Focusrite Scarlett 8i6 and USB Cable Length

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Antler
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2013/08/14 18:58:21 (permalink)

Focusrite Scarlett 8i6 and USB Cable Length

Hi
 
I bought a 3m USB cable the other day for my Focusrite Scarlett 8i6, thinking to replace the cable it came with as it's a little short. Unfortunately, when I connect my Scarlett with the 3m cable, no relevant device appears in my list of audio devices (under Windows 8). I can see the Scarlett in Device Manager; I find this strange as my computer sees the device, but it does not seem to register it as a usable audio device (for either input or output).
 
I know my Scarlett works, because it functions correctly with the original USB cable. Does anyone have any ideas about why the 3m cable doesn't work?
 
Thanks
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    Matt.Focusrite
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    Re: Focusrite Scarlett 8i6 and USB Cable Length 2013/08/15 13:33:14 (permalink)
    Not all USB cables are the same. The thickness of the wires that supply power to the device can be critical to both audio performance, and its resilience to static electricity. The best way to choose a cable is to look at the markings on the side. These will usually say '2725' and then another set of numbers containing 'AWG': '28AWG/1PR AND 24AWG/2C' or similar. The first number will always be 28AWG, and the second will be a number between 20 and 28. The lower this second number, the thicker the wire. If the printing just says '28AWG', this means 28AWG for both numbers. 
     
    Focusrite recommends using cables where the second number is 24AWG or lower.

    Matt Pliskin  //  Focusrite Technical Support
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    Antler
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    Re: Focusrite Scarlett 8i6 and USB Cable Length 2013/08/16 15:45:04 (permalink)
    Thanks Matt. I just checked the markings on the 3m cable and the second number is 26AWG, which sort of explains it.
     
    I find it strange though: I checked the markings on the original cable and both numbers are 28AWG. I suppose this one works because it's a shorter cable (it's about 1m in length)? I've noticed that the original cable also has something that looks like a ferrite bead on it. Does this make any difference?
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    Matt.Focusrite
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    Re: Focusrite Scarlett 8i6 and USB Cable Length 2013/08/16 15:58:58 (permalink)
    At lower lengths, the smaller wire gauges should be ok, but with a 3m cable you definitely want 24AWG or thicker (lower AWG number = thicker wire).  In regards to the ferrite bead, while not necessary, they are found on most USB cables of decent quality and are there to help filter out interference from both the USB power and the environment in which you are operating the equipment.

    Matt Pliskin  //  Focusrite Technical Support
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    Jay Tee 4303
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    Re: Focusrite Scarlett 8i6 and USB Cable Length 2013/08/31 11:22:16 (permalink)
    My 8i6 was USB flaky, with the original cable and had to be swapped for a different interface.
     
    Possibly useful for you, I have a Korg nanoKontrol 2, on a pretty long composite USB cable to get it where I need it.
     
    I used the supplied cable to initially install and configure the device, get it recognized in Sonar, etc. Cake on the first try. Then I routed the much longer USB cable string to the intended location, and it all worked just fine. Then I attempted to upgrade to the Korg driver, (initial install used the Win 7 driver) and it simply wouldn't go, on multiple attempts.
     
    I bypassed the longer USB string and plugged the Nano directly back into the PC, upgraded to the Korg driver and configged the unit,  joy the first try, then put it back on the far end of the long cable and it works perfectly again. Basically I can use it on the long cable, but have to make big changes with the short cable.
     
    Not sure how much this might help you, but its out there. Good luck.

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