External USB 1 & USB 2 devices Question

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the performance implications of using USB 1 and USB 2 devices simultaneously on a desktop PC with USB 2 ports. Participants explore concerns about potential slowdowns in data transfer rates and power supply issues when connecting various devices, particularly in the context of music production and external drives.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether connecting a USB 1 midi keyboard alongside a USB 2 audio interface could slow down the audio interface's performance.
  • Another participant suggests that as long as the USB devices are connected to separate ports, the USB 2 device should not experience a slowdown, as they would be using separate controllers.
  • A participant shares their experience with an external DVD drive requiring two USB connections for power, raising concerns about power supply when using a USB 2.0 Card Bus on an older laptop.
  • Some participants express caution about connecting the second USB plug of the external drive to another computer for power, noting potential risks of voltage mismatches.
  • Alternatives are proposed, such as using an externally powered USB hub or ensuring the external drive has its own power adapter.
  • One participant reports success in using both leads of the external DVD drive plugged into USB 1.0 ports, contrary to their initial assumptions about performance limitations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the performance impact of using USB 1 and USB 2 devices together, with some asserting that separate ports mitigate slowdown risks, while others remain cautious about power supply issues and voltage mismatches. The discussion does not reach a consensus on the best practices for connecting these devices.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight potential limitations related to power supply and data transfer rates, particularly when using devices that require more power than a single USB port can provide. There is also uncertainty regarding the implications of connecting devices to different computers.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for users of older computers or those integrating multiple USB devices, particularly in audio production or when using external drives that require additional power.

Embison
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Will using USB 1 and USB 2 devices in the same desktop PC that has USB 2 ports slow down performance because of the USB 1 device being added to the system? I know that if you use a USB 2 hub and add a USB 1 device to it that the entire hub slows down to USB 1 speed. But I am interested to know if the same thing can happen to a PC if you're not using a hub, just the computers ports.

Here is my concern...

I have a USB 1 midi keyboard and a USB 2 audio interface (soundcard)

Sound quality is obviously very important when it comes to music production.. I am concerned that the USB 1 midi keyboard might slow the USB 2 audio interface down to USB 1 levels which would be a disaster for processing audio signals.

So does anyone know what will happen?

Thank you for any help!
 
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It should not slow down the 2.0 device as long as they are plugged into separate USB ports. If they are in separate ports they are using separate controllers, if they are plugged into a hub they are sharing the same controller...
 
I have an older Fujitsu Lifebook that has 1.0 USB and no cd/dvd drives. I just added a Syba 2.o Card Bus to give me 2 new USB 2.0 ports and it works great.

There is one exception though. My Samsung external DVDRW drive (has 2 USB connectors linked together) isn't getting enough power to operate.

My question...can I plug one of the USB connections into a second computer (to pull power) and the other into my laptop to install software?
 
Unfortunately, the two USB ports are probably powered off the same USB host IC. Can you reach the second plug around the laptop to the other side (assuming there are USB ports there?) I'd be a little leery of plugging in the second USB plug to another computer or even a USB-output wall wart since the 5V lines from the two are probably tied together. A mismatch in the voltages could lead to some unpleasantness.
 
MATLABdude said:
Unfortunately, the two USB ports are probably powered off the same USB host IC. Can you reach the second plug around the laptop to the other side (assuming there are USB ports there?) I'd be a little leery of plugging in the second USB plug to another computer or even a USB-output wall wart since the 5V lines from the two are probably tied together. A mismatch in the voltages could lead to some unpleasantness.

There are ports on the other side, but they're 1.0 - my next question was going to be using a USB-wall charger - sounds like a bad idea now.
 
I don't know if youve already tried this, but if the USB 1.0 (12 Mbit/s theoretical maximum - overhead) has enough current sourcing to run your DVD drive, I'd just use that. Wikipedia says that 1x DVD runs at 10 MBit, so as long as its just for data or the occasional use, you'd be okay.

The other alternative is to use an externally powered USB hub. Or if your external DVD drive has a power adapter available, to use that.
 
MATLABdude said:
I don't know if youve already tried this, but if the USB 1.0 (12 Mbit/s theoretical maximum - overhead) has enough current sourcing to run your DVD drive, I'd just use that. Wikipedia says that 1x DVD runs at 10 MBit, so as long as its just for data or the occasional use, you'd be okay.

The other alternative is to use an externally powered USB hub. Or if your external DVD drive has a power adapter available, to use that.

Unbelievable! Plugging both leads into the 1.0 ports works - assumed it wouldn;t. Thanks!
 

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