Anyone using a USB hub to connect all midi controllers?

[dj_blueprint]

I'm fairly certain that this would only add latency or, even worse, crash Live but I still wanted to ask:

Set-up:

-Novation SL 25 mk1
-Novation Launchpad

with a Macbook Pro (three usb slots only) and Motu Ultralite.

Since a couple of my slots are occupied by my mouse and various other usb things while I'm in the studio (external hd, iphone etc..) I thought the hub might be a good solution but I have my doubts as noted above.

Option two: buying a midi cable to connect the SL25 to the Ultralite and using the Launchpad with usb.

Anyone other suggestions for the laptop producer?

[e.g.:]

It's a crap shoot. I have had issues hubbing MIDI controllers in the past, so avoided it for a long time.

Recently though, I've been forced into a corner, and have had to do it again. So far so good. No issues yet.

Having said that: MIDI is always best if run through a MIDI port. USB MIDI is a virtual port, and is processed in bursts. That can cause problems under some critical situations.

[dj_blueprint]

MIDI is always best if run through a MIDI port.

What about if I just use the Novation SL 25 to the Motu Midi input? Same thing I'm guessing?

[e.g.:]

Not the same, cuz the MOTU connects to the laptop via USB or FW. Still virtual ports.

Take a shot at the hub and the MIDI cable. See which works better. What've you got to lose?

[dj_blueprint]

Not the same, cuz the MOTU connects to the laptop via USB or FW. Still virtual ports.

Take a shot at the hub and the MIDI cable. See which works better. What've you got to lose?

Any recommendations on brands for hubs? I know they have varying quality.

[contakt321]

Make sure any hub is powered.

I have a Belkin 7 Port that's worked well for midi controllers + audio interface.

Do a search, there has been a few threads about this w/ excellent suggestions.

[hps909]

it's better if it's powered for what ever reason ...

i run a microkontrol a nano control and a blofeld off a powered hub no problems

[dj_blueprint]

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000NA ... os_product


I got that belkin 7 port one linked above.

thanks!

Here's what'll be used:
iphone
external hd
launchpad
sl 25
jumpdrive
mouse

[contakt321]

I think I have a slightly older model of that.

Works for everything I use except Serato and Traktor.

Thumbs out.

[dj_blueprint]

I think I have a slightly older model of that.

Works for everything I use except Serato and Traktor.

Thumbs out.

nice, i see you have a dubstep night.

soundcloud.com/djblueprint

i have one dubstep tune up on there, and it's been rinsed on dubstep.fm by a few djs there.

[Bleep Blop Ima Robot]

i have a belkin as well, 7 port powered of course, and no latency at all(never heard of that or ever concerned about it)...how else would you hook up all your gear...

[AltheGatman]

I'm using a hub with no noticeable issues or latency -

Apc40,Mpk25 and a BCF2000 in a powered hub, all devices send and recieve midi with no problems I have noticed.. audio card is still run via firewire, dunno if the hub would cope or not if I was running audio over it..

[e.g.:]

There ya have it: conflicting information in many ways. Like I said, try it, see if it works.

[Pasha]

First I'll get a Bletooth mouse to free one port.
Then, I'd use Belkin. I have two belkins 4 port unpowered,
with no issues:

Belkin 1

Printer (powered)
BCF2000 (powered)
M-Audio Keyboard K61s (USB Powered)
M-Audio MIDISPORT 2x2 (USB Powered)

Belkin 2

Scanner (USB Powered)
Time Machine Drive (Powered)
Launchpad (USB Powered)

Although I could have 1 7 port USB powered hub for all, I occasionally use more than that and
iMac Keyboard still gives me an additional one for USB Keys or Camera or whatever.

However, recently I'm lurking around this new object by moshi
that brings in possible solutions for power hungry
devices by using Firewire and USB Power together:



- Hope it helps
- Pasha

[Tone Deft]

this was a pretty good thread on USB techshit.

http://forum.ableton.com/viewtopic.php? ... 7#p1107797