Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Which USB 3.0 Hub? [MERGED]
- Thread starter oxfordguy
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
I think it's a good choice.
It works without a power supply (it doesn't come with a power supply, but if you have a USB-C power supply then the SOHO can use that to charge your laptop).
It's small, has a metal exterior, and four low profile rounded rubber feet.
No attached cables. Comes with a USB-C 10 Gbps cable which you can replace with a new cable if it gets damaged or if you would like a longer cable.
It has a four port USB 3.1 gen 2 hub. The vendor of the hub is CalDigit (do they make their own hub chips or do they put their vendor ID on someone else's?). The hub is used for two USB 3.1 gen 2 ports (USB-C and USB-A) and a USB 3.0 card reader. The fourth port of the hub is unused (probably so the SOHO can remain bus powered). The corresponding USB 2.0 hub has a 5th port for the billboard device with name "USB-C SOHO Dock".
It can do nearly 1000 MB/s to a USB to NVMe enclosure.
CalDigit says it uses the Synaptics VMM5210 two port DisplayPort 1.4 MST Hub.
Video Interface ICs | Synaptics
ConnectSmartTM Video Interface The ConnectSmart family offers a full range of high-speed video/audio/data connectivity IC solutions that are designed for linking CPUs/GPUs and various endpoints for applications including PC docks, dongles and protocol converters and VR head mounted displays. To...
I can't tell what the DisplayPort to HDMI 2.0b converter is because it's behind the MST Hub (AGDCDiagnose only reports DPCD info from the MST Hub).
I tested with a W5700 eGPU. I used SwitchResX to test different 4K (3840x2160) integer refresh rates (using CVT-RB timings).
DSC does 12 bpp compression according to AGDCDiagnose. From 8bpc (24 bpp) that allows for a 100% increase in bandwidth or pixel clock (same as 4:2:0 chroma sub sampling). But I though DSC could do up to 200% increase (3:1 compression)? Do there exist cases where the compression is higher? I checked my stash of AGDCDiagnose outputs from other people and don't see any with DSC Compressed BPP > 12 bits.
macOS Catalina (10.15) will use DSC with this hub but only for 8 bpc. It doesn't work for 10 bpc or HDR. I don't know if that's an Apple problem or a MST hub problem. Testing in Windows or Linux may determine that. An Apple Pro Display XDR uses DSC to do 6K HDR so we know DSC and 10bpc or HDR is a possibility.
DSC does not get enabled in Big Sur so you have to use 4:2:0 to get the same compression (4:2:0 is inferior quality to DSC). My display, Acer XV273K, doesn't enable 4:2:0 for DisplayPort input by default, but I can override the DisplayPort EDID using the HDMI EDID to get 4:2:0. Some displays like the Apple Pro Display XDR don't support 4:2:0. I wonder if an MST Hub can do 4:2:0 to 4:4:4 RGB conversion? There's a hint in the DPCD that there may exist some DisplayPort devices that can do some kind of conversion but I don't know anything about that (you can find the DisplayPort 1.2 spec online but not the 1.4 spec - it has some info on MST hubs but I haven't read it).
For DisplayPort output:
Two lanes of DisplayPort 1.4 (HBR3x2) = 12.96 Gbps; factor in DSC or 4:2:0 = 25.92 Gbps; but those are theoretical max - must factor in DisplayPort and MST overhead.
4K 47Hz 415.06MHz 10bpc RGB = 12.45 Gbps (no DSC) (max HDR refresh rate without DSC or 4:2:0)
4K 48Hz 424.06MHz 10bpc RGB = 12.72 Gbps (no DSC) (very near HBR3x2 max of 12.96 Gbps so macOS switches to 8bpc)
4K 48Hz 424.06MHz 8bpc RGB = 10.18 Gbps (no DSC) (switch to 8bpc here)
4K 58Hz 515.06MHz 8bpc RGB = 12.36 Gbps (no DSC)
4K 60Hz 522.58MHz 8bpc RGB = 12.54 Gbps (no DSC) (this is not CVT-RB)
4K 59Hz 524.06MHz 8bpc RGB = 12.58 Gbps (DSC) (very near HBR3x2 max of 12.96 Gbps so macOS switches to DSC here)
4K 60Hz 533.31MHz 8bpc RGB = 12.80 Gbps (DSC)
4K 61Hz 542.31MHz 8bpc RGB = 13.02 Gbps (DSC)
4K 114Hz 1039.56MHz 8bpc RGB = 24.95 Gbps (DSC) (max refresh through MST hub with DSC)
4K 115Hz 1049.31MHz 8bpc RGB = 25.18 Gbps (DSC) (very near HBR3x2 with DSC max of 25.92 Gbps so macOS doesn't accept this)
For HDMI output, there is no HDR option in macOS even though DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.0b support HDR. This is the same result I got with other non-Apple DisplayPort to HDMI adapters that claim HDR. #21 . The following is using the DisplayPort EDID of the Acer XV273K (need to "Restore factory settings" in SwitchResX to change the EDID override to use the HDMI EDID because the HDMI and DisplayPort inputs of this display use the same product ID - most displays use different product IDs for different types of ports).
