MOTU Traveler User manual

™
Traveler
User’s Guide for Macintosh
1280 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02138
Business voice: [phone]
Business fax: [phone]
Te chnical support: [phone]
Te ch support fax: [phone]
Te ch su pp or t e m a i l : [e-mail]
We b s i t e : www.motu.com
!Traveler Manual/Mac Page 1 Monday, November 29, 2004 3:39 PM

About the Mark of the Unicorn License Agreement and
Limited Warranty on Software
TO PERSONS WHO PURCHASE OR USETHIS PRODUCT:carefully read all the
terms and conditions of the “click-wrap” license agreement presented to you when
you install the software. Using the software or this documentation indicates your
acceptance of the terms and conditions of that license agreement.
Mark of the Unicorn, Inc. (“MOTU”) owns both this program and its documentation.
Both the program and the documentation are protected under applicable copyright,
trademark, and trade-secret laws.Your right to use the program and the
documentation are limited to the terms and conditions described in the license
agreement.
Reminder of the terms of your license
This summary is not your license agreement, just a reminder of its terms.The actual
license can be read and printed by running the installation program for the software.
That license agreement is a contract, and clicking “Accept” binds you and MOTU to
all its terms and conditions. In the event anything contained in this summary is
incomplete or in conflict with the actual click-wrap license agreement, the terms of the
click-wrap agreement prevail.
YOU MAY:(a) use the enclosed program on a single computer; (b) physically transfer
the program from one computer to another provided that the program is used on only
one computer at a time and that you remove any copies of the program from the
computer from which the program is being transferred; (c) make copies of the
program solely for backup purposes.You must reproduce and include the copyright
notice on a label on any backup copy.
YOU MAY NOT: (a) distribute copies of the program or the documentation to others;
(b) rent, lease or grant sublicenses or other rights to the program; (c) provide use of
the program in a computer service business, network, time-sharing, multiple CPU or
multiple user arrangement without the prior written consent of MOTU; (d) translate,
adapt, reverse engineer, decompile, disassemble, or otherwise alter the program or
related documentation without the prior written consent of MOTU.
MOTU warrants to the original licensee that the disk(s) on which the program is
recorded be free from defects in materials and workmanship under normal use for a
period of ninety (90) days from the date of purchase as evidenced by a copy of your
receipt. If failure of the disk has resulted from accident, abuse or misapplication of the
product, then MOTU shall have no responsibility to replace the disk(s) under this
Limited Warranty.
THIS LIMITED WARRANTY AND RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT IS IN LIEU OF,
AND YOU HEREBY WAIVE, ANY AND ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, BOTH
EXPRESS AND IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO WARRANTIES
OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.THE
LIABILITY OF MOTU PURSUANT TO THIS LIMITED WARRANTY SHALL BE
LIMITED TO THE REPLACEMENT OF THE DEFECTIVE DISK(S), AND IN NO
EVENT SHALL MOTU OR ITS SUPPLIERS, LICENSORS, OR AFFILIATES BE
LIABLE FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, INCLUDING
BUT NOT LIMITED TO LOSS OF USE, LOSS OF PROFITS, LOSS OF DATA OR
DATA BEING RENDERED INACCURATE, OR LOSSES SUSTAINED BY THIRD
PARTIES EVEN IF MOTU HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF
SUCH DAMAGES.THIS WARRANTY GIVESYOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS
WHICH MAY VARY FROM STATE TO STATE. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW
THE LIMITATION OR EXCLUSION OF LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY TOYOU.
Update Policy
In order to be eligible to obtain updates of the program, you must complete and return
the attached Mark of the Unicorn Purchaser Registration Card to MOTU.
Copyright Notice
Copyright © 2004 by Mark of the Unicorn, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this
publication may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system,
or translated into any human or computer language, in any form or by any means
whatsoever, without express written permission of Mark of the Unicorn, Inc., 1280
Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02138, U.S.A.
Limited Warranty on Hardware
Mark of the Unicorn, Inc.and S&S Research (“MOTU/S&S”) warrant this equipment
against defects in materials and workmanship for a period of NINETY (90) DAYS
from the date of original retail purchase.This warranty applies only to hardware
products; MOTU software is licensed and warranted pursuant to separate written
statements.
If you discover a defect, first write or call Mark of the Unicorn at [phone] to
obtain a Return Merchandise Authorization Number.No service will be performed on
any product returned without prior authorization. MOTU will, at its option, repair or
replace the product at no charge to you, provided you return it during the warranty
period, with transportation charges prepaid, to Mark of the Unicorn, Inc., 1280
Massachusetts Avenue, MA 02138.You must use the product’s original packing
material for in shipment, and insure the shipment for the value of the product.Please
include your name, address, telephone number, a description of the problem, and
the original, dated bill of sale with the returned unit and print the Return Merchandise
Authorization Number on the outside of the box below the shipping address.
This warranty does not apply if the equipment has been damaged by accident,
abuse, misuse, or misapplication; has been modified without the written permission
of MOTU, or if the product serial number has been removed or defaced.
ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ARE
LIMITED IN DURATION TO NINETY (90) DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THE
ORIGINAL RETAIL PURCHASE OF THIS PRODUCT.
THE WARRANTY AND REMEDIES SET FORTH ABOVE ARE EXCLUSIVE
AND IN LIEU OF ALL OTHERS, ORAL OR WRITTEN, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED.
No MOTU/S&S dealer, agent, or employee is authorized to make any modification,
extension, or addition to this warranty.
