MP 1,1-5,1 Best solution for many different USB device connections?

[MediaMix]

The total number of devices for USB is 127. But how does this affect the power consumption from my Mac Pro 5.1? In a music studio you often need to connect more external devices. And then at some point it might be too much for the Mac power supply? I therefore try to use HUBs with external power. But I think it`s difficult to find an active USB hub that are supported by all the different units. So I plan to use the 2 FireWire ports in front for USB input with a FW to USB 2.0 converter. Will this work or will I run into problems? What active usb HUBs do you experience are the best/most versatile today for the Mac Pro 5.1?

 

[joevt]

If a USB device wants too much power, the OS will tell you and disable the device.

What's a FW to USB 2.0 converter? How could that possibly be more supported than a USB hub? Stick with powered USB hubs. I'm not sure what USB hub is the best.

 

[tsialex]

Each MacPro5,1 native port provides only 500mA of standard current and 1600mA of the additional charge when the device requests it, any power draw over that and the resettable fuses disable the port/ports.

So, you can’t power your theoretical 127 devices from just the Mac Pro 5 native USB ports.

At worst, let’s say 5 discharged iPads connected at each of the Mac Pro USB ports, you will have a maximum power draw of 5 x (500 + 1600)mA totaling 10.500mA over 5V.

Btw, I never had a FW to USB adapter that worked reliably, depends a lot on the device you are connecting, most worked for charging only.

Install a PCIe to USB v3.0 controller card if you have an available PCIe slot and use powered USB hubs.

 

[MediaMix]

Ok - that`s great. I ask because after I recently connected many more usb devices to my Mac Pro the Power Supply died. Keyboards, external sound cards and a drum maschine steal power in addition to external harddisks, camera etc. But then most likely it was just because the PSU was old. I already have a CalDigit USB 3.1 PCI controller but often need more than 10 inputs. Some active USB hubs have 7 inputs. But not all do a good job.

 

[MrScratchHook]

The total number of devices for USB is 127. But how does this affect the power consumption from my Mac Pro 5.1? In a music studio you often need to connect more external devices. And then at some point it might be too much for the Mac power supply? I therefore try to use HUBs with external power. But I think it`s difficult to find an active USB hub that are supported by all the different units. So I plan to use the 2 FireWire ports in front for USB input with a FW to USB 2.0 converter. Will this work or will I run into problems? What active usb HUBs do you experience are the best/most versatile today for the Mac Pro 5.1?

Sounds like you need to purchase a couple more mac pros. 127 usb devices is an insane amount of equipment. that's probably why the psu shatted the bed.😂

 

[MediaMix]

Well no! Not that many - but sometimes more than 10 ... And with 14 yo PSU , a 580gtx, 6 disks,a 3.1 USB card and many external devices it became too much. I now have got a new old PSU and I think I will try to minimize the power draw from the PSU and use hubs with external power. But I sure would be glad to get some feedback about what powered USB hubs you know work well with the 5.1 Mac Pro Mojave. I plan to find a 7 port USB like ICY BOX or StarTec.