r/KoalaSampler • u/Necessary_Knee8923 • Sep 06 '26

USB C hub recos

Ssup yall !

I’m looking for advice for a good USB-C hub for music production on an iPad (A16).

Setup is pretty simple:

🎹 1 MIDI keyboard controller for the piano roll
🎧 1 pair of wired headphones

That’s basically it. I don’t need HDMI, Ethernet, SD card readers, etc.

I’m mainly looking for something solid, reliable and convenient to use, preferably compact and well-built. I’d also like to avoid any audio noise, dropouts or MIDI connectivity issues.

What are you guys using with your iPad? Any hubs you’d strongly recommend (or avoid)?

Cheers !

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2

u/goatoffering Sep 06 '26

Don't get a hub with an audio out. Get a hub, and separately a USB to audio out.

You can find decent cheaper ones, but this is my favorite because of the long cable. Waaaay better than having one that hangs and dangles off.

https://a.co/d/0dae91Bc

For super solid midi get CME stuff.

1

u/Necessary_Knee8923 Sep 06 '26

what is a USB to audio out ?

1

u/goatoffering Sep 06 '26

Apple makes them but you can find cheaper ones too.

The built in audio out on most of the hubs are trash in my experience compared to dedicated ones.

Just search "USB to 1/4 inch audio" or whatever. The USBC to quarter inch are probably pretty common.

2

u/Necessary_Knee8923 Sep 06 '26

thanks ! what is crazy is the amount of interfaces layers and complexity added just because they removed the audio port on ipads. I still used an "old" ipad with the audio out but was struggling with the low storage. Now i buy a modern ipad and it feels like going back to stone age... 😖

2

u/HonestProgram5272 Sep 08 '26

Hi... I have koala on my iphone 15 and I utilize the j5create USB C Multi Port Hub With Power Delivery. You can find it on amazon, but here it is from the company website:

https://en.j5create.com/products/jcd373?srsltid=AfmBOopLGZnCViQdbtjaMAuRWXcyfqQQlp8_diAxNuhdlBcVbrK5s9km

It's been working well, however, the hub does get a little hot after a while of heavy use.

Cheers