HDMI 2.0b has max bandwidth of 14.4 Gbps which is 600MHz for 8bpc 444.
420 allows up to 960MHz 10bpc and 1200MHz 8bpc.
4K60Hz HDMI timing is 594MHz but we're using CVT-RB here.
4K 30Hz 262.92 10bpc 444 = 7.89 Gbps (no DSC)
4K 47Hz 415.06MHz 10bpc 444 = 12.45 Gbps (no DSC) (max 10bpc refresh rate without DSC or 4:2:0)
4K 48Hz 424.06MHz 10bpc 444 = 12.72 Gbps (no DSC) (very near HBR3x2 max of 12.96 Gbps so macOS switches to 8bpc)
4K 48Hz 424.06MHz 8bpc 444 = 10.18 Gbps (no DSC) (switch to 8bpc here)
4K 58Hz 515.06MHz 8bpc 444 = 12.36 Gbps (no DSC)
4K 59Hz 524.06MHz 8bpc 444 = 12.58 Gbps (DSC) (very near HBR3x2 max of 12.96 Gbps so macOS switches to DSC here)
4K 60Hz 533.31MHz 8bpc 444 = 12.80 Gbps (DSC) (wrong colors YCbCr/RGB mixup?)
4K 60Hz 522.58MHz 8bpc 444 = 12.54 Gbps (no DSC) (this is not CVT-RB)
4K 61Hz 542.31MHz 8bpc 444 = 13.02 Gbps (DSC)
4K 63Hz 560.56MHz 8bpc 444 = 13.45 Gbps (DSC)
4K 64Hz 569.81MHz 8bpc 444 = 13.68 Gbps (DSC) (wrong colors YCbCr/RGB mixup?)
4K 65Hz 579.06MHz 8bpc 444 = 13.90 Gbps (DSC)
4K 66Hz 588.06MHz 8bpc 444 = 14.11 Gbps (DSC)
4K 67Hz 597.31MHz 8bpc 444 = 14.34 Gbps (DSC) (very near HDMI max of 14.4 Gbps so macOS switches to 420)
4K 67Hz 597.31MHz 10bpc 420 = 8.96 Gbps (no DSC) (switch to 420 here)
4K 92Hz 830.06MHz 10bpc 420 = 12.45 Gbps (no DSC)
4K 93Hz 839.56MHz 10bpc 420 = 12.59 Gbps (no DSC) (very near HBR3x2 max of 12.96 Gbps so macOS switches to 8bpc)
4K 93Hz 839.56MHz 8bpc 420 = 10.07 Gbps (no DSC) (switch to 8bpc here)
4K 114Hz 1039.56MHz 8bpc 420 = 12.47 Gbps (no DSC) (max refresh through MST hub with 420)
4K 115Hz 1049.31MHz 8bpc 420 = 12.59 Gbps (no DSC) (very near HBR3x2 max of 12.96 Gbps so macOS doesn't accept this)
Is DSC with 4:2:0 not an option?
6 bpc is an option for some DisplayPort displays like the Apple Pro Display XDR but Apple does not support 6 bpc in macOS.
I don't think I need to redo these tests with the HDMI EDID. You would see some 420 in the DisplayPort test. I could maybe try some changes to see if 422 is possible, etc. Tests with 5K, 6K, 8K would be interesting. The Acer XV273K can accept 8K 30Hz even though the display is only 4K.
Last edited:
Damn that’s a lot of information. One key reason I wanted to grab this was HDR at 4K/60hz if I wanted it with my LG UL600.I think it's a good choice.
It works without a power supply (it doesn't come with a power supply, but if you have a USB-C power supply then the SOHO can use that to charge your laptop).
It's small, has a metal exterior, and four low profile rounded rubber feet.
No attached cables. Comes with a USB-C 10 Gbps cable which you can replace with a new cable if it gets damaged or if you would like a longer cable.
