Ableton Forum

Hey everyone,

So as the title may suggest, I don't know what the difference is between a USB Hub and an Audio Interface. I need 4 USB ports to plug in my Launchpad, nanoKONTROL2, nanoPAD2, and mouse, but my laptop comes with only 2. I don't know which piece of equipment to buy in order to do so. Could someone help me please?

Thank you!

buy a usb hub.....a hub just basically turns one of your usb ports into more than one usb port. an audio interface takes audio and makes it digital.....more or less....an audio interface is for if you want to play guitar, or sing or something like that....its also used to monitor, and send a signal to a soundboard if you are playing live.....if you don't need any of those things, just buy a hub...if you do though, buy both. good luck!!

ShelLuser wrote:Even better; if possible I'd also advice to keep a look out of a powered USB hub considering that these device use the USB port for their power.

Now; from what I picked up from the specs of the devices you mentioned I don't think there will be a problem here, but if you're working in a (home)studio or such then I'd still say a powered hub would be preferable in order to make sure nothing icky can happen with one of the USB ports.

+1, though the devices you mention are not power hungry per se, by accumulation, they can begin to lack the power they need, and will stop functioning, or begin behaving erratically without enough power. I've accidentally unplugged my hub once or twice, and nearly lost my mind trying to figure out why my axiom was giving me weird messages and refusing to work.