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

[hally]

Hi again,

Following on from my original post which is here
http://www.johnlsayers.com/phpBB2/viewt ... 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

[NativeLuv17]

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.

[hally]

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

Cheers hally

[TomVan]

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

[hally]

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

[sonolink]

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

thanks hally

Any updates on ur network mate ?