Multi USB-C adapter for Mac? Is it even possible?

[Howdy Doody Time]

Some of my Macs have 4 usb-c ports, others only 2 usb-c ports. I'd love a multi usb-c port adapter to increase access to the computer but not being savvy about these things I wonder if they exist. What I mean is could. the computer handle multi usb-c input? Much obliged for any replies.

[tacitus]

Well, it’s a bus, and the C type connector is only that. All my stuff works exactly like it did through “B” connectors on my old iMac now I use a new iMac and “C” connectors.

That’s my technical limit reached. I expect Hugh or another more technical expert will be on the next bus …

[tacitus]

https://amzn.eu/d/0fEVgaAH

Isn’t this what you need, HDT?

[ConcertinaChap]

Indeed so. From the beginning USB has been based around the idea of hubs and there are lots of them widely available. The other thing to be aware of is that the USB ports on your computer provide power that can be used to power things like audio interfaces. The hub Tacitus has linked to is unpowered, that is it shares the power from the computer port across its four ports so if you're looking to power kit through it it might be chancy. In that case you'd probably be better with a powered hub like this:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Powered-Extens ... B0BWXHJQ43

CC

[Rich Hanson]

Depending on the audio interface, since USB 3 onwards it can deliver more current than USB 2 (up to 3A in the case of USB 3.2), so you might well be able to use an unpowered hub. I have a four way hub that I use on both my M3 Macbook Pro and M1 Macbook Air; currently running a Behringer UMC404, a Presonus Atom and a NI Kontrol S88 mk3 with no issues. (There's also a Presonus ioStation on it too, but that's got its own power supply).

[Arpangel]

Wouldn’t it be good if there was some sort of standardisation regarding connectors?

[ConcertinaChap]

Putting this up before Drew gets in:



CC

[tacitus]

The hub I “chose” was the first one I found. Generally, you can’t have too much hub power, and I’ve only melted one usb lead so far …

So powered is generally better.

[DanielBeach]

I personally don’t risk an unpowered hub when doing anything live. My hub takes one USB-C port, and then the hub passes the power back to the mac.

I put the external hard drive into the second USB-C to make sure there’ll be no connection issues, and then midi keyboards, sound card etc go into the hub

[Howdy Doody Time]

Indeed so. From the beginning USB has been based around the idea of hubs and there are lots of them widely available. The other thing to be aware of is that the USB ports on your computer provide power that can be used to power things like audio interfaces. The hub Tacitus has linked to is unpowered, that is it shares the power from the computer port across its four ports so if you're looking to power kit through it it might be chancy. In that case you'd probably be better with a powered hub like this:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Powered-Extens ... B0BWXHJQ43

No. What I want is multiple usb-c hub connecting to the Mac usb-c port thereby allowing for lots of new fangled usb-c things to be connected all at once. I have MBP 1 and 2 Macs. which is why I don't know if its even possible

[Drew Stephenson]

So you want USB-C in and out?

[Howdy Doody Time]

Exactly like a normal USB hub, which increases the number of usb inputs, except that it would be a USB-C hub increasing the number of USB-C inputs. I really don't know how else to describe what I'm looking for.

[Drew Stephenson]

So something like this: https://www.amazon.co.uk/UGREEN-Aluminu ... d_source=1

But ideally a powered one I guess.

EDIT - like this: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Selore-S-Globa ... hdGY&psc=1

[ConcertinaChap]

Also whichever way you go things like these always come in handy:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/UGREEN-Adapter ... B0CZDQ8RMX

Or in the other direction:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Adapter-Anker- ... B08HZ6PS61

CC

[Howdy Doody Time]

Absolutely marvellous Thanks all!

[Kayvon]

Just seen Anker have released their 'Prime Series' which feature some handy looking hubs/chargers.

https://www.anker.com/uk/products/a2683 ... -ports-gan

This one looks about right for me at least. Handy with a couple of USB-A and then really 3 USB-C I suppose rather than 4 as 1 to attach to the computer I guess. I'm just going through the specs now but they've just released a bunch of new USB-C products so hopefully one that'll work for you.

[Kayvon]

Did you end up getting a particular one?

I've just been reading some positive reports of Startech USB hubs for audio related uses. Seems like they're proper IT Professional jobbies.

https://www.startech.com/en-gb/usb-hubs/usb-c-hubs

[ConcertinaChap]

I've bought a number of Startech cabes over the years, Thunderbolt and video mostly, and I have a high opinion of them so I'd have no problem buying a Startech hub if it had the facilities I wanted.

CC