QLAB WITH USB HUB

[Thomas Johnston]

Hello All,

I would like to run 3 MIDI Devices into my computer to run QLab Projections, Video, Audio, Lighting. All of the devices we have included MIDI In/Out ports. My computer only has 2 usb ports. If I had a Powered(Or Non Powered) USB hub, would it be possible for me to still me able to control all of the devices I need to?

 

[Lextech]

Sure. Two ways. Cheap single port USB > Midi device. Go midi device > 1 > 2 > 3 > Midi Device . Out to in out to in etc. Better way buy something like this http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/MIDISPORT4x4AnniversaryEdition.html
and run a send and return to both devices. I prefer the latter way since if I lose one line the others work. I use 5 midi outs all the time, works great.

Edit. don't use a usb hub at all. Plug the interface directly into a usb port on the mac.

 

[Drew Schmidt]

+1 to the edit

I have a lot of experience with QLab and a bit of experience with MIDI, but I don't think either of those matter in light of this: In my experience, USB hubs tend to work well only with "dumb" items such as mice, keyboards, jump drives etc. They've failed me with audio devices, tablets, etc.

I would encourage you to think of another solution (such as the ones listed in the previous thread). Could you use MIDI through here?

 

[Lextech]

Yeah thru, I forgot, some devices use a separate thru port, some merge thru and out some don't. You would have to look are your devices manual to see how it handles daisy chaining. It may or may not also be a problem for you depending on what you need to do. So best bet is to buy a multi-port usb to midi unit.

 

[Joshualangman]

What are you trying to accomplish here? I don't understand why you would need so many MIDI devices. Are they controlling QLab, or is QLab outputting to them? Either way, just get a single MIDI interface with four ports. USB hubs are not reliable.

 

[Thomas Johnston]

I am trying to have qlab control multiple devices.