Avid Pro Audio Community

Hbthyname · #1 03-01-2011, 03:32 PM

Hi,

I've run out of USB connections on my laptop. Could I run the iLock and USB midi through a USB hub?

I'm assuming it'd be a terrible idea to run my USB interface through a USB hub?

Craig F · #2 03-01-2011, 03:40 PM

iLok should be fine
Midi probably OK
yes, most audio interfaces don't like being on a hub

Hbthyname · #3 03-01-2011, 04:53 PM

Thanks. I think i'm going to pick up a cheap one for a tenner and make sure the iLock works before buying a half decent one!

I also realise that once I get my eSata HD the USB port shortage shouldn't be an issue! :)

Bill Denton · #4 03-01-2011, 04:56 PM

You didn't mention what's on the other end of your "USB MIDI", but if it is a keyboard or something similar that gets its power through USB, you will want to get a powered USB hub...

Jermak · #5 03-02-2011, 02:42 PM

I have a seven port powered Belkin hub into which the Ilok has been running flawlessly for over 18 months. So no problem there.

I have 2 USB MIDI interfaces each with 8 ports and they run directly from the computer ports and there have been some problems at times. I would not run those from the hub.

JMS40 · #6 03-02-2011, 09:08 PM

I run 2 iLok's and a Steinberg key on a hub. No issues.

QuikDraw · #7 03-03-2011, 01:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jermak

I have a seven port powered Belkin hub into which the Ilok has been running flawlessly for over 18 months. So no problem there.

I have 2 USB MIDI interfaces each with 8 ports and they run directly from the computer ports and there have been some problems at times. I would not run those from the hub.

I run probably that same seven port Belkin hub. I've never connected the power supply to it though. I don't need it for what I do. I have my mouse, keyboard, iLok, 2 external hard drives, and an ink-jet printer connected to it. None of those items requires power from the port at a level that requires me to use the power supply. I actually use one of the hard drives on the hub as an audio/session drive in Pro Tools. I run my MBox2 Mini on a USB port directly though. I've never had a single issue with this setup.

That's my at-home day to day setup for mixing. When I track live with 16 input tracks I connect only the mouse, and hard drive each to a dedicated port with my interface on Firewire. I'm not saying that the hub wouldn't work in that situation, but I don't need all the other stuff for tracking, so why bother hooking it up?