MOTU Traveler User manual

™
Traveler
User’s Guide for Windows
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/Win Page 1 Monday, November 29, 2004 3:50 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 GIVES YOU 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.
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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 & Windows System Requirements
17
IMPORTANT!
Run the Traveler Software Installer First
19
Installing the Traveler Hardware
39
MOTU FireWire Audio Console
45
Traveler Front Panel Operation
51
Cubase, Nuendo and Other ASIO Software
59
Sonar and other WDM Software
65 Reducing Monitoring Latency
71
CueMix Console
79
FireWire SMPTE Console
83
Performance Tips & Troubleshooting
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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.
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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
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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 37.
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 44.
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 43) 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 MIDI Timepiece 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
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4 9
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CHAPTER
7
Quick Reference:
MOTU FireWire Audio Console
Device Setup in Cubase SX
Check this option if the audio software you
are using with theTraveler does not support
Windows WDM drivers and instead only
supports legacy MME (Wave) drivers.When
checked,this option makes all of theTraveler
inputs and outputs available to legacy Wave-
driver compatible audio software.
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 synchronization 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
system 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).
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.
Click the tabs to access general
MOTU FireWire interface settings
or settings specific to theTraveler
(or other connected interface.)
Choosing a smaller setting here
reduces the delay you may hear
when listening to live input that
you are running through effects
plug-ins in your software.But
lower settings also increase the
strain on your computer.For
details,see “Samples Per Buffer”
on page 43.
Click the Traveler tab to access
these settings.
This option should always be left
on (checked).There are only a few
rare cases in which you would
want to turn it off.For details,
refer to the MOTU tech support
database at www.motu.com.
TravelerThere are several ways to access these settings:
■From theWindows Start menu,choose Programs>MOTU>MOTU
FireWire Audio Console.
■From within Cubase SX,go to the Device Setup window and click
the VST Audiobay.
■From within other applications,refer to their documentation.
How to access these settings
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 does not apply to
the Traveler,which does not have a foot
switch input.
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8
!Traveler Manual/Win Page 8 Monday, November 29, 2004 3:50 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. A WDM driver
is included for audio applications running under
Windows Me/2000/XP.Also included are ASIO2
and GSIF2 drivers for multi-channel operation
with any Windows audio software that supports
these drivers.
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/Win Page 9 Monday, November 29, 2004 3:50 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 Cubase, Nuendo and other audio
sequencer software that supports the ASIO2
sample-accurate sync protocol.
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.
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.
HOST AUDIO SOFTWARE
The Traveler system ships with a standard WDM
Windows driver that allows you to record, edit,
play back and mix your Traveler projects using
your favorite Windows audio software.
The Traveler also includes ASIO2 and GSIF2
drivers for multi-channel compatibility with any
audio application that supports these drivers.
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ABOUT THE TRAVELER
13
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/Win Page 14 Monday, November 29, 2004 3:50 PM

CHAPTER
15
2
Packing List & Windows 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
WINDOWS SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
The Traveler system requires the following
Windows system:
■ A 300 MHz Pentium-based PC compatible or
faster equipped with at least one FireWire port
■ A Pentium III processor or faster is
recommended
■ At least 256 MB (megabytes) of RAM (512 MB
or more is recommended)
■ Windows Me, 2000 or XP
■ 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!
Thank you for taking the time to register your new
MOTU products!
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PACKING LIST & WINDOWS SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
16
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CHAPTER
17
3
IMPORTANT! Run the Traveler
Software Installer First
OVERVIEW
Install the Traveler software first! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Installing the Traveler software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
MOTU FireWire Audio Console. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
ASIO MOTU FireWire Audio Driver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
The MOTU FireWire audio WDM driver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
MOTU GSIF FireWire driver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
CueMix Console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
FireWire SMPTE Console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
INSTALL THE TRAVELER SOFTWARE FIRST!
Before you connect the Traveler audio interface to
your computer and turn it on, insert the Traveler
software CD and run the Traveler Software
Installer. This ensures that all the Traveler
components are properly installed in your system.
If Windows asks you to locate the drivers
If you’ve already connected the Traveler to your
computer and switched it on,Windows probably
issued an alert notifying you that the Traveler
requires drivers, followed by another window
asking you to locate the drivers on disk. If this
happens:
1 Cancel the driver search.
2 Switch off the Traveler.
3 Run the Traveler Software Installer as instructed
in the next section.
INSTALLING THE TRAVELER SOFTWARE
To i n s t a l l t h e Tr ave l e r software, insert the MOTU
Audio CD-ROM and follow the directions it gives
you on your computer screen.The Traveler ships
with the following software and drivers for
Windows Me, 2000 and XP:
Software
component Purpose
MOTU FireWire
Audio Console
Provides access to all of the settings in the
Traveler hardware.
