Baloran Forum

USB-C / Thunderbolt compatibility note for some Mac computers
On some Mac computers equipped with USB-C / Thunderbolt ports, especially some 2018 Intel Mac mini models, The 3FX may not be detected correctly when connected directly to these ports.
If The 3FX does not appear in the MIDI port list in macOS, Ableton Live, or your audio/MIDI application, please connect it to a USB-A / USB 3 port when available.
Using a USB hub, preferably a powered one, between the Mac and The 3FX may also solve the issue.
This behavior appears to be related to USB-C / Thunderbolt handling on some Mac configurations and does not affect The 3FX once it is properly detected.


Note de compatibilité USB-C / Thunderbolt sur certains Mac
Sur certains Mac équipés de ports USB-C / Thunderbolt, notamment certains Mac mini Intel 2018, The 3FX peut ne pas être détecté correctement lorsqu'il est connecté directement à ces ports.
Si The 3FX n'apparaît pas dans la liste des ports MIDI de macOS, Ableton Live ou de votre application audio/MIDI, connectez-le plutôt à un port USB-A / USB 3 lorsque celui-ci est disponible.
L'utilisation d'un hub USB, de préférence alimenté, entre le Mac et The 3FX peut également résoudre le problème.
Ce comportement semble lié à la gestion USB-C / Thunderbolt de certaines configurations Mac et n'affecte pas le fonctionnement de The 3FX lorsqu'il est correctement détecté.

I seem to be having this issue with my 3FX when connected to my Macs, I sent you an email Laurent.  I have tried two different macs, multiple cables, and connected with USB hubs in between the 3FX and the Mac.  Unfortunately, seems like the app won't recognize my 3FX at all.  I have the touchscreen, so am able to use it in the meantime but obviously would like to get the Mac app working so I can program macros.

Let us check everything step by step.

First, could you please tell me which Mac model you are using and which version of macOS is installed?

Please check the following points:

• Is the remote controller connected to The 3FX using the supplied white cable, plugged into the USB 5V port on The 3FX?
• Is the connection between your Mac and The 3FX made using the supplied cable or another cable?
• Is this cable correctly connected to the USB-C port on The 3FX?
• Please test all the USB ports on your Mac, preferably using a USB 2 connection if available.
• Try both a direct connection between the Mac and The 3FX and a connection through a USB hub.
• Please also try another USB-C cable that supports data transfer. Some USB-C cables are designed for power only.

----  First test: reset

There is a small hole on the rear panel of The 3FX that provides access to the reset button.

• With The 3FX powered on, carefully insert a suitable small tool into the hole, then press and hold the button for approximately 15 seconds.
• Release the button and allow The 3FX to restart completely.
• Then check whether your Mac detects The 3FX.

If The 3FX is still not detected, we will check the internal USB connection.

----  Checking the internal USB connection

• Switch off and unplug The 3FX before opening it.
• Using a 2 mm hex screwdriver, remove the two screws from the front panel, the two screws from the rear panel, and the screws located on the sides.
• Then carefully remove the top cover.
• Check the cable connection between the USB-C socket on the rear panel of The 3FX and the small CPU board.
• You can send me a photo of this connection so that I can check it.
• Reconnect and power on The 3FX, then check whether your Mac detects it.

If it is still not detected:

• Switch off and unplug The 3FX again.
• Disconnect the cable coming from the rear USB-C socket from the small CPU board.
• Connect the USB-C cable from your Mac directly to the small CPU board.
• Use the socket on the right-hand side, towards the centre of the enclosure.
• Power on The 3FX and check whether your Mac detects it.

Please let me know the result of each step.

This will help us determine whether the issue comes from the USB cable, the rear USB-C socket, or the CPU board.

Another détail/experience

Some USB-C cables designed to carry high current have a wider connector housing, over 10.5 mm. The two screws holding the USB-C connector on The 3FX may prevent the plug from being fully inserted, resulting in poor contact and preventing The 3FX from being properly detected.

Laurent was able to help me solve the issue, which was largely user problem.  I didn't understand that you have to set the midi i/o in the 3FX app settings to be to/from the 3FX.