I thought I'd post some information that may or may not have been discussed regarding long USB cable runs. Hopefully this post is a good bit of information for those folks not sure what to do or use.
From a brief search, there didn't seem to be definitive answers with what to run which is a reliable good solution for long cable runs.
I've been in the process of configuring a new studio setup and purchased new Focal Solo6 Be 6.5" Powered Studio Monitors. The FAS used to sit on the corner of my desk, but now the new near-field monitors have taken up the landscape. This posed a new problem. I needed a solution to sit the rack case on something so it's not on the floor...but more importantly I now ran into the issue which the computer was about 17ft away from the FAS. Suggestions of using quality cables will help long runs. ~16ft is the limit but using longer lengths can create connection issues. For me, 17ft, passive cables are not an option.
The only solution is to use an active cable configuration. Active USB cables can be found plentiful using the USB port as its power source This can create limitations based on the port configuration since they rely on the port to provide enough current to drive the cable circuit... especially when multiple devices use the same USB controller. Too high of a load on a USB port can create new problems. At worst, you can take out the USB port or board.
The best option is instead of relying on a self-powered USB cable, choose a USB external hub which doesn't rely on your computer's USB power circuit. The hub has its own power source. For example, in my ever-growing large box of cables, according to my wife, I could link them together and go around the earth, I had a couple 10ft cables. My other box of used computer parts...I had an old D-Link USB2, 7 port hub. Perfect! It's been sitting in a box for some time, since who uses USB2 thumb drives vs new inexpensive USB3 thumb drives...or USB2 external hard drives. Needless to say, my hoarding of old parts, not letting them go, paid off. I now have a good strong USB signal 20ft away with zero issues.
Hopefully, this post helps some that may have questions using longer cables or didn't want to "try" something that may not work out as they expected.
Attached are a few images of the USB hub. It's mounted on the side of my desk next to my mixer. New 20 new audio panels are being installed shortly...so it's a bit bare right now. Also, you can view my new solution to my 6 space rack stand. It's is mounted on an adjustable chair that has been modified and suited with a wooden base. The wooden base has drilled holes which coincide with the feet of the rack. This provides a solution where the rack locks in place (think of Lego's interlocking) and physically cannot come off unless it's lifted from base. It also provides a positive easy mounting solution that auto centers the rack on the wooden base. Bonus, the stand is fully adjustable.
From a brief search, there didn't seem to be definitive answers with what to run which is a reliable good solution for long cable runs.
I've been in the process of configuring a new studio setup and purchased new Focal Solo6 Be 6.5" Powered Studio Monitors. The FAS used to sit on the corner of my desk, but now the new near-field monitors have taken up the landscape. This posed a new problem. I needed a solution to sit the rack case on something so it's not on the floor...but more importantly I now ran into the issue which the computer was about 17ft away from the FAS. Suggestions of using quality cables will help long runs. ~16ft is the limit but using longer lengths can create connection issues. For me, 17ft, passive cables are not an option.
The only solution is to use an active cable configuration. Active USB cables can be found plentiful using the USB port as its power source This can create limitations based on the port configuration since they rely on the port to provide enough current to drive the cable circuit... especially when multiple devices use the same USB controller. Too high of a load on a USB port can create new problems. At worst, you can take out the USB port or board.
The best option is instead of relying on a self-powered USB cable, choose a USB external hub which doesn't rely on your computer's USB power circuit. The hub has its own power source. For example, in my ever-growing large box of cables, according to my wife, I could link them together and go around the earth, I had a couple 10ft cables. My other box of used computer parts...I had an old D-Link USB2, 7 port hub. Perfect! It's been sitting in a box for some time, since who uses USB2 thumb drives vs new inexpensive USB3 thumb drives...or USB2 external hard drives. Needless to say, my hoarding of old parts, not letting them go, paid off. I now have a good strong USB signal 20ft away with zero issues.
Hopefully, this post helps some that may have questions using longer cables or didn't want to "try" something that may not work out as they expected.
Attached are a few images of the USB hub. It's mounted on the side of my desk next to my mixer. New 20 new audio panels are being installed shortly...so it's a bit bare right now. Also, you can view my new solution to my 6 space rack stand. It's is mounted on an adjustable chair that has been modified and suited with a wooden base. The wooden base has drilled holes which coincide with the feet of the rack. This provides a solution where the rack locks in place (think of Lego's interlocking) and physically cannot come off unless it's lifted from base. It also provides a positive easy mounting solution that auto centers the rack on the wooden base. Bonus, the stand is fully adjustable.
