MIDI keyboard not working on Mac Mini M4 front USB-C ports, but works on back ports — any ideas?

Hi everyone!


I recently bought a Mac Mini M4 (512GB SSD, 24GB RAM), and I'm having a strange issue with my M-Audio Keystation 32 MK3 MIDI keyboard.

The keyboard is not recognized when plugged into the front USB-C ports, no matter which USB-C to USB-A adapter I use. However, it works perfectly when I plug it into one of the rear Thunderbolt/USB-C ports.


What’s odd is:


  • The same keyboard, with the same adapters, works fine on my MacBook Air M1
  • Until yesterday, it also worked fine on the front ports of the Mac Mini
  • Other devices work fine on the front ports
  • The keyboard does receive power when connected to the front ports (the LED lights up), but macOS doesn’t seem to recognize it.


One of the adapters I use is from Anker, and I’ve tried a couple of others too with no luck.

Two extra details that might be relevant:

  • I updated to macOS Sequoia 15.5 last night
  • For now, I’m using a Ugreen KVM switch to share keyboard, mouse, and monitor between the Mac and my Windows PC, but I plan to finalize the setup soon

Any idea what might be causing this?


Thanks a lot in advance!




Mac mini, macOS 15.5

Posted on Jun 6, 2025 6:28 AM

Reply
1 reply

Jun 7, 2025 7:38 AM in response to onlypatate

Sounds like the Mac mini's front ports do not have enough power for the bus powered MIDI keyboard.


The front port are lower powered 500mA USB-C ports.

The rear ports are higher powered 900mA USB-C/Thunderbolt ports.


To check the M-Audio Keystation 32 MK3 MIDI keyboards mA power consumption.

Plug the M-Audio Keystation 32 MK3 MIDI keyboard into one of the Mac mini's rear ports.

Go to Apple > System Settings > General > About > System Report... > Hardware/USB > M-Audio Keystation.

MIDI keyboard not working on Mac Mini M4 front USB-C ports, but works on back ports — any ideas?

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