Any usb-c docks that use a long cable to connect?

CaelumAudio

Hi all,

I anyone aware of any usb-c docks suitable for an iPad that attach via a long(ish) wire?

I'm used to using a normal usb hub attached to the lighting camera connection kit but the latest software news from apple is forcing me to upgrade. I have a couple of usb-c hubs for my MacBook but importantly they are missing the now necessary headphone port...

I've seen a few which connect directly to the iPad but I'd be scared that this would put stress on the port. Ideally I'd love a couple of usb-a ports and a headphone port which could connect to the iPad with maybe a 1m long cable... This may be an utter fantasy as I can't find anything but I thought I'd put the question out there...

Cheers,
David

audiblevideo

@CaelumAudio

I hav three different USB C hubs all of them good

I can heartily recommend the Acasis hub below as it includes a 3.5 mm audio jack AND an extra usbc port that isn’t involved in power or computer connection.

AND it can host an M.2 NVMe solid state hard drive (great for back ups and storing samples)

ALL the cords can be as long or short as you want because NONE of them are permanently fixed.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09L4LDXMS?tag=bravesoftwa04-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&language=en_US

The other 2 are UNI and Sabrent

Grandbear

I use a Uni USB-C hub with a 1.5m cable all the time. It doesn't have a headphone port but you could add the Apple adapter:
https://uniaccessories.com/products/uni-usb-c-6-in-1-hub-1

Schmotown

@CaelumAudio I just got a Belkin hub (excellent, BTW) to use with my iPad Pro. The cable is a little longer than most, maybe 8”, but I added a USB-C extension cable so I could move the hub further back on my desk. I’m using three of the four ports: one for power coming in and the other two connected to (and powering) a USB keyboard and MOTU M4 audio interface. Everything worked perfectly as soon as I plugged it in. To use headphones you’ll need a little USB-C headphone adaptor like the one linked below. I just tested this to be sure and it works fine.

Hub: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BY27XSJ3/

Extension: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0836HS4LQ/

Headphone Adaptor: https://www.amazon.com/Headphone-Adapter-JSAUX-Compatible-Samsung/dp/B07XYQ2ZKH/

Schmotown

I forgot, you can get USB-C to A cables or adaptors as all four ports are USB-C. That’s how my little keyboard is connected.

CaelumAudio

@audiblevideo said:
@CaelumAudio

I hav three different USB C hubs all of them good

I can heartily recommend the Acasis hub below as it includes a 3.5 mm audio jack AND an extra usbc port that isn’t involved in power or computer connection.

AND it can host an M.2 NVMe solid state hard drive (great for back ups and storing samples)

ALL the cords can be as long or short as you want because NONE of them are permanently fixed.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09L4LDXMS?tag=bravesoftwa04-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&language=en_US

The other 2 are UNI and Sabrent

This looks really interesting... especially because I never get a lot of internal space as I hate paying the apple tax on drive space. I guess it always needs to be connected to power though?

@Grandbear said:
I use a Uni USB-C hub with a 1.5m cable all the time. It doesn't have a headphone port but you could add the Apple adapter:
https://uniaccessories.com/products/uni-usb-c-6-in-1-hub-1

This looks nice and lightweight and could be really useful - just wish it had a built-in headphone port without needing another dongle!

@Schmotown said:
@CaelumAudio I just got a Belkin hub (excellent, BTW) to use with my iPad Pro. The cable is a little longer than most, maybe 8”, but I added a USB-C extension cable so I could move the hub further back on my desk. I’m using three of the four ports: one for power coming in and the other two connected to (and powering) a USB keyboard and MOTU M4 audio interface. Everything worked perfectly as soon as I plugged it in. To use headphones you’ll need a little USB-C headphone adaptor like the one linked below. I just tested this to be sure and it works fine.

Hub: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BY27XSJ3/

Extension: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0836HS4LQ/

Headphone Adaptor: https://www.amazon.com/Headphone-Adapter-JSAUX-Compatible-Samsung/dp/B07XYQ2ZKH/

Thanks for a recommended good value headphone adaptor, I will probably need one for the lightweight sessions on the sofa!

audiblevideo

The hub and the associated drive can be run without external power as it can be powered by the iPad itself

zzrwood

@CaelumAudio said:

This looks really interesting... especially because I never get a lot of internal space as I hate paying the apple tax on drive space. I guess it always needs to be connected to power though?

According to this review it doesn’t need external power…
https://storagereview.com/review/acasis-usb-c-hub-with-ssd-enclosure-review

Also, the Apple headphone adapter is only $15, I would personally recommend it rather than an unknown brand from Amazon…

GeonTone

I’ve had the same issues. All of a sudden all the usb hubs have the cable that attached to the computer permanently attached. They never used to be that way. I always want a long cable to hide the hub under the desk or some place.

I use this hub for my iPad. Sounds like it may fit your needs:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B095YKQBHM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I also use this one for my MacBook Pro. May or may not fit your needs:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08FQX8MXQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Both Anker and Caldigit have top notch quality.

belldu

I maybe misunderstanding the question but I was warned by others here of stresses that docks put on the USB port on iPads, so I bought a USB C male to female cable. The dock now sits a respectable distance away, velcroed to the side of my table and the cable just gets plugged into the iPad when I'm 'working' on a piece requiring a MIDI controller.

Something like:
https://amazon.com/usb-c-extension-cable/s?k=usb+c+extension+cable

mistercharlie

Or something like this, with an extension. I use it without, but because it has no body, it doesn’t feel like something is hanging off the side of the iPad.

electronicsfordogs

Hi,
I‘m successfully using these with my Ipad, Macbook Air M2 and Lenovo Windows-machines:
https://www.lention.com/collections/hubs/products/lention-usb-c-multi-port-hub-cbtpc35h
Cheers
Edit: just saw you where looking for something with headphone jack…

Gavinski

@audiblevideo said:
@CaelumAudio

I hav three different USB C hubs all of them good

I can heartily recommend the Acasis hub below as it includes a 3.5 mm audio jack AND an extra usbc port that isn’t involved in power or computer connection.

AND it can host an M.2 NVMe solid state hard drive (great for back ups and storing samples)

ALL the cords can be as long or short as you want because NONE of them are permanently fixed.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09L4LDXMS?tag=bravesoftwa04-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&language=en_US

The other 2 are UNI and Sabrent

Allowing you to use your own cables - perfect. Can that acasis hub receive high quality mic audio in through the headphone jack?