Connection Problem with Pro Link and 2018 MacBook Pro

Hi Sean, I'm looking at getting a Macbook Pro 2018 and I also use Pro DJ Link. I actually sent in a request to Pioneer and they were extremely helpful and did some tests. 

It'll be great for you and I to share notes/experiences about what's working.

From what I understand, Pioneer has tried this:

1) Connect your Ethernet cable to this: LUA4-U3-AGT - Buffalo (Ends up as an USB 3.0)

2) You then connect the USB 3.0 to a APPLE Usb B --> C adaptor.

According to some tests they did, it seemed to work fine.

That said - they have been extremely clear with me that they can't guarantee anything to work perfectly as this method requires using products from Apple/Buffalo (basically external companies).

I currently use Pro DJ Link with an older macbook and use an Ethernet --> Thunderbolt adaptor to connect to my macbook and it has been ok. I'm assuming the above method should be fine for Macboo Pro 2018 (USB-C).

Hope this helps in anyway and please let me know once you find a stable solution! I personally have not been able to test the above as I haven't purchased my 2018 macbook pro (yet).

We have been trying different start up ideas. And it seems that you need to use the right side USB C ports for the ethernet to work properly. We are using a USB C - Ethernet connector.  

I think there is also a problem with the Macbook Pro broadcasting DHCP so we find the best way to connect is to connect the decks first with the Pro link to the Macbook. Check that the macbook gets an IP address from the CDJ's and then fire up Rekordbox.  

I have also upgraded my switch to a Netgear one and that seems to help too.

Its a little strange that sometimes it works and other we cannot load tracks.  

What USB C - Ethernet connector are you using?

I read somewhere that the cable you use makes a huge difference (apart from other things like firewall etc). Not only the type of cable but also the brand. Apparently some adaptors/cables are more stable than others. In my case with the older macbook, I've heard from numerous sources that the safest way to go is to ONLY use *APPLE*(Ethernet -> USB 3.0 OR Ethernet -> Thunderbolt). '

In your case with Macbook pro 2018, Apple hasn't produced their own Ethernet USB-C cable (I think they sell belkin?). Based on some help I got from Pioneer recently through the issue ticket, I got a sense that a better way to go with this set up for macbook pro 2018 is to use:

Ethernet --> USB 3.0 adaptor (I would have gone with Apple's but they have also suggest the Buffalo one which I mentioned my previous answer) and then use an APPLE USB B--> C adaptor.

I also managed to dig out a thread where Pulse also recommended to use Ethernet->USB (APPLE) and then USB -> USB-C (APPLE), rather than a Ethernet USB-C cable.

I get the sense that until Apple produces their own version of an Ethernet USB-C Cable, it's better to use the method mentioned above.

Let me know your thought as well and if you manage to test the above as well!

Thanks

I dont think its a cable issue. The USB C to Ethernet we have works fine with network connection. I think its the way the Macbook allows incoming connections.  We have firewall off and Rekordbox can see the CDJ's just can't load tracks as it says "Device not available to load Track"

Ah ok, I see. Interesting to know updates about this. 

I'll be getting my MBP in a week or two so can update from my end only then once I test stuff out.

The strange thing is that we have a 2018 Macboork pro 13 also with Mojave installed and it works fine with the same connectors and CDJ's.