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.)

Thank you all for your input, they have been very helpful. I'd like to point out that cost effectiveness is my primary target. The USB extension is $10, and I wouldn't need anything else in addition. So buying a mixer would be out of the question.

I think I will try the USB extension out, seems worth a try. Having a powered hub power the interface before the audio is sent through the USB extension to the computer should allow the interface to work properly, in theory at least. Remember that my interface is a portable 2-input interface that is made to require minimal power, which is why you only connect it to the computer instead of also to an electrical outlet.


If this doesn't work, I'll have to go with the long XLR and headphone extension cable, since this is the next cost-effective. Unfortunately with this, I won't be able to control mic gain and headphone level from within the booth.

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.

You don't have a mixer to take into the booth with you? You can control your input level that way. I'm not sure how much, if any, coloring that would add (guess it depends on the mixer) but you'd have control.

  However if you just go for a long cable sit at the DAW and sing the loudest part(s) a little louder than normal, set your trim according to that and wander off to the closet to track and you should be fine. You shouldn't need to tweak after the initial level is set and if things DO get all clippy on you you'll see it on your screen. If so just wander back to the DAW and turn things down. 

And from what I understand there isn't much of a problem having things set "too low". You'll want extra headroom anyway so clipping really shouldn't be an issue. 

  Once I've set my input trim on my Scarlett I've never had to go back and adjust it until I'm messing with a different instrument. Cheers. 

 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 !!

Oh... and I guess you'll need an equally long STEREO 1/4" cable and a female/female adapter for your headphones. Then you're set.

Seriously if you have all your computer peripherals in the closet (monitor, mouse) then get the long XLR and the long stereo 1/4" and set your trim before going in. That would be the cheapest and simplest way. Cheers and sorry if I'm being repetitive but you've got the back of my mind chewing at your scenario. Stupid brain... never shutting up. ;-)

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.

The long link usb cables have a hub/repeater built into them and that is how they get past the length limitations. They might work but will introduce latency for each hub the usb signal goes through each direction. This might be ok for a printer but I have my doubts about using it for real time audio.

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

If you do go the extended mic cable route - a good place to get decent cables on the cheap is:

http://www.monoprice.com/products/search.asp?keyword=microphone+cable


I've have quite a few of their cables and have been surprised at the quality. I did have one fail and they sent me a new one right away.