Mark of the Unicorn Traveler User's Guide

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 c h s u pp o rt em a il : [e-mail]

Web sit e: www.motu.com

About the Mark of the Unicorn License Agreement and
Limited Warranty on Software

TO PERSONS WHO PURCHASE OR USE THIS 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
PA R TIES 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 TO YOU.

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.

Contents

Quick Reference:

5

Traveler Front Panel

Quick Reference:

6

Traveler Rear & Side Panels

Quick Reference:

7

MOTU FireWire Audio Console

About the Traveler

9

Packing List & Mac System Requirements

15

Installing the Traveler Hardware

17

Installing the Traveler Mac OS X Software

39

43

MOTU FireWire Audio Console

Traveler Front Panel Operation

51

57

Digital Performer

AudioDesk

63

Logic and Other Mac OS X Software

69

Reducing Monitoring Latency

73

CueMix Console

79

87

FireWire SMPTE Console

Troubleshooting

91

III

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS

WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRICAL SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR OTHER MOISTURE.

CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER. NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER
SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.

WARNING: DO NOT PERMIT FINGERS TO TOUCH THE TERMINALS OF POWER PLUGS WHEN INSTALLING OR REMOVING THE PLUG TO 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 MOTU Traveler 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 MOTU Traveler has been exposed to rain or water.
d. If the MOTU Traveler does not operate normally by following the operating instructions in the owner's manual.
e. If the MOTU Traveler has been dropped or the cabinet has been damaged.
f. When the MOTU Traveler 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 EQUIVALENT TYPE RECOMMENDED
BYMANUFACTURER. DISPOSE OF USED BATTERY ACCORDING TO MANUFACTURER’S INSTRUCTIONS.

IV

111213141516171819

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).

settings (gain, pan, etc.) for individual inputs.

settings like the Traveler 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.

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.

-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

19. These switches provide phantom power for their respec-

then turn the front-panel volume knob for volume

tive microphone input. Left is off; right is on. (Right on!)

control.

15. The multi-purpose backlit LCD shows system settings or

before unplugging the FireWire cable.

computer. Use this power switch to turn it on and off. It is

recommended that you always power off the Traveler

11. The Traveler is powered by its FireWire connection to the

16. Use the VALUE and CURSOR knobs to adjust the CueMix

Tra vel er is operating. Use the MOTU FireWire Audio

Console to set the sample rate or to choose an external

12. These lights indicate the global sample rate at which the

17. Use the SETUP and SELECT knobs to change system

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

Tra vel er 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

18. This is a standard quarter-inch stereo headphone jack.

the stereo S/PDIF and AES/EBU digital outputs.

rear-panel TRS analog outputs. Their threshold is around

14. These round LEDs indicate signal presence on the eight

Quick Reference: Traveler Front Panel

0

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

4. These four 4-segment meters show input signal level for

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.

VALU E knob.

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 the Traveler

is successfully reading address (time code) information.

the mic/instrument XLR/combo inputs on the rear panel.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

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.

Push to toggle between them. The LCD provides

feedback.

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

1. These four detented digital trim knobs provide 53dB of

2. Controls the headphone volume or main out volume.

3. This section controls the Traveler’s built-in CueMix DSP

the parameter you wish to edit with the PARAM knob.

10

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.

Connect the Traveler’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).

Enable switch. For battery operation (i.e. powering the

Tra vel er from a battery pack via the 4-in XLR jack), turn

this switch to the OFF position.

here via a 4-in XLR cable. Remember to also turn off the

bus power switch to the left.

with either tip-positive or tip-negative polarity. Remem-

ber to also turn the BUS POWER switch to the OFF

not have microphone preamps, so they are best used for

14. This jack accepts any standard 10-24V DC power supply

synthesizers, drum machines, effects processors, and

other instruments with line level signals.

position.

either a mic cable or a cable with a quarter-inch plug.

Both the low-impedance XLR jack and the high-imped-

10. These four Neutrik™ combo (XLR/TRS) jacks accept

11. Connect a MIDI device here using standard MIDI cables.

balanced +4dB TRS (tip/ring/sleeve) quarter-inch

connectors that can also accept an unbalanced plug.

They are equipped with 24-bit, 128x oversampling

converters.