MOTU/S&S ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RESULTING FROM ANY BREACH OF
WARRANTY, OR UNDER ANY LEGAL THEORY, INCLUDING LOST PROFITS,
DOWNTIME, GOODWILL, DAMAGE OR REPLACEMENT OF EQUIPMENT
AND PROPERTY AND COST OF RECOVERING REPROGRAMMING, OR
REPRODUCING ANY PROGRAM OR DATA STORED IN OR USED WITH
MOTU/S&S PRODUCTS.
Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of implied warranties or liability for
incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not
apply to you.This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may have other
rights which vary from state to state.
MOTU, AudioDesk, MOTU, Mark of the Unicorn and the unicorn silhouette logo are
trademarks of Mark of the Unicorn, Inc.
This equipment has been type tested and found to comply with the limits for a class B digital device,
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference in a residential installation.This equipment generates, uses, and can
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual,
may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause interference to radio
or television equipment reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the
user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by any combination of the following measures:
• Relocate or reorient the receiving antenna
• Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver
• Plug the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected
If necessary, you can consult a dealer or experienced radio/television technician for additional
assistance.
PLEASE NOTE: only equipment certified to comply with Class B (computer input/output devices,
terminals, printers, etc.) should be attached to this equipment, and it must have shielded interface
cables in order to comply with the Class B FCC limits on RF emissions.
WARNING: changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
!Traveler Manual/Mac Page 2 Monday, November 29, 2004 3:39 PM

III
Contents
5
Quick Reference:
Traveler Front Panel
6
Quick Reference:
Traveler Rear & Side Panels
7
Quick Reference:
MOTU FireWire Audio Console
9
About the Traveler
15
Packing List & Mac System Requirements
17
Installing the Traveler Hardware
39
Installing the Traveler Mac OS X Software
43 MOTU FireWire Audio Console
51
Traveler Front Panel Operation
57
Digital Performer
63
AudioDesk
69
Logic and Other Mac OS X Software
73
Reducing Monitoring Latency
79
CueMix Console
87 FireWire SMPTE Console
91
Troubleshooting
!Traveler Manual/Mac Page iii Monday, November 29, 2004 3:39 PM

IV
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS
WARNING:TO REDUCETHE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRICAL SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSETHIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR OTHER MOISTURE.
CAUTION:TO REDUCETHE RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER. NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER
SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
WARNING: DO NOT PERMIT FINGERSTOTOUCHTHETERMINALS OF POWER PLUGSWHEN INSTALLING OR REMOVINGTHE PLUGTO OR FROM
A POWER SOURCE.
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS
1. Read instructions - All the safety and operating instructions should be read before operating the MOTU Traveler.
2. Retain instructions - The safety instructions and owner's manual should be retained for future reference.
3. Heed Warnings - All warnings on the MOTU Traveler and in the owner's manual should be adhered to.
4. Follow Instructions - All operating and use instructions should be followed.
5. Cleaning - Unplug the MOTUTraveler from the computer before cleaning and use a damp cloth. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners.
6. Power Sources - This MOTU Traveler should be operated only from the type of power source indicated on the marking label.
7. Power-Cord Protection - Power-supply cords should be routed so that they are not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against them.Pay particular attention to cords and plugs, convenience
receptacles, and the point where they exit from the MOTU Traveler.
8. Lightning - For added protection for the MOTU Traveler during a lightning storm, unplug its power supply from any wall outlets.This will prevent damage to the MOTU Traveler due to lightning and power line surges.
9. Servicing - Do not attempt to service this MOTU Traveler yourself as opening or removing covers will expose you to dangerous voltage and other hazards. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
10. Damage Requiring Service - Unplug the MOTU Traveler from the computer and refer servicing to qualified service personnel under the following conditions.
a. When the power supply cord or plug is damaged.
b. If liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the MOTU Traveler.
c. If the MOTUTraveler has been exposed to rain or water.
d. If the MOTUTraveler does not operate normally by following the operating instructions in the owner's manual.
e. If the MOTUTraveler has been dropped or the cabinet has been damaged.
f. When the MOTUTraveler exhibits a distinct change in performance, this indicates a need for service.
11. Replacement Parts - When replacement parts are required, be sure the service technician has used replacement parts specified by the manufacturer or have the same characteristics as the original part.Unauthorized
substitutions may result in fire, electric shock or other hazards.
12. Safety Check - Upon completion of any service or repairs to this MOTU Traveler, ask the service technician to perform safety checks to determine that the product is in safe operating conditions.
ENVIRONMENT
Operating Temperature: 10°C to 40°C (50°F to 104°)
AVOID THE HAZARDS OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK AND FIRE
Do not handle the power supply, or power cables with wet hands.
CAUTION: DANGER OF EXPLOSION IF BATTERY IS REPLACED. REPLACE ONLY WITH THE SAME OR EQUIVALENTTYPE RECOMMENDED
BYMANUFACTURER. DISPOSE OF USED BATTERY ACCORDING TO MANUFACTURER’S INSTRUCTIONS.
!Traveler Manual/Mac Page iv Monday, November 29, 2004 3:39 PM

0
Quick Reference:Traveler Front Panel
1. These four detented digital trim knobs provide 53dB of
gain,but they also function as pad switches (when pushed) for an additional 20dB of gain or reduction. When you turn or push the knobs,you’ll see dynamic feedback of your adjustment in the LCD display.The total gain range — from when pad is enabled and the trim is turned all the way down to when the pad disabled and trim is turned all the way up — is 73dB.All four inputs have preamps,so you can plug in just about anything:a microphone,a guitar, a synth,or even a +4 signal.Use the trim knob and input level meters 1-4 in the metering section to calibrate the input signal level.The meters cover both the TRS and XLR input.