ASIO MOTU
FireWire Audio
Driver
Allows Cubase or other ASIO-compliant
software to do multi-channel input and
output with the Traveler. Only required if
you are using Cubase or another ASIO-
dependent program.
MOTU FireWire
WDM Driver
Allows any WDM-driver compatible
audio software to do multichannel input
and output with the Traveler.
MOTU FireWire
GSIF Driver
Allows you to use your Traveler with Tas-
cam GigaStudio.
MOTU FireWire
MIDI Driver
Provides MIDI input and output via the
Traveler MIDI ports.
FireWire CueMix
Console
Gives you complete control over the Trav-
eler’s CueMix DSP feature, which pro-
vides no-latency monitoring of live
inputs.
FireWire SMPTE
Console
Provides access to the Traveler’s SMPTE
time code and video sync features.
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IMPORTANT! RUN THE TRAVELER SOFTWARE INSTALLER FIRST
18
MOTU FIREWIRE AUDIO CONSOLE
The MOTU FireWire Audio Console (available in
the Start menu) gives you access to all of the
settings in the Traveler, such as the clock source
and sample rate. For complete details, see
chapter 5,“MOTU FireWire Audio Console”
(page 39).
Figure 3-1: The MOTU FireWire Audio Console gives you access to all
of the settings in the Traveler hardware.
ASIO MOTU FIREWIRE AUDIO DRIVER
ASIO stands for Audio Streaming Input and Output .
The ASIO MOTU FireWire driver allows Traveler
to provide multi-channel input and output for
Steinberg’s Cubase SX and Nuendo software, or
any other audio application that supports ASIO
drivers.
The ASIO MOTU FireWire driver is only required
if you are using Cubase SX, Nuendo, or another
audio program that relies on the ASIO driver to
support multi-channel I/O with the Traveler.
The ASIO MOTU FireWire driver is installed by
the Traveler Software Installer and properly
registered with Windows, so you don’t need to be
concerned about its installation or location.
For details about using Cubase and Nuendo with
the Traveler, see chapter 7,“Cubase, Nuendo and
Other ASIO Software” (page 51).
THE MOTU FIREWIRE AUDIO WDM DRIVER
The MOTU FireWire Audio WDM driver provides
standard multi-channel input and output for audio
applications running under Windows Me, 2000 or
XP. See chapter 8,“Sonar and other WDM
Software” (page 59) for details.
The MOTU FireWire Audio installer CD installs
the MOTU FireWire Audio WDM driver into
Windows for you.
MOTU GSIF FIREWIRE DRIVER
The MOTU GSIF FireWire Driver allows you to
access the Traveler as an audio interface for Tascam
GigaStudio and related products. The GSIF driver
features low-latency multi-channel performance.
MOTU FIREWIRE MIDI DRIVER
This driver allows you to access the Traveler’s MIDI
input and output ports. The ports are published in
Windows and are available to all MIDI software.
CUEMIX CONSOLE
This program provides a mixing console that gives
you control over the Traveler’s no-latency CueMix
DSP features. For details, see chapter 10,“CueMix
Console” (page 71).
FIREWIRE SMPTE CONSOLE
The FireWire SMPTE Console software provides a
complete set of tools for resolving the Traveler to
SMPTE time code, and to generate SMPTE for
striping, regenerating or slaving other devices to
the computer. For details, see chapter 11,“FireWire
SMPTE Console” (page 79).
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CHAPTER
19
4
Installing the Traveler Hardware
OVERVIEW
Here’s an overview for installing the Traveler:
Important note before you begin! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Connect the Traveler to the computer.
Connect audio inputs and outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Make optical and analog connections as desired.
Connect MIDI gear. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Connect a controller, synth or control surface.
Power options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Choose from among several convenient options.
A typical Traveler setup (no mixer) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
An example setup for computer-based mixing/FX.
Using the Traveler with a mixer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
An example setup for a mixer-based studio.
Making sync connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
If you need to resolve the Traveler with other
devices, make the necessary sync connections.
Do you need a synchronizer? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Sample-accurate sync . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Sample-accurate ADAT sync . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Sample-accurate ADAT sync with no synchronizer . . 31
Syncing to SMPTE time code. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Syncing to video and/or SMPTE time code using a
synchronizer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Syncing optical devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Syncing S/PDIF and AES/EBU devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Syncing word clock devices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Syncing large systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Connecting multiple MOTU FireWire interfaces . . . . . 37
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 om pu te 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
20
CONNECT THE TRAVELER INTERFACE
1Make sure your computer and the Traveler are
switched off.
2Plug one end of the Traveler FireWire cable
(included) into the FireWire socket on the
computer as shown below in Figure 4-1.
3Plug the other end of the FireWire cable into the
Traveler I/O as shown below in Figure 4-1.
Figure 4-1: 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
!Traveler Manual/Win Page 20 Monday, November 29, 2004 3:50 PM