It has a four port USB 3.1 gen 2 hub. The vendor of the hub is CalDigit (do they make their own hub chips or do they put their vendor ID on someone else's?). The hub is used for two USB 3.1 gen 2 ports (USB-C and USB-A) and a USB 3.0 card reader. The fourth port of the hub is unused (probably so the SOHO can remain bus powered). The corresponding USB 2.0 hub has a 5th port for the billboard device with name "USB-C SOHO Dock".
It can do nearly 1000 MB/s to a USB to NVMe enclosure.
CalDigit says it uses the Synaptics VMM5210 two port DisplayPort 1.4 MST Hub.
It supports two lanes of DisplayPort 1.4 input with DSC. It will decompress that for non-DSC displays. There's four lanes of DisplayPort 1.4 output.Video Interface ICs | Synaptics
ConnectSmartTM Video Interface The ConnectSmart family offers a full range of high-speed video/audio/data connectivity IC solutions that are designed for linking CPUs/GPUs and various endpoints for applications including PC docks, dongles and protocol converters and VR head mounted displays. To...www.synaptics.com
I can't tell what the DisplayPort to HDMI 2.0b converter is because it's behind the MST Hub (AGDCDiagnose only reports DPCD info from the MST Hub).
I tested with a W5700 eGPU. I used SwitchResX to test different 4K (3840x2160) integer refresh rates (using CVT-RB timings).
DSC does 12 bpp compression according to AGDCDiagnose. From 8bpc (24 bpp) that allows for a 100% increase in bandwidth or pixel clock (same as 4:2:0 chroma sub sampling). But I though DSC could do up to 200% increase (3:1 compression)? Do there exist cases where the compression is higher? I checked my stash of AGDCDiagnose outputs from other people and don't see any with DSC Compressed BPP > 12 bits.
macOS Catalina (10.15) will use DSC with this hub but only for 8 bpc. It doesn't work for 10 bpc or HDR. I don't know if that's an Apple problem or a MST hub problem. Testing in Windows or Linux may determine that. An Apple Pro Display XDR uses DSC to do 6K HDR so we know DSC and 10bpc or HDR is a possibility.
DSC does not get enabled in Big Sur so you have to use 4:2:0 to get the same compression (4:2:0 is inferior quality to DSC). My display, Acer XV273K, doesn't enable 4:2:0 for DisplayPort input by default, but I can override the DisplayPort EDID using the HDMI EDID to get 4:2:0. Some displays like the Apple Pro Display XDR don't support 4:2:0. I wonder if an MST Hub can do 4:2:0 to 4:4:4 RGB conversion? There's a hint in the DPCD that there may exist some DisplayPort devices that can do some kind of conversion but I don't know anything about that (you can find the DisplayPort 1.2 spec online but not the 1.4 spec - it has some info on MST hubs but I haven't read it).
For DisplayPort output:
Two lanes of DisplayPort 1.4 (HBR3x2) = 12.96 Gbps; factor in DSC or 4:2:0 = 25.92 Gbps; but those are theoretical max - must factor in DisplayPort and MST overhead.
4K 47Hz 415.06MHz 10bpc RGB = 12.45 Gbps (no DSC) (max HDR refresh rate without DSC or 4:2:0)
4K 48Hz 424.06MHz 10bpc RGB = 12.72 Gbps (no DSC) (very near HBR3x2 max of 12.96 Gbps so macOS switches to 8bpc)
4K 48Hz 424.06MHz 8bpc RGB = 10.18 Gbps (no DSC) (switch to 8bpc here)
4K 58Hz 515.06MHz 8bpc RGB = 12.36 Gbps (no DSC)
4K 60Hz 522.58MHz 8bpc RGB = 12.54 Gbps (no DSC) (this is not CVT-RB)
4K 59Hz 524.06MHz 8bpc RGB = 12.58 Gbps (DSC) (very near HBR3x2 max of 12.96 Gbps so macOS switches to DSC here)
4K 60Hz 533.31MHz 8bpc RGB = 12.80 Gbps (DSC)
4K 61Hz 542.31MHz 8bpc RGB = 13.02 Gbps (DSC)
4K 114Hz 1039.56MHz 8bpc RGB = 24.95 Gbps (DSC) (max refresh through MST hub with DSC)
4K 115Hz 1049.31MHz 8bpc RGB = 25.18 Gbps (DSC) (very near HBR3x2 with DSC max of 25.92 Gbps so macOS doesn't accept this)
For HDMI output, there is no HDR option in macOS even though DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.0b support HDR. This is the same result I got with other non-Apple DisplayPort to HDMI adapters that claim HDR. #21 . The following is using the DisplayPort EDID of the Acer XV273K (need to "Restore factory settings" in SwitchResX to change the EDID override to use the HDMI EDID because the HDMI and DisplayPort inputs of this display use the same product ID - most displays use different product IDs for different types of ports).
