KVR Audio

Musical Gym · Post by **Musical Gym** » Sun Apr 11, 2021 11:38 pm

I ran out of ports and am using the powered usb port for a keyboard controller.
Are there any potential issues doing that?

BertKoor · Post by **BertKoor** » Mon Apr 12, 2021 6:55 am

If it works, then it works! No issues to be expected.

BONES · Post by **BONES** » Mon Apr 12, 2021 7:54 am

Can't see why there would be. Elektron even make one of their own, Overhub, and I'd be lost without it.

Musical Gym · Post by **Musical Gym** » Mon Apr 12, 2021 7:59 am

thanks guys
I guess I thought it might suck extra power that isn't used/needed.

jancivil · Post by **jancivil** » Mon Apr 12, 2021 11:23 pm

Yeah, no, the controller is not going to suck that hard...
some hubs are such crap that that could be an actual issue. I had one which robbed Peter to pay Paul but was conning Paul and trying to move to Managua

Musical Gym · Post by **Musical Gym** » Mon Apr 12, 2021 11:41 pm

Thanks, it's just an extra usb port on the laptop that can be used for charging, I guess.
I have a hub which I use for external drives and such.
I didn't know whether the powered usb port should be dedicated only for specific purpose(s).

chk071 · Post by **chk071** » Mon Apr 12, 2021 11:49 pm

There might be a slight misunderstandiong. From what I gather, Musical Gym isn't using a USB hub, but a powered USB port on his laptop.

Although I don't quite understand what that is supposed to be. All USB ports on a laptop are powered. You might mean a quick charge port, where you can quick charge a mobile phone, for example. My USB hub has such a port. I don't see any issues connecting your keyboard controller to that port, as long as it's transmitting data and power. Which should be the case, if the keyboard is working.

Musical Gym · Post by **Musical Gym** » Tue Apr 13, 2021 1:40 am

Thanks for info and clarification attempt. The usb port in question has a "battery" icon next to it, so my guess was that it is a powered port or a charging port. It is located on the laptop, not on my usb hub. I would guess that it is a charging port.

BONES · Post by **BONES** » Tue Apr 13, 2021 2:58 am

Yes, that is a port that supplies power whether the laptop is switched on or not, so you can charge something without having to first turn the laptop on. Beyond that it is just a normal USB port, supplying the same amount of power as any other.

Musical Gym · Post by **Musical Gym** » Tue Apr 13, 2021 4:34 am

Thanks Bones and all. I think that clears it up. I appreciate all the help.

thecontrolcentre · Post by **thecontrolcentre** » Tue Apr 13, 2021 4:43 am

Well, you learn something every day. I had no idea you could use charging ports like that. Cheers Bones.

BONES · Post by **BONES** » Tue Apr 13, 2021 5:27 am

AFAIK it only works with USB 3.1 and above and usually only on one port, if it has been enabled. It was something they added to the USB spec 4 or 5 years ago. I think with USB Type C connections it is automatic, though.

BertKoor · Post by **BertKoor** » Tue Apr 13, 2021 7:28 am

Some background info: the USB protocol allows a device to ask for more power than the standard 100mA, and the host will respond with either "please have some more" or "sorry that's all I have". Your port with battery icon is designed for higher power, but will happily deliver less. If there were any issues to be expected, they'd make the plug not fit.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USB_hardware#Power

It won't ever hurt. Your 110V or 240V mains power socket is designed to deliver 16A, but connecting something that draws only 1mA is no issue ever.

Musical Gym · Post by **Musical Gym** » Tue Apr 13, 2021 9:33 am

Outstanding, thanks again all.

Dasheesh · Post by **Dasheesh** » Tue Apr 13, 2021 12:28 pm

i always just assumed the "powered" usb was for breakout hubs, and "non powered" which are powered, were for single uses. maybe i'm wrong, this is a newer phenomena, and i'm getting lost with all the "improvements" and "progress" these days. the controller is probably not a problem, but you may need a grounded usb cord for an audio device to prevent hum.

OK to Use Powered USB Port on Laptop for Keyboard Controller?