Using Two Studio Displays with one MBP

I picked up two new Studio Displays today to use with a 2018 15-in MBP.

Using the included USB-C/Thunderbolt cable, I connected one end of the cable into the display and the other end into the MBP. Then I used another cable to connect the two displays together.

Unfortunately, only the first display works when connected directly to my MBP. The only way I can get the 2nd display to work is if I connect both displays separately and directly to the MBP (using up 2 USB-C ports on the MBP).

Am I doing something wrong? I'd had hoped that the displays can be connected to each other and would only need one cable being connected to the MBP at any given time.

MacBook Pro 15″, macOS 12.2

Posted on Mar 18, 2022 3:16 PM

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4nNtt

Level 1

14 points

Posted on Apr 10, 2022 7:00 PM

You can’t chain the monitors. The speakers might work, but display is one per thunderbolt cable. A thunderbolt dock will not work for this either since you could only plug one display in to the dock. You need to use physical ports on the Mac. Some Macs only support up to 4K resolution. Make sure to check the Studio Display technical requirements to see if your Mac supports 5K.

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20 replies

ItsTommy27 Author

Level 1

24 points

Mar 29, 2022 3:17 PM in response to KrisKry

Actually, instead of using the "aggregate device" option, I chose the "multi-output device" option and only added the studio display output speakers. I left the "in" channels (aka display microphones) untouched. This way, I would default to one primary speaker/output channel that would play sound on both displays simultaneously, and then I'd default to a single display to act as an input device (or use another external mic) rather than using the built in mic altogether.

Hope that helps with your setup! Wish it was more user-friendly considering Apple advertises 4 of these displays connected to one Mac...

Bucht

Level 1

145 points

May 15, 2022 5:35 AM in response to MagFer

Thank you for that Magfer. I am considering buying the Caldigit TS4 instead (https://www.theverge.com/22957456/caldigit-ts4-thunderbolt-4-dock-review). How would you compare it with the Razer? It seems to have more ports and more power output but the design does not match Razer of course....

KrisKry

Level 1

8 points

Mar 27, 2022 6:01 AM in response to ItsTommy27

Hi there, was wondering if you managed to synchronize the speakers of both displays (stereo sound) once connected to you Mac or only one of the monitor play the sound?

thanks

Kris

pslawing

Level 1

9 points

Apr 12, 2022 9:24 AM in response to ItsTommy27

I too am looking to buy another studio display, since there is no 5K monitor out there right now that will be acceptable.

How is everyone's experience with 2 Studio Displays? Is it worth it?

Thanks

Mar 19, 2022 7:36 AM in response to ItsTommy27

Connect your monitors to your computer, not each other.

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Using Two Studio Displays with one MBP