HDMI 2.0b has max bandwidth of 14.4 Gbps which is 600MHz for 8bpc 444.
420 allows up to 960MHz 10bpc and 1200MHz 8bpc.
4K60Hz HDMI timing is 594MHz but we're using CVT-RB here.
4K 30Hz 262.92 10bpc 444 = 7.89 Gbps (no DSC)
4K 47Hz 415.06MHz 10bpc 444 = 12.45 Gbps (no DSC) (max 10bpc refresh rate without DSC or 4:2:0)
4K 48Hz 424.06MHz 10bpc 444 = 12.72 Gbps (no DSC) (very near HBR3x2 max of 12.96 Gbps so macOS switches to 8bpc)
4K 48Hz 424.06MHz 8bpc 444 = 10.18 Gbps (no DSC) (switch to 8bpc here)
4K 58Hz 515.06MHz 8bpc 444 = 12.36 Gbps (no DSC)
4K 59Hz 524.06MHz 8bpc 444 = 12.58 Gbps (DSC) (very near HBR3x2 max of 12.96 Gbps so macOS switches to DSC here)
4K 60Hz 533.31MHz 8bpc 444 = 12.80 Gbps (DSC) (wrong colors YCbCr/RGB mixup?)
4K 60Hz 522.58MHz 8bpc 444 = 12.54 Gbps (no DSC) (this is not CVT-RB)
4K 61Hz 542.31MHz 8bpc 444 = 13.02 Gbps (DSC)
4K 63Hz 560.56MHz 8bpc 444 = 13.45 Gbps (DSC)
4K 64Hz 569.81MHz 8bpc 444 = 13.68 Gbps (DSC) (wrong colors YCbCr/RGB mixup?)
4K 65Hz 579.06MHz 8bpc 444 = 13.90 Gbps (DSC)
4K 66Hz 588.06MHz 8bpc 444 = 14.11 Gbps (DSC)
4K 67Hz 597.31MHz 8bpc 444 = 14.34 Gbps (DSC) (very near HDMI max of 14.4 Gbps so macOS switches to 420)
4K 67Hz 597.31MHz 10bpc 420 = 8.96 Gbps (no DSC) (switch to 420 here)
4K 92Hz 830.06MHz 10bpc 420 = 12.45 Gbps (no DSC)
4K 93Hz 839.56MHz 10bpc 420 = 12.59 Gbps (no DSC) (very near HBR3x2 max of 12.96 Gbps so macOS switches to 8bpc)
4K 93Hz 839.56MHz 8bpc 420 = 10.07 Gbps (no DSC) (switch to 8bpc here)
4K 114Hz 1039.56MHz 8bpc 420 = 12.47 Gbps (no DSC) (max refresh through MST hub with 420)
4K 115Hz 1049.31MHz 8bpc 420 = 12.59 Gbps (no DSC) (very near HBR3x2 max of 12.96 Gbps so macOS doesn't accept this)
Is DSC with 4:2:0 not an option?
6 bpc is an option for some DisplayPort displays like the Apple Pro Display XDR but Apple does not support 6 bpc in macOS.
I don't think I need to redo these tests with the HDMI EDID. You would see some 420 in the DisplayPort test. I could maybe try some changes to see if 422 is possible, etc. Tests with 5K, 6K, 8K would be interesting. The Acer XV273K can accept 8K 30Hz even though the display is only 4K.
So you’re saying HDR isn’t working on this with a MacBook?
HDR can work from DisplayPort but DSC cannot be used so it will be limited to 47Hz unless 4:2:0 is used.
I haven't seen HDR get enabled with any non-Apple DisplayPort to HDMI adapter that I've listed at https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...ransfers-recommendation.2278473/post-29466205
I hope anyone with additional or contradictory info will chime in here or there.
The Apple USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter A2119 does enable the HDR option. Some of the refresh rates have different behavior because, unlike with the SOHO, the Apple does enable DSC for 10bpc/HDR
These tests were done in Catalina with the W5700.
