub failing and destroying my USB C port, they said it is not designed to be used with the smart keyboard due to the potential torque issues mentioned above by someone.

  • well in case you use any kind of cover or keyboard which may interfer with it’s direct connection, you can aways use it like this ;)

    as i said, in my case together with original apple smart cover it fits almost perfect

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