Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems Connecting Meridian Prime to MacBook Pro

Hi Guys,

I�ve been using a cheapo �1m USB-A to Mini USB' cable to link between my 15� MacBook Pro and the Meridian Prime HA.
The cable is too short for a direct link so it is connected through a powered USB 3 hub.

Preferring a direct link, I bought a �2m Lindy USB-A to Mini USB� cable from Amazon.
This did not work, so they sent me a replacement which, frustratingly, didn�t work either.
I spoke to the very helpful guys at Lindy but they couldn�t understand why it wouldn�t work.

Going back to my cheapo cable made me wonder if the Lindy cable would work via the USB hub... it did.

My Question:

Do you think that the USB link is underpowered at 2metre, from the MacBook Pro. If not, can you come up with another reason?
I would have thought a USB cable would work OK up to about 5M before it could begin to run out of steam.

Holtz!

Not sure, but have you tried swapping USB ports on the MacBook? I remember a time when different ports had different power capabilities.

Yes, I have tried that, albeit my MBPro only has 2 USB ports (1 x USB 2 and 1 x USB 3).

Holtz!

I believe that Meridian have had issues with some longer length of cable. Im going to be asking around over another query so I will try and remember to add this to the list and see if there are any recommendations.

I've seen dual USB A to USB B cables that �I believe� address this power issue. If your MacBook Pro is like mine, though, you may not have two adjacent USB ports. Mine are at opposite sides of the Mac. Perhaps the USB hub can overcome that.

Soundserge

Hi Ian,

It does seem to be a cable length issue, although the length doesn't seem to be a problem out of the USB 3 powered Hub.

I have sent off for a USB/A - Mini USB adapter. Then I can try different lengths of USB cable direct.

Holtz'

Soundserge,

My MBPro is similar to yours.
USB 3 socket on the left and USB 2 socket on the right.

Holtz'

Nothing has come of my queries which either means that no one else has had the problem or no one has found an elegant solution other than utilising USB 3 in some way (powered hub or socket on later MacBooks).

If you don't have USB available and don't want the inelegant solution of a powered hub, you could possibly investigate if any USB cables use thicker than standard wire/strands as this should reduce transmission losses. I've not used USB 3 personally but wonder if USB 3 cables use thicker wiring than USB 1/2?