4K 30Hz 262.92 10bpc 444 = 7.89 Gbps (no DSC)
4K 47Hz 415.06MHz 10bpc 444 = 12.45 Gbps (no DSC) (max 10bpc refresh rate without DSC or 4:2:0)
4K 48Hz 424.06MHz 10bpc 444 = 12.72 Gbps (DSC) (very near HBR3x2 max of 12.96 Gbps so macOS switches to DSC)
4K 49Hz 433.06MHz 10bpc 444 = 12.99 Gbps (DSC)
4K 54Hz 478.56MHz 10bpc 444 = 14.36 Gbps (DSC)
4K 55Hz 487.56MHz 10bpc 444 = 14.67 Gbps (DSC) (exceeds HDMI max of 14.4 Gbps so macOS switches to 8bpc)
4K 55Hz 487.56MHz 8bpc 444 = 11.70 Gbps (no DSC) (switch to 8bpc here)
4K 58Hz 515.06MHz 8bpc 444 = 12.36 Gbps (no DSC)
4K 59Hz 524.06MHz 8bpc 444 = 12.58 Gbps (DSC) (very near HBR3x2 max of 12.96 Gbps so macOS switches to DSC here)
4K 60Hz 522.58MHz -> ignored; 594MHz is used
4K 60Hz 533.31MHz -> ignored; 594MHz is used
4K 61Hz 542.31MHz 8bpc 444 = 13.02 Gbps (DSC)
4K 66Hz 588.06MHz 8bpc 444 = 14.11 Gbps (DSC)
4K 60Hz 594.00MHz 10bpc 420 = 8.91 Gbps (no DSC) (HDMI timing)
4K 67Hz 597.31MHz 8bpc 444 = 14.34 Gbps (DSC) (very near HDMI max of 14.4 Gbps so macOS switches to 420)
4K 67Hz 597.31MHz 10bpc 420 = 8.96 Gbps (no DSC) (switch to 420 here)
4K 92Hz 830.06MHz 10bpc 420 = 12.45 Gbps (no DSC)
4K 93Hz 839.56MHz 10bpc 420 = 12.59 Gbps (no DSC) (very near HBR3x2 max of 12.96 Gbps so macOS switches to 8bpc)
4K 93Hz 839.56MHz 8bpc 420 = 10.07 Gbps (no DSC) (switch to 8bpc here)
4K 114Hz 1039.56MHz 8bpc 420 = 12.47 Gbps (no DSC) (max refresh through MST hub with 420)
4K 115Hz 1049.31MHz 8bpc 420 = 12.59 Gbps (no DSC) (very near HBR3x2 max of 12.96 Gbps so macOS doesn't accept this)
All the options that have 10bpc support HDR. There's a weird hole between 55 and 66Hz where macOS switches to 8bpc instead of 420 so HDR is not supported except for the 60Hz 594MHz HDMI timing. Basically, it should do 8bpc for non-HDR and 420 for HDR but macOS doesn't consider 420 until it gets to the HDMI max.
I suppose a fix for that can be to add horizontal or vertical blanking so that the pixel clock is 594 MHz to force 420.
Is there a hub that is interchangeable between USBA and USBC?
I need to be able to use it on 2 macbooks, 2014 and 2017
I need to be able to use it on 2 macbooks, 2014 and 2017
I’m getting this one in the next couple days. Seems like a good one to have along with a proper thunderbolt cable. The ones on Apple website are expensive but I’d rather be on the safe side have have a good one then from a fly by night manufacturer.
OWC Thunderbolt Hub
Add more Thunderbolt ports to your Thunderbolt (USB-C) Mac or Thunderbolt 4 PC.Attachments
Last edited:
ou have to be careful about cable length - USB3 is more sensitive to cable length than USB2. And I'd avoid the cheap no-name Chinese cables.
While the maximum cable length for USB3 is not specified, the estimated maximum length for high-speed applications is 3 meters.
USB2 specifies a maximum cable length of 5 meters.
You can get USB3 active cables if you need extended length
While the maximum cable length for USB3 is not specified, the estimated maximum length for high-speed applications is 3 meters.
USB2 specifies a maximum cable length of 5 meters.
You can get USB3 active cables if you need extended length
Is there a USB hub that has:
-4 USB 3.0 or at least some mix/match of 3.0 and 2.0 in
-also has one USB-C/thunderbolt in
-has one HDMI out
-uses USB-C/thunderbolt as its main connection
I have a 2014 mac mini and recently grabbed a new M1 Macbook Pro. I am looking for a hub that will allow me to connect all the things I have connected to the mac mini to my MBP, in such a way that I can simply unplug the usb hub from one and switch to the other as necessary.
