Connecting Kemper Profiler (and Akai MPK Mini) to Mini Mac USB hub?

MadMike · Dec 28th 2023

I'm about to purchase a new Mini Mac for music production. (Love the way Garageband/Logic works)

Problem is, I'd like more USB (A) ports, since the Mini only comes with 2. (Just enough to connect my Profiler + MPK Mini) But I also need to connect my keyboard (USB A) + mouse. (USB C)

Would it be 'bad' to connect them both to a non-powered USB hub?

Bakersounds · Dec 28th 2023

Keyboard & Mouse should work without any problems on a non-powered USB Hub.

MadMike · Dec 28th 2023

Quote from Bakersounds

Keyboard & Mouse should work without any problems on a non-powered USB Hub.

Alright, but how about connecting a Kemper + MPK Mini to a (non powered) USB hub?

I'm going to use a wired keyboard. (Which has a USB-A cable connection) So I only have 1 more port left on the Mini Mac to either connect my Kemper of MPK onto... (That's why I wanna expand, using a hub)

*The mouse has a USB-C connection by the way.

Wheresthedug · Dec 29th 2023

Get a USB hub with an extra drive in it. Something like this:

Stand & Hub for Mac Mini with SSD Enclosure

I use one plus an old powered USB hub for other stuff.

Bakersounds · Dec 29th 2023

Do you have already an USB Hub and if so, which connections has it? Or do you think about this whole thing in general?

Wheresthedug · Dec 29th 2023

In my case I needed extra connections for external hard drives, audio interface, controllers etc so I needed to get extra inputs via a hub. The connections on Mini plus the two on the keyboard were never going to be sufficient.

MadMike · Dec 29th 2023

Quote from Bakersounds

Do you have already an USB Hub and if so, which connections has it? Or do you think about this whole thing in general?

I don't have a hub yet.

I'll probably grab this one, since I only need extra USB-A ports: (And the keyboard and mouse I'll be adding are off the same brand)

Aluminum 4-Port USB 3.0 Hub V.2 - Satechi

MadMike · Dec 29th 2023

Quote from Wheresthedug

Get a USB hub with an extra drive in it. Something like this:

https://satechi.net/products/s…c-mini-with-ssd-enclosure

I use one plus an old powered USB hub for other stuff.

I'll probably be grabbing this one:

Aluminum 4-Port USB 3.0 Hub V.2 - Satechi

Since I only need extra USB-A ports. (I'm only using the Mac Mini for music production) 😉

Wheresthedug · Dec 29th 2023

That looks good.

One of the reasons I went for the Mac mini format hub is how tidy it makes the desk.

The other reason is the ability to have extra SSD storage. My 1TB mini was nearly full with programs and sample libraries (Superior Drummer library takes a lot of space by itself). The ability to move samples and archive projects to the hub drive while leaving the main internal drive free for Logic sessions makes a nice music production system for me. If you already have plenty of storage capacity then a simpler hub makes a lot of sense.

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