A compact USB hub for cameras, microphones, cards and laptops
RØDE has introduced the RØDE Hub, a high-performance USB hub aimed squarely at creators who have more cameras, microphones, drives and card readers than spare ports on their laptop.
For photographers and hybrid shooters, this is a very familiar problem. You come back from a shoot, plug in an SSD, connect a camera, add a microphone, maybe attach a phone or tablet, and then realise the laptop still needs power. The RØDE Hub is designed to sit at the centre of that kind of working setup, giving you six USB-C ports, one USB-A port, SD and microSD card readers, and pass-through charging from a compact desktop unit. RØDE describes it as a high-performance 100W USB hub for creative and professional workspaces.
The headline for photo and video users is speed. The USB-C ports support data transfer up to 10Gbps, while the USB-A port supports up to 5Gbps. That should make the Hub useful for moving photo libraries, video files and project folders between cameras, memory cards and external storage. The integrated SD and microSD readers are UHS-II compatible, so you do not need to keep a separate card reader permanently dangling from your laptop.
Power is another useful part of the design. The RØDE Hub can deliver up to 60W to a laptop and 40W to connected devices, helping to keep a desk setup cleaner when you are working with multiple pieces of kit. It can be powered from the host computer using the included USB-C cable, or from the supplied 100W power adapter when you want the full charging capability. RØDE also includes three interchangeable power plugs for international use, which is a practical touch for photographers and video creators who travel.
There is no driver drama either. RØDE says the Hub works with macOS and Windows without additional software, and the FAQ also confirms compatibility with tablets and phones that support USB-C OTG or data input. Both SD and microSD card slots can be used at the same time, which is handy if you are juggling files from a camera and an action camera, drone or recorder.
Specifications:
Product name: RØDE Hub
Product type: High-performance USB hub
Power rating: 100W
USB-C ports: Six
USB-A ports: One
USB-C transfer speed: Up to 10Gbps
USB-A transfer speed: Up to 5Gbps
Card readers: Integrated SD and microSD
Card reader compatibility: UHS-II compatible
Laptop power delivery: Up to 60W
Price and Availability:
The RØDE Hub is listed on RØDE’s UK product page at https://rode.com/en-gb/products/rode-hub, priced at £139.99 and shown as in stock.
