Hey guys.

I originally had a Scarlett 18i20 1st Gen interface that I was using with Reaper live. That started playing up and becoming very unreliable.

So I bought a 3rd Gen version and it works great. But this generation uses a type C usb cable rather than the square printer style cable.

I need a 5m cable for the interface to be long enough for how I have my setup live.

I bought 2 different lengths of cable.

A 3m one which works fine (Link Below)
https://www.kmart.com.au/product/us...a6jgpbJp08YGKkTtqhhoC6sMQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

And 3 5m cables (They were buy 2 get 1 free - link Below)
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/283804990360?var=585228681226

None of the 5m cables work. The laptop recognises the interface when connected. Even reaper recognises the interface when a session is opened. But no sound comes out at all when played. But when I switch over to the 3m cable from Kmart, it works fine.

The 5m cables work with other devices (phones etc).
Just won't work with the interface.

Any reason why this would happen?? I really need a 5m cable. the 3m is just too short.

Thanks for any input/advice.

Cheers

 

Can I use the Scarlett Solo with any USB cable?

We recommend using the supplied cable to avoid problems during operation.
We would also like to point out that using a USB cable longer than two metres can cause connection and performance problems. Therefore, be sure to use a cable shorter than two metres.

https://support.focusrite.com/hc/de...-Scarlett-Solo-mit-jedem-USB-Kabel-verwenden-

 

you can use a *Good* usb cable and an adapter so that cable can connect directly to your computer usb in. Otherwise, use a powered hub.
If you do it directly with a good quality cable, the length is much less a problem. If you use junk cable, you can get some very unpredictable results from the device.

An adapter like this style for the computer side:

 

Last edited: Apr 5, 2022

You need an amplified USB cable extension
https://www.amazon.fr/BlueRigger-2-0-Male-Female-Black-cables/dp/B005LJKEXS

You plug your SHORT original cable in it and you are good to go.
I used 15 meters USB extensions like this for a roof projector.

 

Thanks for the reply mate. Will look in to these.

 

I thought the length may be the issue, but I had a 10m usb cable with the 1st gen and never had a problem with it until the unit itself started going haywire.

 

Isn't the cable from the 3rd gen scarlett USB 3.0? Wouldn't I be better using a usb 3.0 extention. had a quick look already. can only find 2.0 at the moment though.

*EDIT* Just saw the 18i20 is USB 2 only. I figured the 3rg gens would automatically use 3.0.
Lesson learned.....never assume. it leads to assumptions lol

 

Quote:
I have all the long USB connections (with the above-mentioned extensions) connected to an active hub.
Then it also works with the power supply....
If the device has its own power supply, that should always be the first choice.

 

@pnutbuttrjarz yes, most midi/audio devices works in USB 2.0
It is more than enough

Some MIDI devices even use 1.1

 

Steinberg's UR-C series units use USB 3.1 which is supposed to be much faster but haven't tried one yet but may buy one soon.

 

I got rid of the 18i20 2nd Gen and went to the Motu 828ES. night and day.

 

Twice the price too

 

But I can get it to work equally poorly with the same bad cable. My issue with the 18i20 was unrelated to this and was not "fixable" because it's just how the device is.