SoundTech intros new line of USB "Lightsnakes"

SoundTech has been brightening up the otherwise dull connection between guitars and PCs for a while now, but the company seems to have finally seen fit to spread its green glow to some more widely used cables, introducing a whole range of new Lightsnake USB cables to cover most common connectivity needs. That includes USB-A to USB-B, USB-A to USB-A, and USB-A to USB 5-pin Mini-B cables, as well as a USB-A extension cable, and, last but not least, a USB to iPod Dock cable (sadly, FireWire seems to have been left in the dark). While there aren't any pics of the cables themselves just yet, all of them function the same as the company's USB cable for guitars and other instruments (pictured at right), lighting up when it's connected and flashing when there's data being transferred. Of course, blinkin' lights usually come at a premium, and the Lightsnake is no exception, with the cables set to demand a hefty fifty bucks apiece when they're released sometime before the end of this quarter.

Update: Its glow may be slightly exaggerated, but the image after the break should give you a better idea of what you'll be getting for your $50.

[ashleydstates @ Feb 23rd 2007 8:09AM]

please explain about ????????????

[strider_mt2k @ Feb 23rd 2007 8:18AM]

ABOUT:
Around; all round; on every side of.
In the immediate neighborhood of; in contiguity or proximity to; near, as to place; by or on (one's person).
Over or upon different parts of; through or over in various directions; here and there in; to and fro in; throughout.
Near; not far from; -- determining approximately time, size, quantity.
In concern with; engaged in; intent on.
On the point or verge of; going; in act of.
Concerning; with regard to; on account of; touching.
On all sides; around.
In circuit; circularly; by a circuitous way; around the outside; as, a mile about, and a third of a mile across.
Here and there; around; in one place and another.
Nearly; approximately; with close correspondence, in quality, manner, degree, etc.; as, about as cold; about as high; -- also of quantity, number, time.
To a reserved position; half round; in the opposite direction; on the opposite tack; as, to face about; to turn one's self about.

[strider_mt2k @ Feb 23rd 2007 8:26AM]

I saw an XLR to USB cable in Target the other day although I didn't note it's price.
I just thought it was cool that they're becoming that readily available!

As long as the audio quality is maintained these cables seem like a great way to break down the analog/digital barrier that exists in some home recording setups.

And if you aren't already aware, try Audacity, which is a really great piece of freeware that can turn your PC into a recording studio!
There's even a portable version that can run from a USB flash drive!
www.audacity.org

[strider_mt2k @ Feb 23rd 2007 8:53AM]

Darnit, the road to Hell is paved with good intentions.

Here is the actual link, sorry all.
http://audacity.sourceforge.net/

[nem0 @ Feb 23rd 2007 11:25AM]

It'd be nice if these things worked as advertised, but the latency and high noise level make them almost unusable. At least in my experience.

[JPT1 @ Feb 23rd 2007 12:24PM]

This product need to have ASIO drivers (to eliminate delay latency) to be even considered usable. The company has been promising these for months, but where are they?

[Matt Malone @ Feb 23rd 2007 12:39PM]

So, lemme get this straight: these cables flash when they get data? Well, sorry to inform these guys, but thats been around for years, and for a hell of a lot less (about £5/$10). Its not exactly hard to wire an led and a resistor to the Data+ wire.

[siliconchef @ Feb 23rd 2007 12:44PM]

I have the XLR-to-USB cable, and the audio quality is great. It was $40 at MicroCenter, but the input quality is just as good as the M-Audio USB adapter I bought at 3x the price.

[ashleydstates @ Feb 26th 2007 12:22AM]

please explain about ????????????