2. Controls the headphone volume or main out volume.
Push to toggle between them.The LCD provides feedback.
3. This section controls theTraveler’s built-in CueMix DSP
monitor mixer.There are four independent mix busses: MIX1 through MIX4.Each mixes all inputs (or any subset you wish) to a stereo output of your choice.To edit a mix, choose it by pressing the MIX BUS knob. Each mix has parameters (volume,pan, etc.) for each input:choose the parameter you wish to edit with the PARAM knob.
The LCD shows each Traveler input (XLR/combo,TRS, ADAT,SPDIF and AES/EBU), along with the current mix parameter setting for each input.To change a setting, scroll to it with the CURSOR knob and change it with the VALUE knob.
4. These four 4-segment meters show input signal level for
the mic/instrument XLR/combo inputs on the rear panel.
5. These four 4-segment meters show input signal level for
the analog TRS input jacks on the rear panel.
6. 4-segment metering for S/PDIF input. 7. MIDI activity LEDs for MIDI input and output. 8. 4-segment metering for AES/EBU input. 9. ADAT optical and TOSLink signal present LEDs. 10. When the Traveler is resolving to SMPTE time code,the
LOCK light glows green when lockup has been achieved. The TACH light blinks once per second when theTraveler is successfully reading address (time code) information.
11. The Traveler is powered by its FireWire connection to the
computer.Use this power switch to turn it on and off.It is recommended that you always power off theTraveler
before unplugging the FireWire cable.
12. These lights indicate the global sample rate at which the
Traveler is operating.Use the MOTU FireWire Audio Console to set the sample rate or to choose an external clock source,from which the sample rate will be derived. When no clock signal is currently present,one of these LEDs flashes rapidly.For example,if you’ve set the Traveler to slave to an external clock,such as ADAT,but there is no clock signal currently being detected,it flashes.
13. These four round“L/R”LEDs indicate signal presence on
the stereo S/PDIF and AES/EBU digital outputs.
14. These round LEDs indicate signal presence on the eight
rear-panel TRS analog outputs.Their threshold is around -42 dB.They do not indicate clipping in any way;use your host audio software level meters to calibrate output levels.Outputs 1-2 serve as the main outs.Push and then turn the front-panel volume knob for volume control.
15. The multi-purpose backlit LCD shows system settings or
CueMix DSP settings,depending on which knobs you turn.The labels above and below the LCD refer to all of the Traveler’s inputs (both analog and digital).
16. Use the VALUE and CURSOR knobs to adjust the CueMix
settings (gain,pan, etc.) for individual inputs.
17. Use the SETUP and SELECT knobs to change system
settings like theTraveler sample rate and clock source. The SETUP knob chooses the setting;the SELECT knob modifies the current system setting displayed in the LCD. Some settings require that you push SELECT instead of turning it,or you may need to push it to confirm the setting you’ve chosen by turning it.
18. This is a standard quarter-inch stereo headphone jack.
From the factory,its output matches the main outs on the rear panel.But it can be programmed to mirror any other output pair (digital or analog).It can even be programmed to serve as its own independent output. Use the volume knob above to control its level.
19. These switches provide phantom power for their respec-
tive microphone input.Left is off;right is on.(Right on!)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
111213141516171819
!Traveler Manual/Mac Page 5 Monday, November 29, 2004 3:39 PM

1. These jacks provide stereo, 24-bit AES/EBU digital input
and output at any sample rate up to 96kHz.They are disabled at the 4x rates (176.4 and 192kHz).
2. Connect theTraveler to the computer here using the
standard 1394 FireWire A cable provided with your Traveler.
Important note: it is best to turn off the
Traveler when plugging in the FireWire cable,as this avoids the possibility of static discharge,which can harm the electrical components in the Traveler or your computer.
Use the second FireWire port to daisy-
chain up to four MOTU FireWire audio interfaces to a single FireWire bus.You can also connect other FireWire devices.For details,see “Connecting multiple MOTU FireWire interfaces”on page 35.
3. These are standard word clock jacks.Use them for a
variety of applications,such as for digital transfers with devices that cannot slave to the clock supplied by their digital I/O connection with the Traveler.When the Traveler is operating at a 2x sample rate (88.2 or 96 kHz) or 4x sample rate (176.4 or 192kHz),the word clock output can either match theTraveler’s sample rate or be reduced to the equivalent 1x rate (either 44.1 or 48 kHz). This setting is made via the FireWire Audio Console.See “Word Out”on page 48.
4. These optical digital I/O connectors can be connected
either to an ADAT-compatible“lightpipe”device (such as a digital mixer) or to a S/PDIF optical (“TOSLink”)
compatible device,such as an effects processor or DAT machine.Be sure to set the format in the MOTU FireWire Audio Console software.(see “Optical input/output”on page 48) for details.) ADAT optical supplies eight channels of 24-bit digital I/O (4 channels at 96kHz). TOSLink is stereo.Note:you can choose independent formats for the optical IN and OUT.For example,you could choose ADAT for the optical IN (for, say,eight channels of input from your digital mixer) and S/PDIF for the optical OUT (for, say,your DAT machine).
5. If you are using theTraveler with an ADAT, use this
standard ADAT SYNC INPUT to connect the Traveler to the end of your ADAT sync chain.For example,if you have three ADATs,chain the ADATs in the usual fashion (SYNC OUT to SYNC IN,etc.),and then connect the last ADAT’s SYNC OUT to this SYNC IN.This connection allows you to make sample-accurate audio transfers between AudioDesk (or other sample-accurate software) and the ADATs.If you have a MOTU MIDITimepiece AV or Digital Timepiece,make it the master of the ADAT SYNC chain so that you can control everything from AudioDesk (or your other MIDI Machine Control compatible software).