Currently, I have the following connected to the Mac Mini:
-Wireless keyboard
-Wireless mouse
-Webcam
-Behringer Deepmind 6 synth
These are all via the USB3.0s. I also have a firewire audio interface connected to one of the USB-C ports with a firewire to USB-C adaptor, thus why I also need a USB-C port on the hub. I guess I could use a firewire to USB 3 adaptor and go for a 5 USB 3 port option too. I DO intent to eventually replace the firewire audio interface with a newer one that uses USB, but I just dropped 1800 on the MBP so thats a few months off.
I am bouncing between the two for a bit until I fully upgrade my audio setup, but would like the USB hub for at home use of the MBP going forward. The intent was to use the MBP for video editing and portable audio stuff (recording my band at practices/programming light shows there and further working on stuff at home, for whenever COVID restrictions lift and shows become a thing again) until I grab an upgraded audio interface that is more compatible with the M1 chip in the MBP. I know that the current audio interface might not even play well with my MBP, which is another reason I'll be doing all my audio work on the Mac Mini for a while.
An obvious solution may be to leave the webcam plugged into the mac mini and use the MBP's cam, but I intend to leave the MBP shut and use my enormous 40" monitor when doing zoom stuff (i'm a guitar teacher who is legally blind, so I need my huge display for lessons), so unless the MBP allows me to keep it open so i can use the cam but also send video out to my huge monitor so i can see my students at the same time, i'd rather just keep using the cam I have propped up on top of my monitor.
TL;DR: Is there a usb C hub that has all the same USB ports as a 2014 Mac Mini + 1 HDMI out?
-4 USB 3.0 or at least some mix/match of 3.0 and 2.0 in
-also has one USB-C/thunderbolt in
-has one HDMI out
-uses USB-C/thunderbolt as its main connection
I have a 2014 mac mini and recently grabbed a new M1 Macbook Pro. I am looking for a hub that will allow me to connect all the things I have connected to the mac mini to my MBP, in such a way that I can simply unplug the usb hub from one and switch to the other as necessary.
Currently, I have the following connected to the Mac Mini:
-Wireless keyboard
-Wireless mouse
-Webcam
-Behringer Deepmind 6 synth
These are all via the USB3.0s. I also have a firewire audio interface connected to one of the USB-C ports with a firewire to USB-C adaptor, thus why I also need a USB-C port on the hub. I guess I could use a firewire to USB 3 adaptor and go for a 5 USB 3 port option too. I DO intent to eventually replace the firewire audio interface with a newer one that uses USB, but I just dropped 1800 on the MBP so thats a few months off.
I am bouncing between the two for a bit until I fully upgrade my audio setup, but would like the USB hub for at home use of the MBP going forward. The intent was to use the MBP for video editing and portable audio stuff (recording my band at practices/programming light shows there and further working on stuff at home, for whenever COVID restrictions lift and shows become a thing again) until I grab an upgraded audio interface that is more compatible with the M1 chip in the MBP. I know that the current audio interface might not even play well with my MBP, which is another reason I'll be doing all my audio work on the Mac Mini for a while.
An obvious solution may be to leave the webcam plugged into the mac mini and use the MBP's cam, but I intend to leave the MBP shut and use my enormous 40" monitor when doing zoom stuff (i'm a guitar teacher who is legally blind, so I need my huge display for lessons), so unless the MBP allows me to keep it open so i can use the cam but also send video out to my huge monitor so i can see my students at the same time, i'd rather just keep using the cam I have propped up on top of my monitor.
TL;DR: Is there a usb C hub that has all the same USB ports as a 2014 Mac Mini + 1 HDMI out?
Last edited:
Instead of HDMI out, consider a DisplayPort or USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode output with a DisplayPort or USB-C to HDMI adapter. This way, you won't be stuck with the DisplayPort to HDMI converter that is inside the hub/dock - you can choose a new DisplayPort to HDMI adapter when they become available. For example, there exists different converters for HDMI 1.4, HDMI 2.0, HDMI 2.0b, HDMI 2.1 - maybe there could exist better adapters in the future. Each newer version of HDMI includes support for older versions.
No such thing as a FireWire to USB-C adapter or a FireWire to USB 3 adapter. Are you using an Apple Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter with an Apple Thunderbolt to FireWire adapter? In any case, it needs to be connected to a Thunderbolt port. Therefore you need a Thunderbolt dock, not a USB hub.