Tra vel er’s main outputs. You can connect them to a set of

powered studio monitors and then control the volume

11 12 13 14

7. The Traveler’s eight analog outputs are gold-plated,

from the front panel volume knob. (Push the knob first to

8. These two balanced, quarter-inch jacks serve as the

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

12. For bus-powered operation, turn on the Bus Power

(Analog 1-2). You can also use CueMix DSP to monitor

live Traveler inputs here as well.

ring/sleeve) quarter-inch connectors that can also

9. These 4 analog inputs are gold-plated, balanced TRS (tip/

accept an unbalanced plug. The front panel LCD and

13. Connect a 10-24V battery pack or other power supply

Cuemix Co nsole 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

Quick Reference: Traveler Rear & Side Panels

0

4 9

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).

TOSL ink 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).

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).

and output at any sample rate up to 96kHz. They are

5. If you are using the Traveler with an ADAT, use this

disabled at the 4x rates (176.4 and 192kHz).

6. These jacks provide stereo, 24-bit S/PDIF digital input

1 2 3 5 6 7 8

Use the second FireWire port to daisy-

Important note: it is best to turn off the

and output at any sample rate up to 96kHz. They are

disabled at the 4x rates (176.4 and 192kHz).

standard 1394 FireWire A cable provided with your

Tra vel er.

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.

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.

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

Tra vel er 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 the Traveler’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.

either to an ADAT-compatible “lightpipe” device (such as

1. These jacks provide stereo, 24-bit AES/EBU digital input

2. Connect the Traveler to the computer here using the

3. These are standard word clock jacks. Use them for a

a digital mixer) or to a S/PDIF optical (“TOSLink”)

4. These optical digital I/O connectors can be connected

Quick Reference:

CHAPTER

MOTU FireWire Audio Console

Determines the clock source for your
Tra vel er. 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.

This menu lets you choose what you will hear
from the headphone jack. To mirror the main
outs, choose Analog 1-2. Or y ou 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 the Traveler
(or other connected interface.)

Choose the sample rate for the
Tra vel er here.

Specifies the stereo input and
output pair when the Traveler is
chosen for Mac OS X audio I/O.

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.

If you are running a Traveler inter­face 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 General tab to access these settings.

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.)

In the standard Mac OS X fashion, the console
appears in the dock when you launch it. If the
Launch conso le automatically option is
checked (as shown above), the icon appears
as soon as you switch on your Traveler inter­face. 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 config­ure any hardware settings from this menu,
without opening the console window.

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
Tra vel er, which does not have a
foot switch input.

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 pl ugged into input 1,
you could name it “Lead Vox”.
You r c us tomized names then
appear in your host audio
application (if it supports
CoreAu dio input/output
naming).

7

8

CHAPTER

About the Traveler

1

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)

With a variety of I/O formats, mic preamps, no­latency monitoring of live input and synchroni­zation capabilities, the Traveler is a complete,
portable “studio in a box” when used with a
Macintosh or Windows computer. The Tr a v e l e 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 quarter­inch (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

■

Wor d c lo ck in /o ut

■

Tw o 1394 FireWire jacks

■

CueMix™ DSP no-latency mixing & monitoring

■

Front-panel programming

Stand-alone mixing

■

9

20 inputs and 22 outputs

All Traveler inputs and outputs can be used simul­taneously, for a total of 20 inputs and 22 outputs:

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

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
optic al “ TOSLi nk”. 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 indepen­dently. For example, the optical input can be set to

10

ABOUT THE TRAVELER

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 o utpu t. Th e Trave ler prov ide s a
DSP-driven phase-lock engine with sophisticated
filtering that provides fast lockup times and sub­frame accuracy. Direct time code synchronization
is supported by AudioDesk and Digital Performer
on Mac OS X.

The included FireWire SM PTE 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 synchroni­zation 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 m ain
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.

ABOUT THE TRAVELER

11

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.

Clock

The

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 sample­accurate 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

Off

to the

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
Trave l er sy st em (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, sample­accurate editing and placement of audio, and more.

12

ABOUT THE TRAVELER

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
Trave l er, t he ho st co m p uter 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.

ABOUT THE TRAVELER

13

14

ABOUT THE TRAVELER

CHAPTER

Packing List & Mac System

2

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)

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!

■

Mac OS X (version 10.2 or later)

■

A large hard drive (preferably at least 20 GB)

15

16

PACKING LIST & MAC SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

CHAPTER

Installing the Traveler Hardware

3

OVERVIEW

Here’s an overview for installing the Traveler:

Important note before you begin! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Ta k e the se p re caut ion s 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.