6. These jacks provide stereo, 24-bit S/PDIF digital input
and output at any sample rate up to 96kHz.They are disabled at the 4x rates (176.4 and 192kHz).
7. TheTraveler’s eight analog outputs are gold-plated,
balanced +4dBTRS (tip/ring/sleeve) quarter-inch connectors that can also accept an unbalanced plug. They are equipped with 24-bit,128x oversampling converters.
8. These two balanced,quarter-inch jacks serve as the
Traveler’s main outputs.You can connect them to a set of powered studio monitors and then control the volume from the front panel volume knob.(Push the knob first to switch to main out volume control.)To hear disk tracks in your audio software on these main outs,assign the disk tracks (and master fader) to these main outs (Analog 1-2).You can also use CueMix DSP to monitor liveTraveler inputs here as well.
9. These 4 analog inputs are gold-plated,balancedTRS (tip/
ring/sleeve) quarter-inch connectors that can also accept an unbalanced plug.The front panel LCD and Cuemix Console software let you adjust them for either +4dB or -10dB input signals.They have 24-bit,64x oversampling converters.These inputs (5 through 8) do not have microphone preamps,so they are best used for synthesizers,drum machines,effects processors,and other instruments with line level signals.
10. These four Neutrik™ combo (XLR/TRS) jacks accept
either a mic cable or a cable with a quarter-inch plug. Both the low-impedance XLR jack and the high-imped-
ance TRS jack are equipped with a 20dB pad (so you can even connect a +4 line level input).48V phantom power can be supplied via the front-panel switch.
11. Connect a MIDI device here using standard MIDI cables.
Connect theTraveler’s MIDI OUT port to the MIDI IN port on the other device.Conversely, connect the Traveler’s MIDI IN port to the MIDI OUT port on the other device. You can connect different devices to each port,such as a controller device to the IN port and a sound module to the OUT port.You can also daisy-chain MIDI devices,but be sure to manage their MIDI channels (so that they don’t receive or transmit on the same channel).
12. For bus-powered operation,turn on the Bus Power
Enable switch.For battery operation (i.e.powering the Traveler from a battery pack via the 4-in XLR jack),turn this switch to the OFF position.
13. Connect a 10-24V battery pack or other power supply
here via a 4-in XLR cable.Remember to also turn off the bus power switch to the left.
14. This jack accepts any standard 10-24V DC power supply
with either tip-positive or tip-negative polarity.Remem- ber to also turn the BUS POWER switch to the OFF position.
0
Quick Reference:Traveler Rear & Side Panels
1 2 3 5 6 7 8 10
11 12 13 14
4 9
!Traveler Manual/Mac Page 6 Monday, November 29, 2004 3:39 PM

CHAPTER
7
Quick Reference:
MOTU FireWire Audio Console
This menu lets you choose what you will hear
from the headphone jack.To mirror the main
outs,choose Analog 1-2. Or you can mirror
any other output pair.To hear the phones as
their own independent output,choose
Phones 1-2.
Determines the clock source for your
Traveler.If you’re just using the analog ins
and outs,set this to‘Internal’.The other
settings are for digital transfers via
S/PDIF, AES/EBU or external synchroniza-
tion via the ADAT SYNC in port.
Choose the desired optical format
you’d like to use for the optical
input and output.(ADAT or TOS
Link).Note that they don’t have
to be the same.
Choose the sample rate for the
Traveler here.
If you are running aTraveler inter-
face at a high sample rate
(88.2,96, 176.4 or 192kHz),this
option appears in the interface
tab.It lets you choose a word
clock output rate that either
matches the global sample rate
(e.g.192kHz) or reduces the word
clock output to the corresponding
1x rate (either 44.1 or 48kHz).
Click the tabs to access general
MOTU FireWire interface settings
or settings specific to theTraveler
(or other connected interface.)
Check this option if you would like the MOTU
FireWire Audio Console icon to appear in the
application dock as soon as a MOTU FireWire
interface is detected (switched on,plugged
in,etc.)
If you have a foot switch
connected to another MOTU
FireWire interface,these settings
let you map the foot switch to
any computer keyboard key for
both the up and down position.
This setting doesnot apply tothe
Traveler,which does not have a
foot switch input.
In the standard Mac OS X fashion,the console
appears in the dock when you launch it.If the
Launch console automatically option is
checked (as shown above),the icon appears
as soon as you switch on your Traveler inter-
face.If you click and hold on the dock icon
(instead of clicking it) or control-click,a
menu of hardware settings appears as
shown to the right.You can view and config-
ure any hardware settings from this menu,
without opening the console window.
Click the General tab to access these settings.
This button opens another
dialog that lets you assign your
own customized names to each
Traveler input and output.For
example,if you have a lead
vocal mic plugged into input 1,
you could name it“Lead Vox”.
Your customized names then
appear in your host audio
application (if it supports
CoreAudio input/output
naming).
Specifies the stereo input and
output pair when the Traveler is
chosen for Mac OS X audio I/O.