Are your Macs running macOS Big Sur? If so then maybe a Thunderbolt 4 dock will work. The Thunderbolt ports can be used for Thunderbolt devices, USB-C devices and displays, or displays or USB devices with an adapter.
https://eshop.macsales.com/shop/owc-thunderbolt-dock
https://www.caldigit.com/thunderbolt-4-element-hub/
I believe a Thunderbolt 4 dock can work with a Thunderbolt 2 Mac (I've only seen one person try it so far though). You need an Apple Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter and Thunderbolt 2 cable to connect a Thunderbolt 3 device to a Thunderbolt 2 Mac.
Otherwise a Thunderbolt 3 dock will work. Many people like the CalDigit TS3 Plus. It's an older Alpine Ridge based dock so it does not support DisplayPort 1.4 and the USB ports are only USB 3.0 (5 Gbps) except for one USB 3.1 gen 2 (10 Gbps) port which only allows up to 8 Gbps of data. It doesn't have any USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode ports except for the Thunderbolt port which you'll use for FireWire.
https://www.caldigit.com/ts3-plus/
There are other Thunderbolt 3 docks listed at https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-thunderbolt-dock/ but I don't think it's been updated much lately.
You can google for Thunderbolt 3 docks: Here's one:
https://www.anker.com/products/variant/powerexpand-elite-13in1-thunderbolt-3-dock/A8396141
(Triple monitor support only works with Windows where the USB-C to dual HDMI adapter uses MST; for macOS, more than two displays for Intel Mac or more than one display for M1 Mac requires a DisplayLink device).
It has an HDMI 2.0 port but HDMI 2.0b is required for HDR so maybe it doesn't support HDR from the HDMI port. I think it's another Alpine Ridge based Thunderbolt dock so it doesn't support DisplayPort 1.4 but Apple can get HDR from DisplayPort 1.2 somehow.
Yeah I clearly didn't have a few things straight before I posted this. It's been so long since I hooked everything up to the mac mini that i forgot what kind of ports were back there!
Now that I'm remembering the interface is going firewire to the thunderbolt port on the mac mini, I'm thinking I may be better off just doing the new audio interface + dock solution in one go sooner, and just fully switch to having the MBP being my one and only machine. The Mac Mini is on High Sierra, and I don't want to move it over to Big Sur for fear of the drivers on my current firewire audio interface not working anymore. I'd prefer to try and set up a new sytem based on the MBP and a new interface, I suppose.
I guess that changes the nature of my question. My preffered audio interface manufacturer (MOTU) isn't quite all the way updated for the M1 macs - they claim their USB class compliant devices, like the MOTU 8pre (which I have the firewire version of, currently) are working with the M1s, so I may go for one of those, and then my problem becomes cramming the interface,wireless keyboard, wireless mouse, webcam, and synthesizer all onto the MBP somehow, while also being able to cast whatever's displayed on the MBP to my HDMI-in-only Samsung TV that I use as a monitor. If I can somehow remove one of those things from the USB devices list, I might have more options.
Appreciate you setting me straight and helping out.
Has anyone got any experience of the Sabrent Thunderbolt 3 dock?
www.sabrent.com
I'm thinking about getting this for use with new Macbook Air M1.
Thunderbolt 3 Docking Station with Power Delivery up to 60W Charging - Dual-4K Display
Sleek Aluminum Compact Design Type-C Thunderbolt 3 Data Transfer Port, 4 USB 3.0 Type-A Ports With Transfer Speeds Up To 5Gbps HDMI 2.0 With Resolution Up To 4K 60Hz, RJ-45 Gigabit 10/100/1000 Ethernet Adapter USB 3.0 Type-A Port Capable Of Device Charging And Data Transfer, Headset Audio Jack...
Are there now non-Thunderbolt multi-port one-to-many USB-C hubs available that can increase the number of USB-C ports?
The multi-port Thunderbolt 4 hubs (OWC, etc.) seem to now satisfy that need, but with the added expense/complexity of Thunderbolt.
Do the same now exist for simple USB-C?
The multi-port Thunderbolt 4 hubs (OWC, etc.) seem to now satisfy that need, but with the added expense/complexity of Thunderbolt.
Do the same now exist for simple USB-C?
I have the caldigit usb-c hmdi hub, replacing a TS3+.
www.caldigit.com
I find it excellent, as I can use it as a thunderbolt dock on my mac, but also a USB-C dock for a windows machine.
USB-C HDMI Dock | Thunderbolt 3 – CalDigit
www.caldigit.com
I find it excellent, as I can use it as a thunderbolt dock on my mac, but also a USB-C dock for a windows machine.