IMPORTANT NOTE BEFORE YOU BEGIN!

Before you begin installing the Traveler (or any
bus-powered device), take these important
precautionar y measures to avoid damaging the
sensitive electrical components in your computer,
the Traveler or other devices being connected:

■

Tur n o ff th e co mp u te r.

■

Tur n o ff the Tra v el er ’s front panel power switch.

■

Tur n o ff th e power of any other devices.

■

Tou ch t h e m e ta 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.

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/EB U devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Syncing word clock devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Syncing large systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Connecting multiple MOTU FireWire interfaces . . . . . 35

17

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.

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

3

Plug the other end of the FireWire cable into the
Trave l er I/O as shown below in Figure 3-1.

■ 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

Figure 3-1: Connecting the Traveler to the computer.

18

Dynamic mic Off Off

Guitar Off Off

Synth, sampler, etc. Off Off

+4dB line level input Off On

INSTALLING THE TRAVELER HARDWARE

To t og gle th e pa 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:

1 Tur n t h e PA RAM kn ob 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.

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
Trave l er ’s M ID I O UT jack (Connection A below).
Conversely, connect the MIDI device’s MIDI OUT
jack to the Traveler’s MIDI IN jack (Connection B).

Figure 3-2: Setting the reference level for the four TRS analog inputs.

2 Tur n t he CURSOR knob until the desired input
flashes.

3 Tur n ( o r 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” de v i ce or an optical

INSTALLING THE TRAVELER HARDWARE

Tra veler

rear panel

MIDI
OUT

Connection A

MIDI Device

Figure 3-3: Connecting a MIDI device to the Traveler.

MIDI

cables

MIDI INMIDI

OUT

MIDI

IN

Connection B

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

19

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
Trave l er ’s M ID I O UT 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.

Tra veler

side panel

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 connect ion to the computer
must meet all of the requirements discussed below.

MIDI

OUT

MIDI

MIDI Device

Figure 3-4: Connecting additional devices with MIDI THRU ports.

20

IN

MIDI

THRU

MIDI

cable

MIDI IN

Additional device

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:

✓

YES

NO

✗

6-pin FireWire

4-pin FireWire

Figure 3-6: 4-pin FireWire connectors cannot be used for bus power.

INSTALLING THE TRAVELER HARDWARE

When ope rating und er bus power, daisy-chaining
is not recommended

The Traveler can be daisy-chained with other
FireWire devices from a single FireWire
connection to the computer. However, if the
Trave l er is operating under bus power, this is not
recommended. If you need to daisy chain the
Trave l er wit h ot he r d ev ices on the same FireWire
bus, power the Traveler with a DC power supply
(or battery), and turn off the Bus Power switch on
the side panel. The other devices on the chain
should also have their own power supply. In
general, bus-powered FireWire devices should not
be daisy-chained.

FireWire adapter products must be powered

If you are using a FireWire adapter (a third-party
product that supplies one or more FireWire ports
to your computer), it must have direct access to a
power supply:

■ PCI FireWire cards — If you plan to connect the

Trave l er to a P CI card and run the Traveler under
bus power, the PCI card must have a direct
connection to the power supply harness inside
your computer. This is the same power supply
harness to which you connect internal hard drives,
CD/DVD drives, etc.

■ PCMCIA slot adapters — If you plan to connect

the Traveler to a PC card FireWire adapter
(inserted in the PC card slot in your laptop), it
must provide a 6-pin connection and it must also
have its own power supply. Most commonly, these
types of products have a DC power adapter that
plugs into an AC wall outlet. As you can see,
however, this situation does not allow for remote
battery operation, as the PC card adapter requires
AC.

Examples of bus- powered operation

Here are a few typical examples of bus-powered
Tr a v e l e r operation:

Bus power from a desktop computer

Yo ur de s k t op c om puter is running off of its usual
AC power connection, and the Traveler draws
power from the FireWire cable connected to the
computer. There are no limits to running time.

Bus power from an AC-powered laptop

This scenario is identical to the desktop situation
described above: the laptop is powered by AC, the
Trave l er is po we re d via t he FireWire bus and there
are no limits to running time.

Bus power from a battery-powered laptop

The laptop is being powered by its own battery, and
the Traveler is being powered by its FireWire
connection to the computer. So the laptop battery
is supplying power to both the laptop and the
Trave l er. T hi s i s the mo st compact and portable
operat ing scenario. Running time is determined by
the capacity of the laptop battery. For extended
recording sessions, bring extra, fully charged
laptop batteries.

