rakana
Level 1 (8 points)
Notebooks

Q: Why won't my Macbook Pro Handle more than 3 USB Devices?

For making music, I need 3 usb devices. However, my macbook only has 2 usb ports. I thought that using a usb hub would help, but whenever I plug in 3 devices (one on macbook and usb hub with two usb devices), one of the devices doesn't work.

 

For instance, I have an audio interface, a mouse, and a midi keyboard. When all three are plugged in, the midi keyboard doesn't work (isn't recognized). When I unplug the mouse, the keyboard is recognized.

 

Is there any workaround for this? Would this be a problem with my usb hub?

MacBook Pro (13-inch Mid 2012)

Posted on Aug 16, 2016 5:08 PM

by dwinsmith,Apple recommended
dwinsmith dwinsmith
Level 1 (25 points)
A:

You need a powered USB hub that has its own power. It would seem the devices you are using all require power to be provided via USB and the two ports cannot support that number of devices through a non-powered hub. The powered hub would provide as much power is needed in most every case.

Posted on Aug 17, 2016 2:17 PM

Close
rakana

Q: Why won't my Macbook Pro Handle more than 3 USB Devices?

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by BobTheFisherman,

    BobTheFisherman BobTheFisherman Aug 16, 2016 5:14 PM in response to rakana
    Level 6 (15,279 points)
    Aug 16, 2016 5:14 PM in response to rakana

    Do the devices have their own power supply or is the hub a powered hub? If it is a powered hub plug all three devices into it.

  • by dwinsmith,Apple recommended

    dwinsmith dwinsmith Aug 17, 2016 2:17 PM in response to rakana
    Level 1 (25 points)
    Aug 17, 2016 2:17 PM in response to rakana

    You need a powered USB hub that has its own power. It would seem the devices you are using all require power to be provided via USB and the two ports cannot support that number of devices through a non-powered hub. The powered hub would provide as much power is needed in most every case.