!Traveler Manual/Mac Page 7 Monday, November 29, 2004 3:39 PM

8
!Traveler Manual/Mac Page 8 Monday, November 29, 2004 3:39 PM

CHAPTER
9
1
About the Traveler
OVERVIEW
The Traveler is a computer-based hard disk
recording system for Mac OS and Windows that
offers 20 inputs and 22 outputs.Analog recording
and playback is offered at any standard sample rate
up to 192kHz.At 96kHz or lower, all inputs and
outputs, both analog and digital, can be accessed
simultaneously. The Traveler consists of a light (3.8
pounds) and small (14.75x9 inches) aluminum
alloy-encased interface that connects directly to a
computer via a standard IEEE 1394 FireWire™
cable. The Traveler offers the following:
■ Bus-powered and battery-powered operation
■ Four combo XLR/TRS mic/guitar inputs with
preamps and 48V phantom power
■ Digital Precision Trim™ preamp gain
adjustment
■ Four 24-bit analog TRS inputs
■ Eight 24-bit analog TRS outputs
■ Eight-channel ADAT optical digital I/O
■ S/PDIF digital I/O (optical and RCA)
■ AES/EBU digital I/O
■ ADAT SYNC IN and word clock I/O
■ MIDI I/O
■ On-board SMPTE synchronization
■ Headphone jack
■ Main volume knob (for headphone + main outs)
■ CueMix™ DSP no-latency mixing & monitoring
■ Front-panel programming
■
Stand-alone mixing
With a variety of I/O formats, mic preamps, no-
latency monitoring of live input and synchroni-
zation capabilities, the Traveler is a complete,
portable“studio in a box”when used with a
Macintosh or Windows computer. The Tr avele r
system includes AudioDesk™, full-featured audio
workstation software for Mac OS that supports
both 16-bit and 24-bit recording.
THE TRAVELER I/O REAR PANEL
The Traveler rear panel has the following
connectors:
■ Eight gold-plated, balanced +4dB quarter-inch
(TRS) analog outputs (with 24-bit 192kHz
converters)
■ Four combo XLR/TRS mic/instrument inputs
■ Four gold-plated, balanced -10/+4 dB quarter-
inch (TRS) analog inputs (with 24-bit 192kHz
converters)
■ One set of ADAT optical‘light pipe’ connectors
(8 channels of ADAT optical I/O at 44.1/48kHz or 4
channels at 88.2/96kHz), individually switchable
to optical S/PDIF (‘TOSLink’)
■ RCA S/PDIF in/out
■ AES/EBU in/out
■ One 9-pin ADAT SYNC IN connector
■ Wo rd c l o c k i n / o u t
■ Two 1394 FireWire jacks
!Traveler Manual/Mac Page 9 Monday, November 29, 2004 3:39 PM

ABOUT THE TRAVELER
10
20 inputs and 22 outputs
All Traveler inputs and outputs can be used simul-
taneously, for a total of 20 inputs and 22 outputs:
All inputs and outputs are discrete and can be
active simultaneously.
The ADAT optical ports provide 4 channels of I/O
at 88.2 or 96kHz. They can also be independently
configured as stereo TOSLink SPDIF at any
supported sample rate (up to 96kHz).
All digital I/O is disabled for 192kHz operation.
The headphone outputs can operate as an
independent output pair, or they can mirror any
other Traveler output pair, such as the main outs.
Mic/instrument inputs
The four mic/instrument inputs are equipped with
preamps and Neutrik™ “combo” XLR/TRS jacks,
which accept low-Z XLR microphone inputs or
high-Z quarter-inch guitar/instruments inputs.
The total gain range for these preamps, including
the 20dB pad, is 73dB, allowing you to connect
anything from guitars and microphones to +4dB
or –10dB line level signals. Preamp gain and pad
can be controlled from the front panel digital
rotary encoders/switches or the included CueMix
Console™ software.
Analog
All four quarter-inch analog inputs are equipped
with 24-bit 192kHz, 64x oversampling A/D
converters. All eight analog outputs have 24-bit
128x oversampling D/A converters.All audio is
carried to the computer in a 24-bit data stream.All
eight analog outputs and four quarter-inch inputs
are on balanced TRS +4dB quarter-inch jacks.All
of these jacks can also accept unbalanced plugs.
The quarter-inch analog inputs can be switched in
pairs between a +4 and -10dB reference level.An
additional 6dB of software boost can be applied to
each channel individually via the CueMix Console
software application or via the front panel LCD
display.
Optical
The Traveler optical jacks support two digital audio
formats: ADAT and S/PDIF. The ADAT optical
format provides eight channels of 24-bit digital
audio at either 44.1 or 48 kHz,and four channels at
88.2 or 96kHz. The optical S/PDIF format (often
referred to as
TOSLink ), supplies stereo S/PDIF
input or output. The optical jacks are disabled at
the 4x sample rates (176.4 and 192kHz).
AES/EBU
The Traveler rear panel provides a standard AES/
EBU digital input and output that supports digital
I/O at 44.1, 48, 88.2 and 96 kHz. The AES/EBU
jacks are disabled at the 4x sample rates (176.4 and
192kHz).
S/PDIF
The Traveler rear panel provides S/PDIF input and
output in two different formats: RCA “coax” and
optical “TOSLink”. The RCA jacks are dedicated to
the S/PDIF format.The TOSLink jacks can be used
either for either TOSLink or ADAT optical. The
optical input /output jacks can operate indepen-
dently. For example, the optical input can be set to
Connection Input Output
Analog 24-bit 192kHz on bal/unbal TRS 4 8
Mic preamps 24-bit 192kHz on XLR/TRS combo 4 -
ADAT optical digital (at 44.1 or 48kHz) 8 8
AES/EBU 24-bit 96kHz digital stereo stereo
SPDIF 24-bit 96kHz digital stereo stereo
Headphone output - stereo
Total 20 22
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ABOUT THE TRAVELER
11
TOSLink while the optical output is set to ADAT.
The RCA and optical S/PDIF jacks are disabled at
the 4x sample rates (176.4 and 192kHz).
