(UPDATED!) USB extension cord (extra long) to connect audio interface to computer?

I'm thinking about buying a 32 ft USB extension cord to connect my audio interface to my computer so that the interface can be placed in the recording booth (aka my closet) without moving my actual desktop there.


The problems is, the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 that I use does not take power from an outlet, but instead takes power from the computer via the USB cable. And I've heard that these long extension cables cannot carry enough power to devices that do now draw power from somewhere else. So can I use my powered USB hub to solve this? I'm thinking: interface > original USB cable > USB extension cord > powered hub > computer... Would this work? I've also heard that hubs are not good to use with audio interfaces... Sigh


Any help would be appreciated! 

UPDATE:
So I received my extra long VGA and USB cables today from Amazon, and set everything up. WORKS BEAUTIFULLY!


My setup: interface -> powered USB hub -> 32 ft USB extension -> desktop. Absolutely zero latency, delay, dropouts, crackles, pops, nothing. Just a perfect recording booth.

For those who want to gives this a try, this is my USB extension cable, and this is my VGA cable. Please note that my Audio Interface is a light and portable Focusrite Scarlett 2i2, so this may not work for a more power-heavy interface. Good luck!

riojazz


I thought the longest that a USB cable could be was about 15 feet. Can you solve this instead by buying a snake and leaving the audio interface near the computer?

I could, but the USB extension would be a cheaper route... All I would need is thy, since I have everything else.


They have 32 ft extension cords on amazon for like $10 bucks or so, and have 4.5 stars... So I'm really hoping to go with this route

You think longer xlr and headphone extension cables would be a better option solution?

Yep, no doubt at all.

Just make sure you're using good quality cables.

You could go the whole hog and put a wall box in the closet and run your cables via some trunking to your interface/headphone amp.

I use a super long USB cable (not sure the length but over 20') that I use with my padKontrol because the one that came with it died on me (thought I had broke the pK but thankfully that was not the case) and it works. I would not however use it for my interface.

Also I didn't realize the 2i2 drew power via USB. I've got the Scarlett 18i6 and it has an adapter. I thought all the Scarletts did. Guess not.

Oops forgot to mention, in planning on replacing my laptop with a more powerful desktop. Yes, with my laptop I just take my laptop into the booth, but of course I can't do that with a desktop.

So does everyone agree that interface > powered USB hub > USB extension > computer will probably work?

Yeah, it might work but it's another link in the chain that can screw up. Hubs and long cables are not recommended for interfaces. BTW... how do you intend to control the DAW while you are in the closet? Or is this a two person operation?

Do you happen to have an extra computer around? Even if it doesn't have a lot of horsepower you could install just the essentials of Sonar then export the tracks you need to a simple stereo wave, import it to the closet DAW and record your vocals. Doing it that way will use very little resources and you could get away with something far less than the minimum specs (in theory but others here have assured me even my crummy laptop could handle Sonar). You don't have to use Sonar to do this if you have a REALLY cruddy computer. Just get a resource light DAW like maybe Reaper and just get the tracks that way. It doesn't matter just as long as you get the performance down. I'm gonna probably be doing something similar soon.

If you do however go for the hub option get a really good one that doesn't fall asleep and keeps a good solid connection and make sure it's the proper USB version (IE: don't use a 3.0 or a 1.0 hub to run a 2.0 interface). 

Cheers.

Beepster


But really... some really long XLR cables would probably be better.

Well the whole point of my setup was so that I can record everything directly onto my main desktop DAW instead of transferring recordings from one computer to another. This way, I can just hop into my closet and record any time I want to with minimal setup time I really wish the USB option would work, so that I can adjust my mic gain and headphone levels on my interface from inside my closet.


For my hub, I have a simple Belkin 4-port USB hub (the white one) that I bought at target.

What we really need is some kind of "virtual" R-Mix device that creates a cone of silence for everything "outside" the perimeters and emphasis for everything "inside" the perimeter...that way it would not matter what the noise level or interference was as long as you were inside the magical device you would have a clean recording...

We're probably a few years away from that though...so pillows, blankets, closets, sound deadening materials abound....

The USB cable length limitation is not some arbitrary value, but is based on real-world physics that you can't get around. See the FAQ  at USB.org.

One alternative would be a local mixer or mic preamp and run line-level signals from there to your interface. But by far the most cost-effective solution would be a quality 50' microphone cable for around $35-$50. (Be sure to go to your local Guitar Center and have the helpful sales associate show you to their rack of Monster cables! No, this won't help you with your problem, but you'll feel much better after loudly announcing that you're not a frickin' idiot.)

You asked if everyone agrees your plan will work, even though there are many other solutions perhaps preferred. I don't think it will, but please report back what you find. I run separate mic and headphone cables to the other room, and control the desktop via an iPad running V-Control Pro.

 vaultwit: you do not want a 32ft usb cable, you need to have a snake or cable run for inputs and headphones , please fell free to ask more !!

I have a nifty little box here, made by Samson, called the S-Monitor. I don't remember what I paid for it - I've had it for years - but it was very inexpensive. 

I've got it mounted on a short boom attached to my microphone stand so the controls are right at hand while I'm singing. This could be your solution for mic and monitor levels in your vocal closet. It's sure indispensable to me. 



One caveat, though: the mix input requires a dual-mono TS to stereo TRS cable, an unusual item that I did not have in my cable collection, so I had to make one. They can be purchased, though, if you don't want to build your own.

ENOUGH already! Just move your studio into the closet. Close the door. Turn on the light. And don't wake the neighbors. Case closed...