MacOS – Macbook Pro early 2011 Thunderbolt to USB

macmacbook promacosthunderboltusb

I am looking into expanding my Macbook Pro's USB ports as I only have one USB port working and I have tried everything from resetting SMC and PRAM, firmware updates, etc.

Using a USB hub from the remaining USB port is not really an option as I use it for my Traktor Pro 2 Soundcard

I have been looking around for a Thunderbolt to USB hub/dock but they are quite expensive.

I was thinking will a Thunderbolt to FireWire adapter, Then Firewire to USB work?

If not, are there any other options in expanding the USB ports without using the last remaining USB port?

Thanks

Best Answer

Looking at the Traktor Pro 2 Specifications page, doesn't have any requirement that the USB port must be bus powered or host only. In fact, they even state there is an optional Power Supply available:

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So, the PS is only required if you can't get the 5V .5A from the bus (host). In this case you have a couple of options

  • Use the Power Supply
  • Use a powered hub

As for going Thunderbolt to Firewire then to USB, I am a proponent of using the "right tool for the job." Can you do it? Yes. But it's a bodge.1

Insead, go directly from TB to USB with a [Thunderbolt to USB adapter][2]

enter image description here

Finally, you never did say why your USB connector doesn't work nor which one. In my experience, it could be a very inexpensive fix to repair the connector. This is definitely something you should look into.

1 Bodge: Verb. 1. To do a poor job or repair. 2. To cobble (something together). E.g."I bodged together that furniture out of driftwood and old egg boxes." From A Dictionary of UK slang.

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