On-board SMPTE synchronization
The Traveler can resolve directly to SMPTE time
code via any analog input, without a separate
synchronizer. The Traveler can also generate time
code via any analog output. The Traveler provides a
DSP-driven phase-lock engine with sophisticated
filtering that provides fast lockup times and sub-
frame accuracy. Direct time code synchronization
is supported by AudioDesk and Digital Performer
on Mac OS X.
The included FireWire SMPTE Console™ software
provides a complete set of tools to generate SMPTE
for striping, regenerating or slaving other devices
to the computer.
ADAT sync: sample-accurate synchronization
The Traveler’s standard 9-pin ADAT SYNC IN
connector provides sample-accurate synchroni-
zation with all Alesis ADAT tape decks connected
to the system—or any device that supports the
ADAT sync format. For example, if you digitally
transfer a single track of material from an ADAT
via light pipe into audio workstation software on
the computer, and then transfer the track back to
the ADAT, it will be recorded exactly at its original
location, down to the sample.
Word clock
The Traveler provides standard word clock that can
slave to any supported sample rate. In addition,
word clock can resolve to and generate“high” and
“low” sample rates. For example, if the Traveler
global sample rate is set to 96 kHz, the word clock
input can resolve to a“low” rate of 48 kHz.
Similarly, when the Traveler is operating at 96 kHz,
the MOTU FireWire Audio Console lets you
choose a word clock output rate of 48 kHz.
1394 FireWire
The two 1394 FireWire jacks accept a standard
IEEE 1394 FireWire cable to connect the Traveler to
a FireWire-equipped Macintosh or Windows
computer. The second jack can be used to daisy
chain multiple interfaces — up to four MOTU
FireWire interfaces — on a single FireWire bus. It
can also be used to connect other FireWire devices
without the need for a FireWire hub. The Traveler
has the ability to power itself from its FireWire
connection to the computer.
THE TRAVELER FRONT PANEL
Phantom power
Individual 48V phantom power can be enabled for
each preamp with the four front panel switches.
Digital Precision Trim™ rotary encoders
The four Digital Precision Trim™ detented rotary
encoders provide preamp gain adjustment and also
serve as 20dB pad switches when pushed.When
you turn these trim knobs, input gain can be
adjusted in 1dB increments, and the LCD display
provides active numeric feedback as the
adjustment is made.
Headphone output and main volume control
The Traveler front panel includes a quarter-inch
stereo headphone output jack and volume knob.
The volume knob also controls the rear-panel main
outs. Push the knob to toggle between them. The
LCD display provides feedback.
CueMix™ DSP no-latency on-board mixing
The CueMix DSP section of the front-panel
provides access to the Traveler’s on-board mixing
features, as well as global system settings. Together,
these features provide complete stand-alone
operation, without a computer. The Traveler can
mix all inputs to any output pair, and up to four
such mixes can be independently programmed
and simultaneously operated.
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ABOUT THE TRAVELER
12
Backlit LCD display
Any Traveler setting can be accessed directly from
the front panel using the six rotary encoders and
the 2x16 backlit LCD display.CueMix DSP settings
such as input gain, panning, +4/-10 input level,
6dB boost, stereo pair grouping, mix output
assignment and others are quickly accessed,clearly
marked and easy to adjust. Sixteen presets can be
created, saved, recalled and duplicated.
Metering section
The front panel of the Traveler displays several
banks of input metering and output activity LEDs.
The round analog, SPDIF and AES/EBU output
activity LEDs, as well as the ADAT optical in/out
activity LEDs, display signal presence. The
threshold for these lights is approximately -42 dB.
The four-segment input meters provide dedicated
multi-segment metering for their respective inputs.
The
Clock lights indicate the global sample rate (as
chosen in the MOTU FireWire Audio Console
software). The LOCK and TACH LEDs provide
feedback for the Traveler’s on-board SMPTE
synchronization features.
TRAVELER SIDE PANEL
MIDI I/O
The Traveler’s standard MIDI IN and MIDI OUT
jacks supply 16 channels of MIDI I/O to and from
the computer via the Traveler’s FireWire
connection. Timing accuracy can be sample-
accurate with host software that supports it.
Bus power
The Traveler can draw power from three possible
sources:
1. the computer (via the FireWire cable connection
between the Traveler and the computer)
2. an external battery pack (purchased separately)
3. a DC power supply
If you are using FireWire bus power only, then the
Bus Power switch needs to be turned on. However,
if you are using battery or DC power, and you do
not wish to draw power from the computer (to
conserve your laptop battery, for example),you can
disable bus power by moving the Bus Power switch
to the
Off position.
Battery power
The 4-pin XLR battery power jack allows you to
connect a standard DC battery pack for extended
remote recording. The battery pack must supply a
minimum of 10-18 volts and 12 watts. For further
details, contact your preferred supplier of
professional audio/video equipment.
Power supply
If you do not want the Traveler to draw power from
the computer, and AC power is available, you can
power the Traveler from any standard 10-18V,
12 watt DC power supply with any polarity (tip
positive or negative).
16-BIT AND 24-BIT RECORDING
The Traveler system handles all data with a 24-bit
signal path, regardless of the I/O format.You can
record and play back 16-bit or 24-bit audio files at
any supported sample rate via any of the Traveler’s
analog or digital inputs and outputs. 24-bit audio
files can be recorded with any compatible host
application that supports 24-bit recording.
AUDIODESK
AudioDesk is a full-featured, 24-bit audio
workstation software package included with the
Traveler sys tem (for Macintosh only).AudioDesk
provides multi-channel waveform editing,
automated virtual mixing, graphic editing of ramp
automation, real-time effects plug-ins with 32-bit
floating point processing, crossfades, support for
many third-party audio plug-ins, background
processing of file-based operations, sample-
accurate editing and placement of audio,and more.
