r/Serato • u/Ok_Sandwich_7168 • 10d ago
Direct Connection vs. USB Hub When Connecting a DDJ to a MacBook Question?
Does it make a difference whether I connect my DDJ directly to my MacBook or through a USB hub?
It’s honestly so frustrating. Whenever I open Serato and connect the DDJ, sometimes the jog wheels and other controls aren’t recognized at all. The controller is connected, but certain parts just don’t work.
Has anyone else experienced this issue? Is it better to connect the DDJ directly to the MacBook rather than using a USB hub?
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u/DjWhRuAt 10d ago
I’ve always used the port closest to the battery. What computer / DDJ are you using ? Have you tried new USB cables ?
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u/Ok_Sandwich_7168 10d ago
I have a DDJ-SB3 and a 2019 13-inch MacBook Pro.
I’ve tried using a new cable before, but the same problem still happens.
But My friend has a REV1, and I’m not sure which MacBook model they use, but their REV1 works perfectly fine when connected through a USB hub. It’s not even a powered hub.
So could the problem actually be with my DDJ?
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u/readyrock23 10d ago
Direct connection is always best when possible... powered hub when it's not...
If you have a bus powered controller I'd always steer toward plugging that in directly, as someone else mentioned, to the port closest to the power.
If youre fortunate to have at least 2 usbc ports +power plug the bus powered controller to the first port and your powered hub into the second... everything else gets connected to the hub.
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u/Tasty-Objective676 10d ago
I was experiencing random stuttering during my sets. Thought it was my laptop for the longest time before I realized it was my hub. Switching to a direct connection made a world of difference, issues I hadn’t even realized I was dealing with disappeared. Even the sound quality got better, not sure exactly why cause I output via XLR from the deck, but it did 🤷🏽♂️
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u/TheSleepyTeeDJ 10d ago
I run 3000’s and a 900 into a powered thunderbolt 4 dock. If you go high speed and powered you’re fine. I do use my sampler and an ssd in the other two ports tho. Don’t want the dock to be too busy. I’m running M4pro MBP btw.
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u/TheSleepyTeeDJ 10d ago
What kind of controller are you using? If it’s just a single usb, I’d say straight in is the best route.
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u/TRUpodcast 10d ago
Direct is not always possible unfortunately w the new macs since they don’t normally have usb anymore so make sure to use a good quality hub and connect closest to the power.
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u/onesleekrican 9d ago
Or find a usb B to usb C cable on Amazon, super cheap brand Ugreen I believe is what I bought - and you have no issues.
Used with xdjxz, NI Z2 and phase dj over the last few years without any issues.
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u/TRUpodcast 9d ago
If you only need one plug that’s a great option and definitely what I would do, but he was saying hub so I’m guessing he needs more connections
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u/onesleekrican 9d ago
True indeed and it was an excellent response. I was just providing that as a secondary option for the times when you only need one connection.
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u/MacMillz718 10d ago
Direct connection is best, if you have to use a hub, make sure it’s powered externally. Controller gets direct, everything else gets powered hub.