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!

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?

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

Longer mic cables might be a better option

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

There was a thread about this topic a while back. The 32' cable is probably #28 gauge wire and therefore serious voltage drop. 
So adding a Hub in the closet might be worth a try. 
Hey for $10 and if you already own a hub.  
But other than setting trim levels and adjusting the headphones, I would go with a longer mike cable and why not a little headphone amp with a volume control. 

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.

Yes, long mic and headphone cables would be more reliable.

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.

There is a industry standard limit to usb cable length and not dropping packets...

If all you send is control information this might not be a problem but if you are spinning audio data, I would avoid this option...

As a general rule US cables are at optimum length already...without a hub to power the extra distance you risk losing data.

Longer mic cables...and for simply tracking...

I like a wireless headphone in a booth, armed with an ipad and AC-7 (or an iphone)...

You can also use your laptop to remote control your daw (unless of course your laptop IS your daw in which case...? Just take it in with you)