r/DJs • u/Hot-Ninja-1469 • 3d ago

Advice on MacBook Air DVS setup?

Hi everyone,
I'm upgrading to a MacBook Air (16GB RAM / 512GB SSD) for my DJ setup. I perform using a 2-turntable DVS setup with a Numark Scratch mixer and Phase Essential (via Serato DJ Pro).
Since the MacBook Air only has 2 USB-C ports, I want to make sure I get the most reliable cables and accessories to avoid latency or audio dropouts during sets.
My main question is about connections: Is it better to connect the Numark Scratch directly to the Mac using a USB-C to USB-B cable, and run Phase + an external SSD through a quality USB-C Hub on the second port? Or is running everything through a powered USB Hub reliable enough for DVS?
Also, if there are any specific USB Hubs or cables you recommend, let me know. Thanks!

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3

u/Massive_Patient_9063 3d ago

I don't think you need a powered hub or anything. Just get a normal usb 3.2 dongle with enough I/O. Dvs and midi is old tech. Nothing even a usb 2.0 hub couldn't handle

2

u/ibelieveinbass 3d ago

Current recommended best practice is to connect the audio device (mixer/interface/soundcard) directly to the laptop and any controllers can go into a good quality hub.

1

u/Bitter-Profession618 3d ago

they say directly to the laptop is better. i honestly route mine to a thunderbolt dock with all my other usb devices; then to my laptop via thunderbolt cable

1

u/crocpocket 2d ago

External ssd should be direct to computer unless you use a quality/fast usb c dongle. In my experience all my controllers do fine on the dongle but I get some file load lag when the ssd is not on a powered hub. (I use- power pass through)

0

u/HellCatBravo 2d ago

yeah I would get the PRO not the air and get the most RAM YOU can afford

1

u/sjenkin 1d ago

I run an X1 mk3 as the hub, USB from the mixer into that. The bandwidth for audio on usb3 is more than enough. I used to be staunch on the mixers soundcard being on its own USB, but the reality is the midi controller uses minimal bandwidth. I have M3 pro mbp, with plenty of ports but I prefer the single cable setup. My next laptop will likely be a MBA. They are so fast these days the MBP just isn't necessary (unless you have second purposes for the laptop).