Powering the Traveler from a battery pack

The 4-pin XLR battery jack on the Traveler side
panel allows you to connect a standard DC battery
pack, which is ideal for extended remote recording.
These products can provide multiple hours of
operation, depending on their capacity. The
battery pack should supply 10-18 volts and 12
watts. A typical application would employ a 12 volt
battery, therefore requiring 1 amp. In this scenario,
a 1 amp-hour battery will power the unit for
1 hour. A 10 amp-hour battery will power the unit
for 10 hours. Follow the manufacturer’s recom­mendations for battery discharge for proper
battery maintenance. For further details, contact
your p referred supplier of professional audio/video
equipment.

INSTALLING THE TRAVELER HARDWARE

21

DC 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 8-18 volt,
12 watt DC power supply with any polarity (tip
positive or negative), and amperage as shown
below. To prevent the Traveler from drawing power
from the computer, turn off the Bus Power switch.

Voltage Amperage

9 volts 1.33 amps

12 volts 1 amp

18 volts 0.66 amps

The Bus Power Enable/Disable switch

The Bus Power Enable/Disable switch on the side
panel of the Traveler lets you control whether or
not the Traveler draws power from the computer
via FireWire.

For example, when battery or DC power supply
options are not being used, and FireWire is the
only available power source, t urn on the Bus Power
switch.

If you are powering the Traveler via battery or DC
power supply, and you do not want it to draw
power from the computer (perhaps because it is a
laptop running under its own battery, and you
don’t want the Traveler to run down the laptop’s
battery unnecessarily), turn off the Bus Power
switch.

22

INSTALLING THE TRAVELER HARDWARE

A TYPICAL TRAVELER SETUP (NO MIXER)

Here is a typical Tr a v e l e r studio setup. This rig can
be operated without an external mixer. All mixing
and processing can be done in the computer with
audio software. During recording, you can use the

Tr av el er ’s Cu eM ix ™ DSP no-latency monitoring to
listen to what you are recording via the main outs,
headphone outs, or any other output pair. You can
control monitoring either from the front panel or
from the included CueMix Console software.

synthesizer

MIDI IN

MIDI OUT

quarter-inch

analog outs

monitors

guitars (with or
without an amp)

Mac

Tra vel er

back panel

AES/EBU

Digital reverb or other

outboard gear

headphones

FireWire

Digital processor or

other outboard gear

Tra vel er
front panel
headphone

jack

Analog

sends

ADAT optical

Figure 3-7: A typical Traveler studio setup.

Analog outputs (stage

monitors, surround

monitors, etc.)

S/PDIF

DAT deck

Analog
returns

mics

Compre ssor, reverb or other

analog outboard gear

INSTALLING THE TRAVELER HARDWARE

23

USING THE TRAVELER WITH A MIXER

While there are many ways to use the Traveler with
an external mixer, typically the Traveler serves as a
mult i-cha nnel “p ipeli ne” between the mixer and
the computer. If your mixer is analog, connect the
analog section of the Traveler to your mixer. If your
mixer is digital, and it has ADAT optical I/O, you
can connect them optically as shown below in
Figure 3-8. The Traveler’s available analog, SPDIF

Mac

FireWire

and AES/EBU inputs and outputs can serve as an
extension to the mixer I/O, but then you will
probably find yourself mixing in two places: the
mixer and the computer. A word of advice: if you
would like to use the Traveler with an external
mixer, use the mixer for mixing. Trying to mix
large multitrack projects in two places can become
very cumbersome very quickly.

24

8-channel digital I/O

ADAT optical

synths, samplers, etc.

synthesizers

digital mixer

Figure 3-8: Using the Traveler with a digital mixer.

INSTALLING THE TRAVELER HARDWARE

MAKING SYNC CONNECTIONS

If you connect devices digitally to the Traveler, or if
you need to synchronize the Traveler with an
outside time reference such as SMPTE time code,
you must pay careful attention to the synchroni­zation connections and clock source issues
discussed in the next few sections.

Do you need to synchronize the Traveler?

If you will be u sin g on ly the Tra vel er’s a nalo g in put s
and outputs (and none of its digital I/O), and you
have no plans to synchronize your Traveler system
to SMPTE time code, you don’t need to make any
sync connections. You can skip this section and
proceed to chapter 4, “Installing the Traveler Mac
OS X Software” (page 39). After you install the
Trave le r s of twa r e, you’l l open the MOTU FireWire
Audio Console and set the Clock Source setting to
Inter nal as shown below. For details, see chapter 5,
“MOTU FireWire Audio Console” (page 43).

