USB-C hub?

[androo2582]

I have a
- Macbook Pro 13" 2019 (two thunderbolt ports (one for charger))
- Apple Thunderbolt Display (connected to 2nd usb-c via adaptor)
- a heap of USB-A things attached via USB ports on display & a hub (extra storage, corded mouse, card reader, printers)

I've been doing audio recording via an audio interface to USB-A and it's worked well.(I have sold that mic and audio interface to fund an upgrade).

Recently I upgraded to a Rode NT USB+ USB-C microphone.
- Mic into macbookpro USB-C - works perfectly, but I have no monitor or other accessories
- Mic into a USB-C-USB-A cable - does not work (plugged into display or hub) (but does on a borrowed windows laptop)

I bought a cheap 4-port USB-C hub... when plugged in the mac throws an error: "CANNOT USE THUNDERBOLT ACCESSORY" "Connect accessory to a thunderbolt port on this Mac". 🥲 Turns out that hub can't do video transfer anyway so it's useless to me.

So what are my options? Are there USB-C/Thunderbolt hubs available? Do they work? Ideally, I need to keep my macbook powered, my display running, and 1 or 2 USB-C mics plugged in.

My searching has failed to get me anything solid so I'm seeking the collective wisdom.

 

[Bigwaff]

Your MBP has TB3 ports. USB-C is the connector type. TB3 does both TB and USB3 protocol. Type of device plugged in determines which protocol used by port. Apple TBD using TB2->TB3 adapter needs to be connected directly to the laptop. Apple TBD has USB2 ports. Sounds like your mic require USB3. You could use TB3 dock/hub w/power delivery in the other TB port instead of power cable. I use CalDigit TS3 Plus. Works great.

CalDigit TS3 Plus Thunderbolt 3 Dock - 87W Charging, 7X USB 3.1 Ports, USB-C Gen 2, DisplayPort, UHS-II SD Card Slot, Gigabit Ethernet for Mac & PC, Thunderbolt 4 Compatible (0.8m/2.62ft Cable)

CalDigit TS3 Plus Thunderbolt 3 Dock - 87W Charging, 7X USB 3.1 Ports, USB-C Gen 2, DisplayPort, UHS-II SD Card Slot, Gigabit Ethernet for Mac & PC, Thunderbolt 4 Compatible (0.8m/2.62ft Cable)

www.amazon.com

 

[androo2582]

Thanks!
It looks really good, a bit overkill and out of my immediate price range - but your insight has given me thought.

I only need one USB3 port (for now), would something like the Satechi Aluminium USB-C Multiport Pro Adapter work? My MBP power brick would plug into it, it would plug into my MBP, and I'd get the USB3 Type-A port I need for now.

Satechi Aluminium USB-C Multiport Pro Adapter

The Satechi Aluminium USB-C Multiport Pro Adapter groups essential expansion ports in a sleek, compact device you can take wherever you go. Buy online now at apple.com.

www.apple.com

I'm guessing the Apple USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter would not allow my TB3>TB2 adaptor to work? Similar money so the Satechi looks better value anyway.

 

[Bigwaff]

Yup. But shop around. Amazon Prime Days happening now. You might find better pricing than Apple.

 

[androo2582]

Thank you for your time and comments. I'll let you know how it goes!

 

[androo2582]

Thank you again for your advice.

The Satechi Aluminium USB-C Multiport Pro Adapter works perfectly - the power passes through the adapter to the MBP, and the USB3 type-A port works perfectly with my Rode. Hanging a cheap USB3 4-port hub off it also works with multiple mics.