They exist but may be difficult to find.
https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...-additional-usb-c-ports.2279554/post-29490160
Having trouble finding something that's not crazy price (looking for <$50) that meets these criteria:
1x HDMI out supporting 3440x1440 @ 100hz+
2+ USB 3.0 ports
1+ USB-C port
SD card reader (microSD would be nice, too)
Will charge a 2020 M1 MBA with the included 30w power supply
Does such a beast exist?
1x HDMI out supporting 3440x1440 @ 100hz+
2+ USB 3.0 ports
1+ USB-C port
SD card reader (microSD would be nice, too)
Will charge a 2020 M1 MBA with the included 30w power supply
Does such a beast exist?
I got a 2012 MBA too. I already used a adapter a long time.It could support my MBA.https://www.lention.com/collections/for-macbook-only/products/usbc-hub-with-usb3-sd-card-reader-pd-cs62
I got a 2012 MBA too. I already used a adapter a long time.It could support my MBA.
https://www.lention.com/collections.../lention-usb-c-docking-station-cbtpc95heavdcr
Maybe I expect too much, but currently own Elgato Thunderbolt 3 Mini but I am looking for something with more USB ports and PD charge that will add juice for my MBP 16".
I picked Elgato since it supports 1080 165Hz/HDR over DP which I find useful while playing via Bootcamp, but it has only one USB port and no charging possibility.
Can you recommend something that will include those features ?
I picked Elgato since it supports 1080 165Hz/HDR over DP which I find useful while playing via Bootcamp, but it has only one USB port and no charging possibility.
Can you recommend something that will include those features ?
Hia!
Which USB HUB to choose from the two brand:
Baseus
or
Ugreen
Write many tips!
Thanks a lot!
Which USB HUB to choose from the two brand:
Baseus
or
Ugreen
Write many tips!
Thanks a lot!
I have a MacBook Pro(13-inch, 2016, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports) and I am after a USB C hub that has at least all of the following:
* accept a USB-C for power pass through
* a USB-C connection that can connect to my benq monitor for video - NOT HDMI, I am using Usb-c.
* has an audio output
* has ethernet connection
Does anyone know of such a device?
Cheers Dan
* accept a USB-C for power pass through
* a USB-C connection that can connect to my benq monitor for video - NOT HDMI, I am using Usb-c.
* has an audio output
* has ethernet connection
Does anyone know of such a device?
Cheers Dan
For what you want you better get a self powered hub to drive all those ports!
Can someone recommend a USB-C hub to plug into my Mac Mini (2020) that can power a USB-A webcam and a USB-A soundbar? I'd like to have at least four USB-A ports. (webcam, soundbar, phone charge, one usb-a thumb drive), but more would be better. I don't need hdmi, SD cards or other input ports.
I have a basic powered USC-C hub with 7 USB-A ports, and I don't think it's powerful enough to power even one of the devices, much less the other stuff I've got plugged into the hub. But to connect my soundbar or webcam, I need to turn off all the other ports or the device is not recognized. Even with the other ports turned off, the soundbar/webcam will drop after a while and I need to unplug/replug. Both devices work fine plugged directly into the Mini.
Thanks in advance.
I have a basic powered USC-C hub with 7 USB-A ports, and I don't think it's powerful enough to power even one of the devices, much less the other stuff I've got plugged into the hub. But to connect my soundbar or webcam, I need to turn off all the other ports or the device is not recognized. Even with the other ports turned off, the soundbar/webcam will drop after a while and I need to unplug/replug. Both devices work fine plugged directly into the Mini.
Thanks in advance.
Take a look at Caldigit's TBT4/USB4 Element hub. 4x USB-A ports and 4x TBT3/4/USB4 ports. Total 8 ports. I think it's the most popular M1 hub out there that features USB-A, TBT and USB4 all together.
Yowza. That's a lot of money for a hub. Is there something in the $50 - $100 range?
What do people do if they have usb-a peripherals that require power but modern computers only have a few USB-A ports?
The Caldigit TBT/4 shows "up to 7.5W" charging on the USB-A ports. Is that 7.5W for each port? If all are in use? Or 7.5W total?
What do people do if they have usb-a peripherals that require power but modern computers only have a few USB-A ports?
The Caldigit TBT/4 shows "up to 7.5W" charging on the USB-A ports. Is that 7.5W for each port? If all are in use? Or 7.5W total?
Last edited:
I think it's 7.5W per port. The 150W power supply has enough power for everything.
https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...ts-and-four-usb-a-ports.2283180/post-29571814
https://www.caldigit.com/thunderbolt-4-element-hub/
More about USB-C hubs
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/why-are-usb-c-adapters-so-hard-to-find.2305907/