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Can a Macbook Pro Power an Xkey and an iRig Pads at the Same Time?

Q: I’m going to be traveling, and I want to take along my Macbook Pro so I can work on music while I am away. I’m thinking of getting a CME Xkey USB keyboard and IK Multimedia iRig Pads USB pad controller to play and record MIDI parts. Can I plug both of them into my Macbook Pro at the same time? Will it power both of them okay?

A: You should have no problem powering both controllers from a Macbook Pro. Neither draws much power, and most software will be able to access both simultaneously as controllers. There are a few caveats:

1. How well this will work will depend on the amount of power your particular Macbook Pro can provide, the condition of its battery, etc. In other words, your mileage may vary.

2. You’ll probably be able to run both controllers just fine even when the Macbook Pro is on battery power. But for long sessions, you may need to connect your Macbook Pro to AC for best performance.

3. You’ll need enough USB ports free on your computer to connect both units. Or, you’ll need a powered USB hub to provide the needed ports.

4. The individual USB ports on a Macbook Pro don’t necessarily provide the same amount of power; one may provide more than another. However, even a lower-powered port should still have plenty of juice to drive either the Xkey oriRig Pads.

5. Don’t forget to bring along the proper cables!

iRig Pads

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  • Click to learn more about the IK Multimedia iRig PADS Portable MIDI Groove Controller
    IK Multimedia iRig PADS Portable MIDI Groove Controller USB MIDI Controller with 16 Color-coded Velocity Sensitive Pads, 2 Assignable Knobs, and 1 Assignable Fader - Mac/PC/iOS More than just a beat controller, the IK Multimedia iRig Pads portable MIDI groove controller gives you flexible management over your music making software on Mac, PC, or iOS...
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    • Sale Price: $149.99
    • + Free Shipping
    • + Free Sweetwater Support
    • + Free 2-year Warranty
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