Using multiple USB/SPDIF converters with Mac Mini

nrthstr · « **on:** 24 Jul 2012, 10:11 pm »

Being a middle-aged non-techie, I'm no computer-savant, so excuse me if this is a stupid question. My latest frustration is finding that when I connect a second converter through USB, one or the other is recognized, but never both at the same time, no matter which USB port is used. Is this expecting the impossible for some reason or is there something I'm missing?

srb · « **Reply #1 on:** 25 Jul 2012, 12:53 am »

So you're saying that the other device doesn't even show up at all in the Audio Midi Setup? OSX will only let you select one default output device to use at a time, but if it's not even showing up, I'm not sure what the problem is. If they both show up, and the problem is only one can be selected, there may be a workaround to use them both simultaneously.

Although there is a procedure to create an Aggregate Device to output to two or more devices simultaneously, that seems to be intended for pro type multi-channel audio applications that allow you to select the output destination within the application, not for applications like iTunes, which do not.

I believe that Rogue Amoeba's Audio Hijack Pro will allow you to output to multiple devices with its Auxillary Device Output plug-in, but it won't work if iTunes is trying to send audio to an Airport Express or other AirPlay device.

http://rogueamoeba.com/audiohijackpro/

You can download a free trial (overlays noise after 10 minutes) and can purchase the license key for $32. If you have any need to record Internet streaming audio with timed recording sessions, it is worth it for that use alone.

Steve

nrthstr · « **Reply #2 on:** 25 Jul 2012, 12:59 am »

I don't want to use both at once. I just want to have them both showing so I can choose one or the other.

nrthstr · « **Reply #3 on:** 27 Jul 2012, 03:24 pm »

After poking around, I've found that 2 of the 4 USB ports on the Mini will provide power for USB/SPDiF converters, but 2 will not. Aren't all/any of the ports capable of providing power to devices? Is this normal or is my Mini somehow defective for this to be the case?

JohnR · « **Reply #4 on:** 27 Jul 2012, 03:40 pm »

What convertors are they, and how did you establish that the USB ports aren't providing power to them?

nrthstr · « **Reply #5 on:** 27 Jul 2012, 03:41 pm »

And on a further note, with the 2 converters in the 2 USB ports that allow them to be recognized/powered, plugging in a powered USB hub to either of the remaining ports causes both converters to disappear (after 15-20 seconds) from the system sound & audio midi windows. Is this normal???

nrthstr · « **Reply #6 on:** 27 Jul 2012, 03:44 pm »

One is a Musical Fidelity V Link & the other an Audiophilleo. Not showing up in any of the appropriate windows, plus the running light not being lit blue on the V link demonstrates that they're not being recognized, doesn't it?

JohnR · « **Reply #7 on:** 27 Jul 2012, 04:09 pm »

The Vlink spec says it draws 160 mA, the mini should have no problem with that. I'd try it with something like a USB-chargeable phone, one port at a time, to see if there really is no power on those two ports. If not, then it would seem something is fried inside. If the phone gets power, then I'd proceed by making sure it wasn't one or more of your cables.

Certainly, something isn't right.