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ABOUT THE TRAVELER
13
DIGITAL PERFORMER
The Traveler system is fully integrated with
MOTU’s award-winning Digital Performer audio
sequencer software package.
OTHER HOST AUDIO SOFTWARE
The Traveler system includes a standard Mac OS X
Core Audio driver for multichannel I/O with any
audio application that supports Core Audio.
A COMPUTER-BASED SYSTEM
Regardless of what software you use with the
Traveler, the host computer determines the
number of tracks the software can record and play
simultaneously, as well as the amount of real-time
effects processing you can apply to your mix.A
faster computer with more RAM and faster hard
drives will allow more simultaneous tracks and
real-time effects than a slower computer with less
RAM and slower hard drives. Today’s fastest
computers can typically play as many as 72 tracks
or more.
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ABOUT THE TRAVELER
14
!Traveler Manual/Mac Page 14 Monday, November 29, 2004 3:39 PM

CHAPTER
15
2
Packing List & Mac System
Requirements
PACKING LIST
The Traveler ships with the items listed below. If
any of these items are not present in your Traveler
box when you first open it, please immediately
contact your dealer or MOTU.
■ One Traveler I/O rack unit
■ One set of removable rack ears
■ One 1394 “FireWire” cable
■ One Traveler Mac/Windows manual
■ One AudioDesk Manual
■ One cross-platform CD-ROM
■ Product registration card
MACINTOSH SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
The Traveler system requires the following
Macintosh system:
■ A G3/300MHz Power Macintosh or faster
equipped with at least one FireWire port
■ At least 256 MB (megabytes) of RAM (512 MB
or more is recommended)
■ Mac OS X (version 10.2 or later)
■ A large hard drive (preferably at least 20 GB)
PLEASE REGISTER TODAY!
Please send in the registration card included with
your Traveler system. As a registered user, you will
be eligible to receive on-line technical support
email and announcements about product
enhancements as soon as they become available.
Only registered users receive these special update
notices, so please, complete and mail this
registration card!
There is also an AudioDesk software registration
card found at the beginning of your AudioDesk
manual. Please be sure to fill out and return this
card as well, so that you will be eligible to receive
on-line technical support email and
announcements about AudioDesk software
enhancements as soon as they become available.
Thank you for taking the time to register your new
MOTU products!
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PACKING LIST & MAC SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
16
!Traveler Manual/Mac Page 16 Monday, November 29, 2004 3:39 PM

CHAPTER
17
3
Installing the Traveler Hardware
OVERVIEW
Here’s an overview for installing the Traveler:
Important note before you begin! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Ta ke t h es e pre c au t i ons to prevent damage to your
computer, the Traveler and other equipment.
Connect the Traveler interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Connect the Traveler to the computer.
Connect audio inputs and outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Make optical and analog connections as desired.
Connect MIDI gear. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Connect a controller, synth or control surface.
Power options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Choose from among several convenient options.
A typical Traveler setup (no mixer) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
An example setup for computer-based mixing/FX.
Using the Traveler with a mixer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
An example setup for a mixer-based studio.
Making sync connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
If you need to resolve the Traveler with other
devices, make the necessary sync connections.
Do you need a synchronizer? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Sample-accurate sync . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Sample-accurate ADAT sync . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Sample-accurate ADAT sync with no synchronizer . . 29
Syncing to SMPTE time code. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Syncing to video and/or SMPTE time code using a
synchronizer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Syncing optical devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Syncing S/PDIF and AES/EBU devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Syncing word clock devices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Syncing large systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Connecting multiple MOTU FireWire interfaces . . . . . 35
IMPORTANT NOTE BEFORE YOU BEGIN!
Before you begin installing the Traveler (or any
bus-powered device), take these important
precautionary measures to avoid damaging the
sensitive electrical components in your computer,
the Traveler or other devices being connected:
■ Tu r n o ff t h e c omp ute r.
■ Tu r n o ff t he Tr ave l er’s front panel power switch.
■ Tu r n o ff t h e power of any other devices.
■ To u c h t h e m e t a l casing of the Traveler to
discharge any static electricity that you may be
carrying just before the installation.
After you have made all of the necessary
connections, as described in this chapter, turn on
the devices in this sequence:
1. Turn on the computer.
2. Turn on the Traveler.
3. Turn on other devices connected to the Traveler.
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INSTALLING THE TRAVELER HARDWARE
18
CONNECT THE TRAVELER INTERFACE
1 Make sure your computer and the Traveler are
switched off.
2 Plug one end of the Traveler FireWire cable
(included) into the FireWire socket on the
computer as shown below in Figure 3-1.
☛
Yo u can connect the Traveler to an 800Mbit
“FireWire B”port using a 9-pin to 6-pin FireWire B
cable (not shown). However, the Traveler will still
operate at its specified 400Mbit (FireWire A) data
rate.
3 Plug the other end of the FireWire cable into the
Traveler I/O as shown below in Figure 3-1.
Figure 3-1: Connecting the Traveler to the computer.
CONNECT AUDIO INPUTS AND OUTPUTS
The Traveler audio interface has the following
audio input and output connectors:
■
8 balanced, +4 dB quarter-inch analog outputs
■ 4 balanced +4/-10 dB quarter-inch analog
inputs
■
4 Neutrik™ XLR/quarter-inch analog inputs
with preamps
■1 pair of RCA S/PDIF in and out
■1 pair of AES/EBU in and out
■1 pair of optical in/out switchable between
ADAT (“Lightpipe”) or optical S/PDIF (TOSLink)
Here are a few things you should keep in mind as
you are making these connections to other devices.
