Macbook Pro & Thunderbolt 3 USB-C

[alfiebuttons]

Hi there.

Has anyone had any experience moving to a newer MacBook (2016 onwards) with only TB3/USB-C connectivity.

If so, how did you work with your Push or any other legacy USB devices for that matter.

I want to swap my Mac out for newer model sooner rather than later but I am aware it will cause me numerous connectivity issues.

Any advice and experience greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Alex.

[Tarekith]

16" MBP here, I use a Cal Digit TS3 Plus for connecting my entire studio as well as powering the MBP. Works great, one cable to the laptop is all I need and the TS3 has 5 normal USB ports and 2 USB-c ports plus more. No issues at all having multiple synths, Push 2, my DAC and multiple external HDs all working at once.

[alfiebuttons]

Hi there.

Ok that's great. No known speed or other issues from adding something in-between?

Cheers,

Alex.

[Tarekith]

Not that I can tell.

[alfiebuttons]

Greatl cheers

[Pitch Black]

I experienced one issue on a new 16inch MBP where my Novation Launch Control XL would work with a 3rd-party Anatek USB-C adapter but my Launch Control (the non-XL model) would not. Same port/cable everything - one would go and the other not. Swapping the Anatek adapter for an Apple-branded USB-C adapter (4 times the price) made it work perfectly.

Possibly something to be aware of, I'll be using Apple adapters for mission-critical functions from here on.

[Tarekith]

I always use the Apple adaptors, I just factor them into the cost of a new laptop when I'm considering one. Stupid expensive for sure, but it's just not the worth the hassle to end up possibly wasting time troubleshooting issues from cheaper ones.

[alfiebuttons]

Hey that's great Tarekith. Cheers, Alex

[oblique strategies]

16" MBP here, I use a Cal Digit TS3 Plus for connecting my entire studio as well as powering the MBP. Works great, one cable to the laptop is all I need and the TS3 has 5 normal USB ports and 2 USB-c ports plus more. No issues at all having multiple synths, Push 2, my DAC and multiple external HDs all working at once.

Same here. The TS3 is an excellent solution, highly recommended. I keep my Apple power supply in my computer bag so I never accidentally forget it at home. TS3 also nullifies T2 chip problems (if they are still causing issues, I haven't kept up)

I also stick with Apple adapters, better safe than sorry with the wild west of USB C products out there, its like walking though a field of land mines...

Good advice Tarekith

[jestermgee]

I use a simple $40 adapter (purchased from Kogan.com here in Australia) that is aluminium, has 3 x USB3, power thru for the adaptor as well as external HDMI, Ethernet and SD card input and it works great, no issues at all so far with anything USB attached. Compared to the $410au for the TS3 it's a hell of a difference in cost.

The TS3 is obviously for the more "serious" user that has money to burn on top tier reliability, but for that cost you could test 10x cheaper units to find a reliable one. Sticking to the official P/S is always a good idea where possible but also keep in mind charging devices over USB-C conform to a strict specification just like PoE for ethernet so don't be too fooled into thinking your precious Mac needs "only the best" in every aspect, many USB-C power supplies will be perfectly adequate, just try and steer clear of the unknowns on e-bay and purchase something through a retailer you can at least contact for support.

If you can afford it and can justify the higher costs for your needs then that's great, but if you live more in the real world of struggle street and have a family and a world where things all take your money, settling for something more cost effective can be just as reliable in many cases and the extra $350 saved can buy your kids some new clothes

[alfiebuttons]

Hi guys.

Thanks for this.

In the end I opted for a Plugable TB3 Dock.

Nitvyesyecbyrt but it seems well built and decent ratings. Cost me £125.

Cheers,

Alex.

[Tarekith]

Pluggable is a good brand too, prior to my TS3 I was using their usb3 hubs for years with no issues.

[alfiebuttons]

This is good news Tarekith