Data links, USB, Firewire, ethernet...help

Hi again, Following on from my original post which is here viewtopic.php?f=16&t=13273 I have a few questions regarding data links between the different rooms in my studio... 1. USB in control room to both tracking rooms - do i just buy 15 feet of usb cable http://www.redco.com/shopexd.asp?id=979 with Neutrik NAUSB Panel Mount USB Feedthru connectors http://www.redco.com/shopexd.asp?id=659 and thats it, job done.... or is there a way of hardwiring these usb links? 2. What is the max run for a USB cable before data loss occurs? 3. Firewire in control room to both tracking rooms - my question is the same as above? 4. Can someone explain the difference between CAT 5 & Cat 6 with regard to recording studios? Is it preferable to install cat 6 cable over Cat 5 and does cat 6 also terminate in an ethernet connection? 5. If anybody has any other thoughts or ideas with regard to data linking within a recording studio, I'd love to hear them? 6. Because i will not have direct visual contact with either of the tracking rooms, i am considering setting up some sort of video conferencing setup, does anybody have any info on a simple and cost effective way to do this? Thanks in advance for any advise or help warm regards hally :?:

Hey Hally, Im no pro on this stuff, but I can give you some info on what I have done in my studio thus far. I in fact used the Neutrik NAUSB connectors, and yes all you do is connect them with a USB cable (no hardwiring, just plug in). As for distance on USB, I hear 15 ft. is the max before a repeater is needed, but to play it safe, I would only go for a 10ft max run for USB, anything longer - use Cat 5/6 and get a USB to Cat adapter off ebay for 5 bucks. I had to run a 50 ft. USB for into the vocal booth for a second computer control, I just used cat 5 cable and put USB adapter on the ends to plug a second keyboard and mouse to the computer. You can also find cat/firwire adapter as well. I'm not too familair with the firewire runs or the cat5/6 differences, but I believe cat 6 offers a quicker/optimum data transfer than 5. Try gearsluts.com I'm sure they could tell you. Hope that helps a little.

Thanks for the info NativeLuv17, i think i'll be going the cat 6 route with the usb adaptors on each end... Cheers hally

+1 on the 15 feet usb. I did however purchase a 15' usb with some sort of booster on the female end Peace Tom

Thanks, I just got my hands on a good book simply explaining everything to do with setting up data networks, its called "Picture Yourself Networking Your Home or Small Office, 2009 Edition" I'll post back when i finalize the network plan - thanks hally

hally wrote:

I'll post back when i finalize the network plan - thanks hally

Any updates on ur network mate ?