Mic/guitar/instrument inputs
Connect a microphone, guitar or other similar
instrument to the front-panel inputs, as
recommended in the table below. If your
microphone requires phantom power, move the
48V phantom power switch on the front panel to
the right (enabled).Use the trim knobs on the front
panel to adjust the input level as needed for each
input. The LCD provides feedback for the current
trim setting. The Traveler’s input trims are digital
controlled, so they allow you to make fine-tuned
adjustments in approximately 1dB increments.Use
the four input level meters on the front panel
(labeled ANALOG 1-4) to calibrate the level.These
meters register for both the XLR and TRS input.
Input 48V phantom power Pad
Condenser mic On Off
Dynamic mic Off Off
Guitar Off Off
Synth, sampler, etc. Off Off
+4dB line level input Off On
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INSTALLING THE TRAVELER HARDWARE
19
To to g g l e t he p a d , push the input’s trim knob. The
LCD provides feedback for the current pad setting.
The pad settings above are recommended initial
settings. Use the front-panel trim knobs to adjust
input levels, and use the Traveler’s front-panel
4-segment meters to adjust the gain accordingly. If
necessary, after adjusting the trim, you can enable
or disable the pad as needed, depending on actual
signal levels.
Quarter-inch analog
The quarter-inch analog inputs (5-8) and outputs
(1-8) are balanced TRS connectors that can also
accept an unbalanced plug. The outputs are all
referenced to +4dBu. The inputs can be manually
set to either +4 or -10dBu. Use the front panel
controls to adjust the reference level (+4/-10) as
needed for each input (or input pair) as follows:
1Tur n t he PAR A M knob until you see the“4/10”
setting displayed in the LCD, as shown below.
If turning the PARAM knob doesn’t do anything,
press the SETUP knob once, and then turn it.
Figure 3-2: Setting the reference level for the four TRS analog inputs.
2Tu r n t he C U RSOR knob until the desired input
flashes.
3Tu r n ( or press) the VALUE knob to toggle the
input between a +4 or -10dB reference level setting.
Optical
Reminder: optical goes OUT to IN and IN to OUT,
like MIDI. The optical jacks can be connected to
either an ADAT “lightpipe” device or an optical
S/PDIF“TOSLink” device. Just make the
connections as needed and then you’ll set the
format later in the MOTU FireWire Audio Console.
Input and output are independent. For example,
you could connect ADAT optical input from your
digital mixer and connect TOSLink optical output
to your DAT deck.
The optical S/PDIF jacks are disabled at the 4x
sample rates (176.4 and 192kHz).
Analog outputs 1-2 can serve as main outs
Analog outputs 1-2 can serve as main outputs.The
main out volume is controlled by the volume knob
on the front panel. Push the knob to toggle
between phone and main out volume control. In a
standard studio configuration, the main outs are
intended for a pair of studio monitors,but they can
also be used as regular outputs for any purpose.
CONNECT MIDI GEAR
Connect your MIDI device’s MIDI IN jack to the
Traveler’s M I DI OUT jack (Connection A below).
Conversely, connect the MIDI device’s MIDI OUT
jack to the Traveler’s MIDI IN jack (Connection B).
Figure 3-3: Connecting a MIDI device to the Traveler.
One-way MIDI connections
MIDI devices that do not receive MIDI data, such
as a dedicated keyboard controller, guitar
controller, or drum pad, only need Connection B
Traveler
rear panel
MIDI Device
MIDI
cables
MIDI
IN
MIDI
OUT
MIDI
OUT
MIDI
IN
Connection A
Connection B
!Traveler Manual/Mac Page 19 Monday, November 29, 2004 3:39 PM

INSTALLING THE TRAVELER HARDWARE
20
shown in Figure 3-3. Similarly, devices that never
send data, such as a sound module, only need
Connection A. Make both connections for any
device that needs to both send and receive MIDI
data.
Connecting additional gear with MIDI THRUs
If you need to connect several pieces of MIDI gear,
run a MIDI cable from the MIDI THRU of a device
already connected to the Traveler to the MIDI IN
on the additional device as shown below in
Figure 3-4. The two devices then share the
Traveler’s M I DI OUT port. This means that they
share the same set of 16 MIDI channels, too, so try
to do this with devices that receive on only one
MIDI channel (such as effects modules) so their
receive channels don’t conflict with one another.
Figure 3-4: Connecting additional devices with MIDI THRU ports.
POWER OPTIONS
The Traveler can draw power from three possible
sources:
1. the computer (via FireWire)
2. an external battery pack
3. a DC power supply
Figure 3-5: The Traveler’s battery and power supply options.
Bus power requirements
The Traveler draws all the power it needs from the
FireWire bus connection to the computer.
However, the FireWire connection to the computer
must meet all of the requirements discussed below.
6-pin FireWire connectors
The Traveler can only draw power over the
FireWire bus from a 6-pin to 6-pin cable,or a 6-pin
to 9-pin (FireWire B) cable. It cannot draw power
from a FireWire cable with a 4-pin connector, as
shown below:
Figure 3-6: 4-pin FireWire connectors cannot be used for bus power.
MIDI IN
MIDI
cable
MIDI Device
MIDI
IN
MIDI
THRU
MIDI
OUT
Additional device
Traveler
side panel
6-pin FireWire
4-pin FireWire
✓✗
YES
NO
!Traveler Manual/Mac Page 20 Monday, November 29, 2004 3:39 PM