christianwheel
Earlier this year I upgraded my main DJing laptop to a 2016 MacBook Pro with TouchBar. I have mixed-feelings about this computer, but it's still the only laptop I can find with a 2TB SSD (I hate using external drives for DJing) and since I'm using videos now I need all the space I can get. As a sidenote I also do some software development and find a Mac to be a more ideal dev machine than Windows.
Anyhow, after a few months of DJing and VJing with this laptop, I can confirm that it makes a fine (albeit expensive) system for DJing, with one caveat: USB-C. The new MacBook Pros have ONLY USB-C ports and a headphone jack. There is no other way to plug anything (even power) in to these machines.
This is not just a Mac specific issue though - USB-C is quickly becoming more common on Windows laptops as well, and within a few years I think it'll be commonplace for all the ports on a laptop to be USB-C.
There are several ways to connect DJ controllers (which typically have a USB-B port) to USB-C, each of which "work" with various levels of success.
You can get one of these tiny adapters and use the same USB cable you've always used: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015Z7XE0A
You can get a larger adapter that gives you a USB-A + HDMI + Charging all on one port, handy if you're VJing, but check the problems below:
https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MJ1K2AM/A/usb-c-digital-av-multiport-adapter
The way I have gone though is to just get a USB-C to USB-B cable. Some are better than others, as detailed below.
http://i.imgur.com/y7c7SH8.jpg
USB-C is a terrible connector for DJ's. The metal part of the plug (the actual area that gets inserted into the port) has a significantly smaller surface-area than USB-A ("old" USB). This gives it considerably less "grip" inside the port than the older-style USB cables. The cables pop out of your laptop very easily with just the slightest amount of tension. If this happens you can lose audio, video, charging, or all of the above.
In the world of DJing where keeping these things plugged in is mission-critical, we are always one vibration or drunk a-hole away from disaster. Even shifting your laptop too far in one direction can easily and accidentally yank a cable out. And because USB-C is so easily disconnected, it makes me nervous every time I have to use it.
Remember the adapter I spoke of earlier, USB-A + HDMI + Charging? They look like this: http://i.imgur.com/p5nupsI.jpg And there are a bunch of companies that make similar units, not just Apple. They are a BAD idea for DJing. Why? Now instead of one cord all plugged into one port, you have three.
Especially for those of us who keep our laptops elevated, that's 3 cables worth of weight all pulling down and exerting gravity on one tiny USB-C port. And if it falls out, you lose EVERYTHING all at once. I learned this the hard way during sound-check one night. I ended up using electrical tape to hold the plug in the port all night. Of course the tape leaves residue on your laptop too, but better safe than sorry when you make a living by keeping audio up.
Then there are the USB-C to USB-B cables, of which I've tried many. Each manufacturer has slightly different standards and some seem to feel looser or tighter in the port than others.
The best ones I've found are either the Belkin: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00WJSPW6S or the Cable Matters: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00YQFPX8Y
I give a slight edge to the Cable Matters because it fits a bit more snugly and it's cheaper.
While I'm a big fan of MonoPrice's cables, their nylon-braided USB-C to USB-B cable (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01EGQUZ1W) fit a little too loosely in the USB-C port for me to recommend it wholeheartedly, but it WILL work in a pinch if you've got nothing else, or as a backup cable. Just be careful.
Apple doesn't make a USB-C to USB-B and instead sell a Belkin, but they market it as a "printer cable," and I haven't tested the one they sell so if someone else has it please comment.
Anyway, this sums up my experience with USB-C. Anyone else have anything to add or found something else that works? This will soon be an issue that we all probably have to deal with at some point.
Anyhow, after a few months of DJing and VJing with this laptop, I can confirm that it makes a fine (albeit expensive) system for DJing, with one caveat: USB-C. The new MacBook Pros have ONLY USB-C ports and a headphone jack. There is no other way to plug anything (even power) in to these machines.
This is not just a Mac specific issue though - USB-C is quickly becoming more common on Windows laptops as well, and within a few years I think it'll be commonplace for all the ports on a laptop to be USB-C.
There are several ways to connect DJ controllers (which typically have a USB-B port) to USB-C, each of which "work" with various levels of success.
You can get one of these tiny adapters and use the same USB cable you've always used: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015Z7XE0A
You can get a larger adapter that gives you a USB-A + HDMI + Charging all on one port, handy if you're VJing, but check the problems below:
https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MJ1K2AM/A/usb-c-digital-av-multiport-adapter
The way I have gone though is to just get a USB-C to USB-B cable. Some are better than others, as detailed below.
http://i.imgur.com/y7c7SH8.jpg
USB-C is a terrible connector for DJ's. The metal part of the plug (the actual area that gets inserted into the port) has a significantly smaller surface-area than USB-A ("old" USB). This gives it considerably less "grip" inside the port than the older-style USB cables. The cables pop out of your laptop very easily with just the slightest amount of tension. If this happens you can lose audio, video, charging, or all of the above.
