This article explains what criteria to consider when choosing a USB hub to connect all of your USB devices to your computer.
Powered vs Passive (non-powered) Hubs
Passive (non-powered) USB hubs distribute the power reserved for the existing, built-in USB ports to more devices than your computer is originally designed for. This can quickly lead to connection issues and erratic behavior of all connected USB devices.
Therefore, in most cases, it is recommended to use powered USB hubs. This means that the hub itself must be powered by an external power supply. A computer's built-in Thunderbolt and USB-C ports deliver about 3 amps of current. USB 1 / 2 and 3 ports deliver much less. We recommend using only smaller devices (e.g. flash drives, key dongles, etc.) with a passive USB hub, as they require less power. If you want to connect more devices and exceed the intended current, you should always use an active hub.
How do I pick the right USB Hub?
This vastly depends on your setup and the number of devices you want to connect; however, we usually recommend powered hubs that will provide 4 amps (4,000 mA) of current or more. This amount should generally be enough to power a MASCHINE MK3, a KOMPLETE KONTROL S-Series MK2 keyboard, and an external hard drive, for example.
What if I have to use a USB adapter?
Nowadays, it's common to use adapters to connect different types of USB ports. Especially with newer Macs, you need these adapters to connect your USB-A or B devices to the built-in USB-C ports. These adapters also reduce the power provided by your computer. If you have to use a USB adapter in addition to a USB hub on a Mac, we highly recommend using the original hardware by the manufacturer, because these are designed to provide the most power.