USB-C and what it mean’s for DJ’s ?
With the recent introduction of the new Macbook Pro and what it seems as its removal of almost all familiar connectivity including the SD card reader, USB and its beloved magsafe charge port, Apple seem to have been a bit brutal this year to say the least. I myself use my current Macbook Pro to both prepare my music, playlists and DJ from and when you’re trying to move files about at the last minute or even borrow a cable because you forgot yours, the last thing you need is to have something that is incompatible with everything around it. And don’t get me started on removing the magsafe charger, this has saved my bacon enough times when yanking it from my mac heart in mouth to then remembering it just snaps away!
Don’t Worry ! It’s ok !
The original connection is now over 20 years old and no Apple isn’t replacing it with their own version. The new connector will soon be the new standard for laptops and potentially other devices with the development of it being pushed by a number of big players in the electronic world including Microsoft.
Whats the big deal then ?
- 10Gbps transfer rate
- Super thin to fit on most electronic devices
- Reversible — Does not need to be plugged in a specific way round
- Supports DisplayPort, HDMI, power, USB, and VGA — All through the same cable
- Supports 100w power — so most devices will be able to be charged and powered and data connected via this cable
So what does it mean for DJ’s ?
So for the short term it will probably mean you may need to replace your current connectors or purchase an adaptor, but for the forward thinking in us it will mean we are stepping into the next generation. It doesn’t only apply to laptop or controller users. Pioneer’s industry standard kit will most probably follow suit in the near future.
Adaptors as below are available from a number of places
I recommend the above from amazon
An even better option in my opinion though would be to swap out your physical cables. With most DJ gear having the type b connector below is the better alternative.
That leaves us with one last thing which is USB thumb drives. For now buying a USB-C specific thumb drive seems pretty pointless and limiting ? well Kingston have got your back
They have a made a duo device which works both ways !
So in conclusion there’s no sweat when it comes to the ever changing technologies available, which means we can just concentrate more on rocking that crowd !
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