In the world of DJing where keeping these things plugged in is mission-critical, we are always one vibration or drunk a-hole away from disaster. Even shifting your laptop too far in one direction can easily and accidentally yank a cable out. And because USB-C is so easily disconnected, it makes me nervous every time I have to use it.
Remember the adapter I spoke of earlier, USB-A + HDMI + Charging? They look like this: http://i.imgur.com/p5nupsI.jpg And there are a bunch of companies that make similar units, not just Apple. They are a BAD idea for DJing. Why? Now instead of one cord all plugged into one port, you have three.
Especially for those of us who keep our laptops elevated, that's 3 cables worth of weight all pulling down and exerting gravity on one tiny USB-C port. And if it falls out, you lose EVERYTHING all at once. I learned this the hard way during sound-check one night. I ended up using electrical tape to hold the plug in the port all night. Of course the tape leaves residue on your laptop too, but better safe than sorry when you make a living by keeping audio up.
Then there are the USB-C to USB-B cables, of which I've tried many. Each manufacturer has slightly different standards and some seem to feel looser or tighter in the port than others.
The best ones I've found are either the Belkin: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00WJSPW6S or the Cable Matters: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00YQFPX8Y
I give a slight edge to the Cable Matters because it fits a bit more snugly and it's cheaper.
While I'm a big fan of MonoPrice's cables, their nylon-braided USB-C to USB-B cable (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01EGQUZ1W) fit a little too loosely in the USB-C port for me to recommend it wholeheartedly, but it WILL work in a pinch if you've got nothing else, or as a backup cable. Just be careful.
Apple doesn't make a USB-C to USB-B and instead sell a Belkin, but they market it as a "printer cable," and I haven't tested the one they sell so if someone else has it please comment.
Anyway, this sums up my experience with USB-C. Anyone else have anything to add or found something else that works? This will soon be an issue that we all probably have to deal with at some point.
Inviato Tue 29 Aug 17 @ 2:45 am
klausmogensen
I haven't personally moved forward yet (on either Mac or PC) to where USB-C becomes the standard, and then a problem
But thank you - this is great battlefield info!
But thank you - this is great battlefield info!
Inviato Tue 29 Aug 17 @ 5:32 am
Adion
Both on my Asus laptop and my phone the USB-C port seems to hold stronger than the USB-A ports (with various cables I tried) so it doesn't seem to be a general problem of USB-C, but maybe just of the USB-C ports on Macbooks?
On my chinese brand tablet the connection seems a little less strong.
On my chinese brand tablet the connection seems a little less strong.
Inviato Tue 29 Aug 17 @ 5:46 am
music234
I own a new MacBook Pro. I can't confirm that the ports are wobbly.
I use this one to solve the problem:
statement from another view (ironic):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XSC_UG5_kU
I use this one to solve the problem:
statement from another view (ironic):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XSC_UG5_kU
Inviato Tue 29 Aug 17 @ 5:51 am
Charlie Wilson
Mee too, I have 2016 MacBook pro and I won't be comfortable about using USB-C when I eventually use it for DJing.
Inviato Tue 29 Aug 17 @ 5:21 pm
sureview
Ahhh progress.....
I work in the retail point of sale industry were for decades the good old serial port was king
.... Compatible .... Reliable ..... Locking ......durable...
But no more ... USB, it's been a real headache
I can understand that we need progress, faster speeds , smaller connectors etc, but at the end of the day you would think they would have wo versions on the interface , a consumer , simple plug, and an industrial more substantial locking plug....
I guess can dream, in the interim gaffa tape fixes everything lol
I work in the retail point of sale industry were for decades the good old serial port was king
.... Compatible .... Reliable ..... Locking ......durable...
But no more ... USB, it's been a real headache
I can understand that we need progress, faster speeds , smaller connectors etc, but at the end of the day you would think they would have wo versions on the interface , a consumer , simple plug, and an industrial more substantial locking plug....
I guess can dream, in the interim gaffa tape fixes everything lol
Inviato Tue 29 Aug 17 @ 7:16 pm
locoDog
sureview wrote :
..... in the interim gaffa tape fixes everything lol
usb-G, conductive gaffa tape standard FTW!
Inviato Tue 29 Aug 17 @ 7:53 pm
groovindj
You know there are USB screw lock versions available?
Inviato Tue 29 Aug 17 @ 7:58 pm
locoDog
My electricians brain says a set of recessed ports with a clamp would be the answer,
Universal connections are a good thing but i just can't see really where hotswap-ability is desirable for djs
Universal connections are a good thing but i just can't see really where hotswap-ability is desirable for djs
Inviato Tue 29 Aug 17 @ 9:46 pm
the SOUND INSURGENT
Ahh its just yet another thing for people to bitch about, lmao!!
