USB 3 switch, issues?

Caennanu · August 25, 2020

Good day all,

For a while i've been using an Aten USB3.0 4port switch so i can switch my peripherals between my work laptop and gaming pc.

This worked just fine, until recently. As for streaming purposes i purchased a streamcam (with an usb c to usb A converter).

Now i have connected the following:

Streamdeck XL

GoXLR Mini

Corsair K57 + Ironclaw on slipstream dongle (2:1)

HyperX Quadcast (but only for power, as it won't power from other sources?)

Logitech Streamcam

The issue i'm running into right now, seems to be bandwidth related.

Logitech software keeps saying i need to connect it to an usb 3.0 port.

Keyboard keeps missing some key's when typing fast.

When i turn on the streamcam via logitech software, i will hear a 'plop' (ground breaker) comming thru the GoXLR. (this only happens on my game pc, not the work laptop, which is an issue anyway as it has only 2.0 ports and as a result can't use more than 360p on the cam)

So the question is. Does someone know how to calculate the bandwidth i am currently using, or maybe a tool to measure it to see if i'm really hitting a bandwidth limit and not a power limit (as i'm not powering the switch so the go xlr actually turns off).

Let me know!

BobVonBob · August 25, 2020

Probably just too many devices on a single USB line. Each device needs to communicate with your computer separately. One device, the camera, needs most of that bandwidth, and it can't get it because the computer is switching between all the attached devices. You probably aren't hitting a bandwidth limit, you're hitting a switching limit. Not to mention it seems like you're also low on power given the GoXLR turns off when everything is being used.

I'd suggest powering the hub and connecting the camera directly to a USB 3 port on your computer so it doesn't have to share.

Caennanu · August 25, 2020

14 minutes ago, BobVonBob said:

Probably just too many devices on a single USB line. Each device needs to communicate with your computer separately. One device, the camera, needs most of that bandwidth, and it can't get it because the computer is switching between all the attached devices. You probably aren't hitting a bandwidth limit, you're hitting a switching limit. Not to mention it seems like you're also low on power given the GoXLR turns off when everything is being used.

No no no, the GoXLR doesn't turn off when everything is powered. What i ment is that when i turn off the computer, and thus the power to the usb bus, the GoXLR powers off, as it doesn't have an off switch and i don't want it on when the computer's off.

14 minutes ago, BobVonBob said:

I'd suggest powering the hub and connecting the camera directly to a USB 3 port on your computer so it doesn't have to share.

Yeah and there in lays the problem. If i do that, i won't be able to use it for Team calls etc. for work. As popping up the laptop screen on a desk saturated with 3 27" screens i'm rather space limited, so the laptop is under the desk in a docking station.

14 minutes ago, BobVonBob said:

One device, the camera, needs most of that bandwidth, and it can't get it because the computer is switching between all the attached devices.

How do i figure out if that is the case and not something else? (i have absolutely no experience troubleshooting USB related issues)