Help! I'm out of USB Ports!

**mnauss3** · 12-15-2010, 02:03 PM

I'm just going to preface all of this by saying I'm a real newbie at the moment.

The issue I think that I may have come across is a lack of usb ports.

I have a traktor kontrol x1 and an audio 4 dj soundcard being sent to me some time this week, which I'm very excited for.

I plan to use Traktor Pro to run backing tracks for my hip hop group. During live performances I also play a midi keyboard running through logic.

My question is how can I plug the audio 4 dj, the x1, and my keyboard into my laptop when I only have 2 usb ports?

Any ideas?

Once again, pardon my newbiness.

Thanks!

**Patch** · 12-15-2010, 02:13 PM

USB Hub (like an extension lead with 4 USb plugs on it). Go for a powered one. Check Ebay.

There's a lot of info on this site about hubs... Check older articals, and even the most recent artical...

**svensat** · 12-15-2010, 02:14 PM

I suggest you check out this article on USB hubs:

http://www.djtechtools.com/2010/01/2...ub-dj-hi-spee/

If you still need help or have questions just post another reply here with anything you may be unsure of.

**mnauss3** · 12-15-2010, 02:27 PM

Thanks all, after I created the thread I actual went out and stumbled across that same article.

Now, I know that it seems that powered hubs are recommended, but for the time being if I get an un-powered hub, do you think that would have a significant effect on it's performance?

**svensat** · 12-15-2010, 02:39 PM

It depends if your controller has an AC Adapter (or alternate power source) meaning it's not bus powered then you can use it through a non-powered USB Hub. Even some things that are bus powered are safe through a non-powered hub. You can get a powered hub pretty cheap though and they don't all require you use the ac adapter for power to use them. Though for Bus powered devices it's naturally recommended.

I personally have this one and use my VCI-100 and LPD8 through it and works like a charm:

[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Port-USB-2-0-Brushed-Aluminum/dp/B002LYFO54/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1292441896&sr =8-1"]Amazon.com: 4 Port USB 2.0 Hub Brushed Aluminum: Electronics@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31Z94AtCwBL.@@AMEPARAM@@31Z94AtCwBL[/ame]

ctrld · 12-15-2010, 02:42 PM

Originally Posted by mnauss3

how can I plug the audio 4 dj, the x1, and my keyboard into my laptop when I only have 2 usb ports?

also, here's a fucking hint for the fucking future: don't fucking buy fucking macbooks and fucking expect them to be a fucking professional tool, they're fucking toys compared to a proper fucking laptop

I'm fucking sorry, I'm currently under the fucking influence of www.goodfuckingdesignadvice.com which has been fucking opening at fucking browser startup for the past fucking weeks at fucking work

fucking p.s.: http://www.goodfuckingdesignadvice.c...hp?adviceID=74

**Patch** · 12-15-2010, 02:42 PM

For the difference in price, you're mad not to get a powered hub.

**svensat** · 12-15-2010, 02:49 PM

Originally Posted by ctrld

also, here's a fucking hint for the fucking future: don't fucking buy fucking macbooks and fucking expect them to be a fucking professional tool, they're fucking toys compared to a proper fucking laptop

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+1 - I hate Apple with a passion.

**BennyJ** · 12-15-2010, 03:19 PM

Originally Posted by ctrld

also, here's a fucking hint for the fucking future: don't fucking buy fucking macbooks and fucking expect them to be a fucking professional tool, they're fucking toys compared to a proper fucking laptop

I'm fucking sorry, I'm currently under the fucking influence of www.goodfuckingdesignadvice.com which has been fucking opening at fucking browser startup for the past fucking weeks at fucking work

fucking p.s.: http://www.goodfuckingdesignadvice.c...hp?adviceID=74

Hahaha i would sooo rep u if i could