USB-C hubs and reconfiguring my rig

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While there is a lull in gigs for a month or two, I’m looking to update and streamline my rig.

With most new Windows PC’s, ther ear efewer and fewer onboard USB ports, so I’m going to have to start using a hub.

Unfortunately latency and other issues may crop up with some hubs, so I’m trying to figure out the best way to move foward. In at least one case I have an interface that doesn’t operate when connected to the HUB (it can only be connected directly to the computer).

Here’s what I’m thinking:

  1. Powered USB hub
  2. Connect via USB-C for bandwidth (I know there are issues with the USB-C connectors being flimsy, but I think I can make it work).
  3. A detachable cable for the connection to the computer. I don’t think there’s a max length on this, but I’m hoping to get a 10 foot cord to go to the computer.
  4. Mount the hub on my pedalboard or in a rack, and bundle all the cables together, and then run the USB-C cable directly to the computer.

Anyone have any specific hubs that work well (or don’t so I can avoid them).

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I have two different powered hubs by Plugable that both work great. I admit that I have never tried them with an interface though…

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I’ve found Orico hubs to be reliable. I have a trio of 20-ports in the studio and a 12-port for live.

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+1 for Plugable and Orico

I’ve also used this Sabrent because I needed to be able to switch off the USB Port:

And this Atolla has worked for the same rig:

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I have the Sabrent shown above mounted on my pedalboard, with a 6-foot USB extension cable to connect to the computer. I have the power supplies for it and everything else mounted under the pedalboard with AC splitters so everything is powered from a single IEC outlet on the pedalboard. The reason i chose the Sabrent for the pedalboard is that the jacks are on the side, so that with the hub mounted on top of the pedalboard, cables plugged into the hub don’t stick up vertically. (Funnily enough, in my home rig i’m using the same Atolla hub that dsteinschneider has.)

– Jimbo

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Thanks everyone. I decided to start with the Orico 7 port hub (detachable cable, 7 ports, and 3.2 support. They’re top mount, but I think I can put it on its’ side so that shouldn’t be too much of an issue.

If I have issues I’ll try some of the other suggestions.