Figure 3-9: You can run the Traveler under its own internal clock when
it has no digital audio connections and you are not synchronizing the
Traveler system to an external time reference such as SMPTE.

Situations that require synchronization

There are three general cases in which you will
need to resolve the Traveler with other devices:

■ Synchronizing the Traveler with other digital

audio devices so that their digital audio clocks are
phase-locked (as shown in Figure 3-10)

■ Slaving the Traveler system to SMPTE time code

from a video deck, analog multi-track, etc.

■ Both of the above

Synchronization is critical for clean digital I/O

Synchronization is critical in any audio system, but
it is especially important when you are transferring
audio between digital audio devices. You r su ccess
in using the Traveler’s digital I/O features depends
almost entirely on proper synchronization. The
following sections guide you through several
recommended scenarios.

Be sure to choose a digital audio clock master

When you transfer digital audio between two
devices, their audio clocks must be in phase with
one another — or phase-locked. Otherwise, you’ll
hear clicks, pops, and distortion in the audio — or
perhaps no audio at all.

Not phase-locked Phase-locked

Device A

Device B

Figure 3-10: When transferring audio, two devices must have phase­locked audio clocks to prevent clicks, pops or other artifacts.

There are two ways to achieve phase lock: slave one
device to the other, or slave both devices to a third
master clock. If you have three or more digital
audio devices, you need to slave them all to a single
master audio clock.

Master

Slave

Figure 3-11: To keep the Traveler phased-locked with other digital
audio devices connected to it, choose a clock master.

Master

Slave Slave

Also remember that audio phase lock can be
achieved independently of time code (location).
For example, one device can be the time code
master while another is the audio clock master. But
only one device can be the audio clock master. If
you set things up with this rule in mind, you’ll have
trouble-free audio transfers with the Traveler.

INSTALLING THE TRAVELER HARDWARE

25

DO YOU NEED A SYNCHRONIZER?

Whether or not you’ll need a synchronizer depends
on your gear and what you will be doing with your
Trave l er sy st em . The following pages give you
specific information about common sync
scenarios. At least one of them will likely apply to
you. Here are some general considerations to help
you figure out if you need (or want) a synchronizer
for your Traveler system.

Yo u don’t need a synchronizer if...

As explained earlier, the Traveler’s digital audio
clock must be phase-locked (synchronized) with
other connected digital audio devices to achieve
clean digital transfers between them. Can this be
accomplished without an additional digital audio
synchronizer? It depends on the nature of the other
devices, and what you want to do with them. You
don’t need a synchronizer if the device has a way of
locking itself directly to the Traveler’s clock (via
ADAT lightpipe, S/PDIF, AES/EBU or word clock),
AND if the device carries no sense of location in
time. A digital mixer is a good example: it can slave
to its ADAT lightpipe connection from the Traveler,
and it has no sense of time; it just passes audio
through for mixing.

A stand-alone digital recorder, on the other hand,
does have a sense of location in time, either via
SMPTE time code or via its own sample address.
For example, if you want to fly tracks back and
forth between your computer and an Alesis hard
disk recorder while maintaining the audio’s
position in time, the ADAT Sync port on the
Trave l er le ts you do so without a separate
synchronizer — and with sample-accurate
precision, as long as you’re using AudioDesk,
Digital Performer, or other sample-accurate
software. Just connect the Traveler directly to the
Alesis recorder (or other ADAT Sync-compatible
device) as discussed in “Sample-accurate ADAT
sync with no synchronizer” on page 29. But if you
also want transport control over the entire rig

(including the hard disk recorder) from your audio
software, you’ll need a MIDI Machine Control­compatible synchronizer such as MOTU’s MIDI
Timepie ce AV, as discussed in “Sample-accurate
sync” on page 27. If you are simply using a stand­alone recorder as a way to capture live tracks that
you then transfer in one pass into the computer, no
synchronizer is required because the tracks will
remain in perfect phase lock with each other as you
transfer them together. You can simply slave the
stand-alone recorder to the optical output from the
Trave l er as ex pl ai ned in “Syncing optical devices”
on page 32.

