USB Length Issue

[Lone_Poor_Boy]

So I was getting some longer, basic USB cables to allow my Powercab and Helix to stay connected to the PC and I was doing fine at 15', but when I went to 25' there is no connection.  So I am assuming it is a length issue.

 

Do 'repeaters' like this work?

 

https://www.amazon.com/Tripp-Lite-Hi-Speed-Repeater-U042-025/dp/B00BFRKYSU/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Printer+Cable+25+ft+USB+25+Foot+USB+2.0+Type+A+Male+to+Type+B+Male+repeater&qid=1586640159&s=office-products&sr=8-1

[rd2rk]

Here's a helpful article:

 

http://www.yourcablestore.com/USB-Cable-Length-Limitations-And-How-To-Break-Them_ep_42-1.html

 

Note that "repeater cables" are described as 1 port hubs. Since L6 specifically advises not to use hubs.......

Some people claim that their hubs work fine.

I haven't done a study to see how many of those people are having random problems and wondering why.

Anyhow, if you try a repeater, do check back after a while and tell us how it's working.

[datacommando]

2 hours ago, Lone_Poor_Boy said:

So I am assuming it is a length issue

When it comes digital audio over USB the best practice is to keep cable runs as short as possible. 10 to 20 feet may be fine on your printer, but not worth the grief with music gear. 
 

[Lone_Poor_Boy]

So what's the best way for me to keep my Powercab 112 Plus connected to my PC when it's 25' away?

[rd2rk]

37 minutes ago, Lone_Poor_Boy said:

So what's the best way for me to keep my Powercab 112 Plus connected to my PC when it's 25' away?

 

I'm pretty sure that when L6 designed the Helix and Powercab they knew the USB cable length limitations, so what you want to do is something that the device was not designed for.

WHY do you need to keep your Powercab connected to the PC? If you have a full sized Helix you're probably using an AES cable (if not, why not?). L6 sells them up to 50Ft. What can't you do from the Helix that requires a USB PC connection from the Powercab?

[Lone_Poor_Boy]

On 4/11/2020 at 7:18 PM, rd2rk said:

WHY do you need to keep your Powercab connected to the PC? If you have a full sized Helix you're probably using an AES cable

 

I just like having all 3 pieces of software open at the moment.

 

edit: So for the Powercab I am using a 'microphone cable' and I am going in the red circled input. Is there a different cable I should be using and going in the green circled input?  The Line 6 cable you mentioned?  Hmm, a rep told me this was all I needed, but I was always thinking 'then why is that input on the Powercab'?

 

Would the L6 cable allow the Powercab software to function, passing through the Helix, like the HD Workbench still works through the Helix for the Variax?  While I'm learning I like working them via software rather than through the Helix.

 

[rd2rk]

Helix Floor, Rack and LT all have a Digital out. It LOOKS like an XLR, and you can use a quality XLR cable for SHORT runs, but an actual AES/EBU cable is recommemded.

 

https://shop.line6.com/l6-link-cable-medium.html

 

https://shop.line6.com/l6-link-cable-long.html

 

https://www.monoprice.com/search/index?keyword=aes%2Febu

 

The Monoprice cables are cheaper, but IDK about quality. I have a pair of their XLR/TRS cables that SEEM to be very high quality. You'd have to research.

I bought my Powercab used, it came with a 20ft cable that I THINK he got from L6.

 

With the AES/EBU cable you can perform most, if not all, of the non file related functions. You'd still need the PC Editor for IR Import, creating Powercab Presets and such.

So far, I haven't used those functions at all. I either use the IRs in Helix, or more often, assign a speaker. That can be done from Helix itself.

[MusicLaw]

I have had good results using repeater USB cables for runs in excess of 25' between my Fender Mustang Amp's USB jack and my Android device's micro USB via USB OTG feed cable when using Remuda Software (Android). Also have used the repeater USB cable on a longer run of about 40' from the Fender Mustang Amp to a desktop PC in another room running Fender FUSE Software. In both instances, a standard (non repeater) usb cable was unable to effectively pass the digital data without errors. The repeater usb cable I got was not expensive. As I recollect it was probably about $25. YMMV.