I can confirm that long and very cheap chinese USB cables will not let the Babyface work reliably. I have a 3 meter extension where the BF breaks down as soon as I switch on 48V. But it works reliable when I use the external power supply, with a total of 4 meter.

So before buying a higher priced cable that is supposed to work make sure you can give it back for full refund - in case it fails too. Alternatively a powered USB hub near the BF might work too.

just an update:

i have now purchased two different Belkin 3m cables from Conrad and NEITHER of them work with my babyface.  one of them was a 15 euro "premium usb 2.0" cable. 

in addition, it seems that my RME breakout extension cable is faulty because i am experiencing the same midi-out ticking problems as this user: http://www.rme-audio.de/forum/viewtopic.php?id=10393

the ticking is present on my microphone input and is recorded along with the signal.  taking away the extension cable solves the issue.

i'm becoming a bit frustrated because i can't seem to locate a single 3m USB 2.0 which works with the babyface.  it may be in RME's best interest to source a compliant cable and offer it as an official accessory.

Do you have a ohmmeter? I have tested all my USB cables after some problems with the Babyface connection. I think, I have found a generally trouble (that applies for other USB devices, too):

Most USB cables have non-rewire plugs with Insulation-displacement connectors (Schneidklemmtechnik) - not soldered. This connection may be good only with a sophisticated technology - not by a cheap production without carefully quality control testing. A new cable is working good, but after bending the cable many times, the connection is lost. 

My measurement result was more than 100 ohms for some lines or the screen, measured with measuring tips from plug to plug. Often I could manipulate the measured values by bending the cable. The cables with a printed manufacture label are generally a little bit better. All my cheap or accessories kit cables have had this problem more or less. (I have not tested the RME USB cable, it is still packed - has too much ends for me ;-)

I think, the quality of cable and plugs depends on the price, but the connection (above all the screen-connection) may be bad by expensive cables also.

If you can measure the line resistance, the power lines (longer pins in the plug) and the screen should have less the 0.5 Ohm - the data lines less than 1.0 Ohm. So works a longer 5m cable great as well! You must note, 2 wires with 0.5 ohms at 500mA power supply loses 0.5 volts - I think, this is the limit for each USB device! In the worst case the best and cheapest way for hobbyists is to solder a new replacement plug on the (worthwhile or expensive) cable.

joefox

If you are on a desktop PC then make sure to use the *back-side* USB ports, not any front-side ones.

The UC does not run bus-powered, so this is no valid comparison.

I've used to 20+ meters of USB cable without any hickups with RME UFX.

Products used:

- http://www.thomann.de/fi/lindy_usb_20_v … ro_12m.htm (12 meters)
- http://www.thomann.de/fi/lindy_usb_20_v … pro_8m.htm (8 meters)
- RME's own USB cable. I think this is like 2 or 3 meters long.

-J-

Do any of your USB cables have markings down the length of the USB cable? (like the babyface cable)

There are different standards to any cables, and just because they advertise what you hope it will be does not mean that it will be that kind of cable.
I had a 8 ft. cable with similar markings down the length of the cable and it worked fine. However now, I do not use a longer cable and use the original cable that came with the babyface and just decided to run longer balanced XLR cords into the Babyface from my musical equipment.

Very glad to find this thread, I'm about to order a Babyface with the intent of placing it 50 feet (15m) away from my computers.

jemaliahz, you say your UFX is working "without any hiccups," is it also working to its full potential? (high quality, low latency)

MC - will any old 12V power adapter work with the Babyface?

CobraTrumpet: Well, I'm not transferring audio thru the USB so I don't know about the hickups thru USB. I'm using computer just to control Totalmix FX. But I don't see reason why it wouldn't work.

...and yes, active cable needed of course.

-J-

Hi
I bring back this topic to see if there are any updates regarding USB long cables? I'm not looking for an extension to the Fireface's USB cable but a long one.

Does anybody has a link to a suitable cable?

Thanks

Repeaters work to re-establish proper signal levels that may have become degraded due to long cable runs. They don't necessarily have anything to do with boosting the power line's voltage that would also have dropped due to wire resistance. Also, the repeater will have used a small amount of extra power, making the power connection even less usable.

Therefore, long cable runs generally necessitate use of local power to the audio interface, regardless of whether repeaters are used or not.

Is there a USA version of this 'perfect' usb cable so I can order it?