micro and ilok don't fit macbook

[oreo1]

The micro is a great idea, but who ever designed it, clearly didn't consider how we editors would be using the thing in a laptop. My macbook has the standard spacing between its two USB inputs. Because the micro is wider than the usual USB devices, it leaves no space beside it, to plug in the ilok into the second USB jack. The result is that none of my expensive plugins are accessible while using the micro.

I tried connecting both devices tonight, using a USB hub, but got the Protools 8 response that it couldn't find the micro. So i am presuming that the Micro HAS TO be plugged directly into a USB slot on the computer. Is that true?

Hey Digidesign, do your engineers read these posts? If so, please redesign the Micro, so the USB connector is offset either to the right or left, but not built smack into the middle. It would be much more useful and elegant if we could plug in both the micro and the ilok side by side. As it is, it's onlyhalf as useful as it could be with a little redesign.

Is anyone out there getting these two devices to work together from a USB hub? If so, what is your hub? Or any other solution is much appreciated.

[Obsidian Dragon]

The Mbox2Micro was designed to be used with the short USB extension cable that it shipped with so it doesn't take any more room on the USB port than a typical USB cable for a printer or scanner. It is highly recommended to use this cable to avoid damaging your Mbox2Micro or even worse your Macbook/Macbook Pro if it were to get bumped. If you've misplaced your cable, you can buy one at most computer stores. The ILok also should be used with a similar USB cable to avoid this type of damage. If I remember correctly, the Mbox2Micro should not go through a USB hub but the iLok can.

[oreo1]

Many thanks for the tip, Dragon. i had totally forgotten about that.

I've been using the micro plugged directly into the USB with no problem for a bout a year,. Then 2 weeks ago I suddenly had a dire need for the ilok to use Strike.

I just found the old cable. It lets Protools load, which is the main point. I wish the cable was 6 inches long instead of 3 feet, but maybe I'll find a shorter one by shopping around.

[Obsidian Dragon]

Hmm. The one that came with my Mbox2Micro is only about 6 inches long like you want. I guess they shipped with whatever was available at the parts bin at the time. It is still an obtrusive thing sticking out of the notebook so you might just use a twisty tie or zip tie to bunch it up and shorten it. I wish the iLok was as small as those bluetooth adapters or wireless mouse adapter on PC's instead of three inches long and shaped like a rediculous plastic toy key.

[@ndy]

Originally Posted by oreo1

I wish the cable was 6 inches long instead of 3 feet

I'm feeling some "cable envy", mine came with only a 6 inch extender!

[Obsidian Dragon]

Originally Posted by @ndy

i'm feeling some "cable envy", mine came with only a 6 inch extender! :d:d

lmao!

[StudioDTA]

Originally Posted by Obsidian Dragon

lmao!

something tells me someone is embellishing their length anyways guys so dont sweat it.

[Chief Pronto]

Instead of the cable, why don't you get one of those USB twisting adapter thingies? I have no idea what they're actually called, but they're super useful. See link.

http://www.lindy.co.uk/lindyshop/pictures/70339big.jpg

[systemexclusive]

Using MBox2 Micro via D-Link (NOT bus powered) USB-Hub together with iLok - No any issues...

[Dism]

Originally Posted by systemexclusive

Using MBox2 Micro via D-Link (NOT bus powered) USB-Hub together with iLok - No any issues...

You are very very lucky then. I wouldn't even attempt to pass audio through a USB hub. Now, since you can't do any recording via Micro... I spose it's less of a deal than running any other MBox, but I still wouldn't recommend doing that. Of course, my MBP has USB ports on opposite sides of the machine, but I find the one next to the power supply is far too close for many things to plug in comfortably. I use a 4" bendy extender for many things, and there are sooooo many options for extenders that won't interrupt datastream available online. Ebay is a great place to start.