wilkinsi Posted August 10, 2018 Share Posted August 10, 2018 I am trying to configure my setup so I can permanently have my Helix connected via USB in order to use HX Edit. I have already tried connecting Helix via USB hub, and that causes loss of communication. Since my external 1TB USB 3.0 SSD is not a standard size, I cannot just put it in a Thunderbolt enclosure or even my Macbook. The alternative is get a USB to Thunderbolt adapter. Does anyone here use their Helix via a USB to Thunderbolt adapter, or tried it? I'm asking because the only adapter I can find is by Startech and costs around £100. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruisinon2 Posted August 10, 2018 Share Posted August 10, 2018 Can't help you with a cheaper adapter, but I'm assuming that if your Macbook had at least 2 USB ports, you should be able to do the following: Connect Helix directly to one USB port, and use the hub for everything else via the other. I've got everything connected that way, including my external backup drive... works fine, and no communication issues as long as Helix is plugged in directly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VirtualGuitars Posted August 10, 2018 Share Posted August 10, 2018 You should be fine using a USB-C to USB adapter with the newer (2016+) MacBook/MacBook Pro models. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wilkinsi Posted September 16, 2018 Author Share Posted September 16, 2018 On 8/10/2018 at 10:03 PM, VirtualGuitars said: You should be fine using a USB-C to USB adapter with the newer (2016+) MacBook/MacBook Pro models. I was just looking at the new 2018 model MacBook Pro's actually. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glideman Posted September 17, 2018 Share Posted September 17, 2018 Yep, you don't have to fork out for the Thunderbolt adapter. USC-C to USB 2.0/3.0 hubs work in Thunderbolt ports. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VirtualGuitars Posted September 18, 2018 Share Posted September 18, 2018 On 9/16/2018 at 8:24 AM, wilkinsi said: I was just looking at the new 2018 model MacBook Pro's actually. 2016 is when Apple transitioned the MacBook Pro line to USB-C, so the 2017 and 2018 models have the same ports. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wilkinsi Posted October 1, 2018 Author Share Posted October 1, 2018 On 9/18/2018 at 3:11 AM, VirtualGuitars said: 2016 is when Apple transitioned the MacBook Pro line to USB-C, so the 2017 and 2018 models have the same ports. I was already aware of this, but only recently became aware Apple have not only soldered the SSD to the mainboard (to stop users upgrading without buying a whole new machine. I drew the same conclusion when they started soldering on the RAM) and ommitted the access port next to the SSD too (no doubt to prevent users from rescuing their data). I guess this is Apple's way of quite simply saying "Because F**K you" like your pet would say after soiling your freshly laid uber expensive carpet. I think even if I were to buy a new Macbook Pro, I would still keep this 2015 13" model as a backup machine and access point for HX Edit, whilst the new one handles my DAW, plugins and any other CPU-heavy stuff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amsdenj Posted October 2, 2018 Share Posted October 2, 2018 I believe these design changes were to reduce size and weight, and improve reliability. USB-C provides two way power, high speed two-sided cable. Its unfortunate these design decisions have some drawbacks, but overall, these are reasonable choices. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
odtopher Posted January 17, 2019 Share Posted January 17, 2019 I'm going to post this in as many relevant places as possible hoping someone will shed some light on it sooner rather than later. I have a MacBook Pro (2016) with the USB-C / Thunderbolt 3 ports. I can only get my Helix to connect every now and then (and it will only stay connected for a couple minutes before the connection is lost). I think it helps a little when I reset the PRAM and SMC, but I might be making that up. There doesn't seem to be any correlation between how many applications I have running and how long Helix will stay connected, but I've heard that causing issues for some. I HAVE tried a USB (peripheral) to USB-C cable - as well as using the cable which came with the Helix and a USB -> USB-C adapter. Neither option helps Helix remain connected, and neither one seems better than the other Typical Example: Today, I got Helix to connect for about 10 minutes. I was playing my P-bass (passive) into the Helix, connected to the computer. Nothing in the loops. Just using the headphone Jack out of Helix for monitoring. I had my DAW open, HX Edit, and Safari. When the connection was lost, I heard a *Pop, or *Ping sound. If I unplug the USB and plug it back in, HX Edit does not reconnect, and my MacBook doesn't register that anything has been plugged in. If I turn off the Helix and turn it back on, then plug the USB back in...still nothing happens. If I were a guessing man, I would guess that this is some kind of grounding issue within Helix. My MacBook not reconnecting is some sort of built-in protection to keep the Bus from shorting? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amsdenj Posted January 18, 2019 Share Posted January 18, 2019 Have you updated Mac OS? I'm using 10.14.2 with Helix floor, HX Edit and HX stomp and have never had any connectivity problems. Apple has made some recent updates that had impact on USB. For example, my old M-Audio Fast Track Pro stopped working for a few releases and now is working fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
odtopher Posted January 19, 2019 Share Posted January 19, 2019 I'm using 10.14.2 as well. I think I'm going to send my Helix in to have some diagnostics run. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dgothard Posted January 19, 2019 Share Posted January 19, 2019 I bought one of these for my 2017 MacBook Pro, covers all the bases. USB Type-C Hub Adapter, Dual USB-C Thunderbolt 3 (40gb/s), 7in1 Multi-Port Dongle for 2016 or Later MacBook Pro, 4K HDMI, microSD/SD Card Reader, 2xUSB 3.0,100W Power Delivery (Space Gray) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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