Inviato Wed 30 Aug 17 @ 3:41 am
sureview
locodog wrote :
usb-G, conductive gaffa tape standard FTW!
sureview wrote :
..... in the interim gaffa tape fixes everything lol
usb-G, conductive gaffa tape standard FTW!
I like your style locodog , why didn't i think of that !
Tool box should always have gaffs tape and wd40
Fault diagnosis
Should it move no, Does it ? Yes=gaffa tape
Should it move yes. Does it ? No=wd40
Inviato Wed 30 Aug 17 @ 7:09 am
VDJ Ron
I changed my main laptop recently and I'm heartbroken to be down from 4 usb ports to 3. They can keep their Apple stupidity. I'm not in the market for their dongles.
Gaffa tape and wd40 = Failure and compromise.
Just not acceptable and certainly not professional.
Gaffa tape and wd40 = Failure and compromise.
Just not acceptable and certainly not professional.
Inviato Wed 30 Aug 17 @ 11:35 pm
sureview
well that was a joke bigron
my rig is fully redundant with a backup for just about everything anyway, so not likely I will need them
but they are always in my toolkit for emergencies,
to be honest I have never had a failed usb connection, with everything set up neat, its never been a problem, I am of course using the standard usb , I can see the point with USB C, I have had it on my phone for about 18 months now, its nice that the connector is not polarised, and with good quality leads I have never had the problem of the lead popping out or being lose, but I guess that now its gone mass market, there will be all sorts of cheap leads out there and I think this is half the problem.
not an apple fan myself, always been PC
my rig is fully redundant with a backup for just about everything anyway, so not likely I will need them
but they are always in my toolkit for emergencies,
to be honest I have never had a failed usb connection, with everything set up neat, its never been a problem, I am of course using the standard usb , I can see the point with USB C, I have had it on my phone for about 18 months now, its nice that the connector is not polarised, and with good quality leads I have never had the problem of the lead popping out or being lose, but I guess that now its gone mass market, there will be all sorts of cheap leads out there and I think this is half the problem.
not an apple fan myself, always been PC
Inviato Thu 31 Aug 17 @ 11:39 am
A Man and His Music
sureview wrote :
but they are always in my toolkit for emergencies,
True professionals are always prepared, and not standing around with their finger stuck up their USB hole, when the music stops. I understood where you were coming from, as I also carry a truckload of backup equipment, and a variety of tricks that I have picked up through the years. I have not come across these ports yet, but will be prepared for them with my next laptop, which may be sooner than later.
Inviato Sat 02 Sep 17 @ 4:10 am
djtyme209
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well ive been following this post & asked about this same subject on the VDJ facebook group.. i just bought a new laptop afew weeks ago & it only has 2 usb 3.0 ports & one usb 3.1 known as Type-C and i need all three ports. so i went and bought this at bestbuy today and its super snug.. its actually is harder to pull on than whats plugged into my regular usb 3.0 ports... just thought i would share that info...its not loose at all
Inviato Sat 02 Sep 17 @ 5:45 am
philgaitan
music234 wrote :
I own a new MacBook Pro. I can't confirm that the ports are wobbly.
I use this one to solve the problem:
statement from another view (ironic):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XSC_UG5_kU
I use this one to solve the problem:
statement from another view (ironic):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XSC_UG5_kU
I have purchased 2 of these and aside from them being larger than laptop protector like a Spek they work great! you can get them if you go to their facebook and like and subscribe to them of 7 bucks on amazon this holiday weekend
Inviato Sat 02 Sep 17 @ 12:32 pm
christianwheel
Wow philgaitan, do you happen to have that link? They're normally like $70!
Inviato Sat 02 Sep 17 @ 4:36 pm
wickedmix
https://www.facebook.com/HavitTech/?ref=br_rs
https://www.amazon.com/Thunderbolt-MacBook-Charging-Superspeed-Aluminum/dp/B06XCVMBL9/ref=sr_1_28?ie=UTF8&qid=1504375980&sr=8-28&keywords=havit
pretty easy to find just search havit on each site :-)
https://www.amazon.com/Thunderbolt-MacBook-Charging-Superspeed-Aluminum/dp/B06XCVMBL9/ref=sr_1_28?ie=UTF8&qid=1504375980&sr=8-28&keywords=havit
pretty easy to find just search havit on each site :-)
Inviato Sat 02 Sep 17 @ 6:17 pm
djles.co.uk
The HavitTech one is not available in the UK, however, there are 3 virtually identical alternatives on Amazon UK. They range in price from £33 to £75.
Inviato Wed 04 Apr 18 @ 2:07 pm