So for this idea, I had made the assumption that the lack of power through the overly long USB extension cable was the only potential issue. I thought that as long as the audio interface was receiving sufficient power (either with the interface's native ac adapter or, in my case, a powered hub), transfer of audio via the USB extension wouldn't be a problem. Am I wrong to think that USB is an "either it works or it doesn't" type of cable as far as data transfer (not power transfer)? Similar to DVI compared to VGA

As was mentioned you might get latency and/or drop outs. Just give it a shot and see what happens. It's not gonna hurt anything.

One thing that hasn't been mentioned here but that I have read about in other places is USB over Cat5.  I think I have seen claims of using USB devices over 100 ft away when doing this.  Just do a quick google search it my answer some questions for you.

OK So many warnings here about the fact that long USB cables will probably not work and if latency is involved that's a huge danger, you might not even notice if it's minor, but who wants latency in their recordings. After reading the warnings I wouldn't even try it. 

I like the idea of a second monitor. I already use a wireless mouse and keyboard for vocals. I'm not in a closet,  but I move back 15 ' away from the DAW just to remove the little bit of fan noise. But I find it hard to position the mouse from that distance so I like the idea of having a monitor close at hand. 
Either that or I'm going with the 38" TV. 

At least put the hub in the middle of the chain, with the usb cables on each side, rather than connected together.

I use a 5 foot USB extension for the mouse adapter to position it on the table. Works way better than on the back of the computer.

jm24


At least put the hub in the middle of the chain, with the usb cables on each side, rather than connected together.

Yeah what I meant was: audio interface > USB cable > powered hub > USB extension > computer.


Is that what you mean?

That's exactly how mine is set up. That way the hub gives the USB a JOLT of extra power before reaching the interface.
 
The hub allows me to use everytning USB with 2 different computers.
 
Some say hubs aren't good to use but mine works pretty well. Still, the shorter the distance for any cord the better.
 
 
Steve

I bought a 40' powered usb ext, cable some years back.

They do exist,

some devices require a direct connection

some do not