Transpor t control from your computer

If you have stand -alone d igital recorders connected
to the Traveler, and they support ADAT Sync, your
audio software — if it supports MIDI Machine
Control (MMC) — allows you to control the
transports of everything from your computer.
Most advanced audio programs support MMC. To
do this, you’ll also need an MMC-compatible
ADAT synchronizer such as a MOTU MIDI
Timepiece AV. Synchronizers like these allow you
to play, stop, rew ind and locate all of your tape
decks using the transport controls in the audio
software. If your audio software supports sample­accurate sync (like Digital Performer and
Audio Desk), you can do so with sample-accurate
precision. The following pages show you how to
achieve MMC control, where possible.

Continuous sync to SMPTE / MTC

The Traveler can synchronize directly to SMPTE
time code. If your audio software supports sample­accurate sync (like Digital Performer and
Aud ioDes k), i t ca n also res olve to time code via the
Trave le r. If yo ur sof tw ar e does not support sample­accurate sync, you need a dedicated synchronizer,
as illustrated on the following pages.

26

INSTALLING THE TRAVELER HARDWARE

SAMPLE-ACCURATE SYNC

Yo ur Tr av el er s ystem provides you with the most
advanced, accurate synchronization possible with
Alesis modular digital tape decks and hard disk
recorders — or any device that supports sample­accurate ADAT sync. Figure 3-12 below shows a
few best-case scenarios. Below is a brief
explanation of the benefits you achieve with these
setups.

Sample accurate locating

With sample accurate locating, when you transfer
audio between AudioDesk (or any other sample­accurate host software) and a sample-accurate
recorder, the audio will not drift in time — even by
as little as one sample. This is the tightest possible
synchronization between digital audio devices.
The timing in your audio w ill not be affe cted in any
way by the process of transferring it between the
Trave l er an d the recorder.

Is your audio software sample-accurate?

Sample-accurate locating is only possible with
software that supports this feature, such as
AudioDesk or Dig ital Performer.

Transpor t control from your computer

If you have a MIDI Timepiece AV, Digital
Timepiece or any ADAT synchronizer that also
supports MIDI Machine Control (MMC), you can
play, stop, rewind and locate all of your ADATs
using the transport controls in the audio software
running on your computer. This includes cueing
features like markers, position bars, playback
wipers, time rulers, etc.

Figure 3-13: Audi oDesk and Dig ital Performer support sample­accurate transfers with ADAT Sync compatible digital tape decks and
modular hard disk recorders.

Sample

Sync format Software Synchronizer

ADAT AudioDesk or Digital Per-

ADAT AudioDesk or Digital Per-

ADAT AudioDesk or Digital Per-

Figure 3-12: These recommended combinations of hardware and software offer the tightest sync possible between the Traveler and digital
audio recorders in the form of sample-accurate locating between the software and the tape decks. Sample accurate locating is possible even
without a MIDI Timepiece AV or Digital Timepiece, although you give up transport control from the computer.

INSTALLING THE TRAVELER HARDWARE

former

former

former

MIDI Timepiece AV
or Digital Timepiece

BRC (or any MMC capa­ble ADAT synchronizer)

None Yes No No

accurate
locating

Yes Yes Yes

Yes Yes Yes

Transport
control
from computer

Continuous sync
to SMPTE / MTC

27

SAMPLE-ACCURATE ADAT SYNC

The Traveler can achieve sample-accurate sync
with ADATs, Alesis hard disk recorders or any
ADAT Sync-compatible devices. Sample-accurate
software is required, such as AudioDesk, Digital
Perfor mer or compat ible software that also
supports sample-accurate sync. Connect the
Trave l er to th e end of the ADAT Sync chain and
make the software settings shown below in
Figure 3-14. If you will be using the stand-alone
recorder for its analog inputs and outputs only
(you won’t be doing any recording with it), treat it
as an ‘optical’ device. See “Syncing optical devices”
on page 32.

In AudioDesk or Digital Performer:

1. Choose Receive Sync the Setup menu.

2. Choose the Sample-accurate option
shown to the left.

3. Make sure that Slave to External Sync is
checked in the Studio menu.

Macintosh computer running AudioDesk, Digital
Perf ormer or other sample-accurate software.

FireWire

If you have a MOTU
synchronizer, set its
sync mode to Internal.

USB cable (bi-directional MIDI connection)

bearing MMC transport commands from

MIDI Timepiece AV (or other synchronizer)

AudioDesk or

Digital Performer to the

Digital Timepiece, MIDI Timepiece AV,

Alesis BRC or any other MMC-compatible

ADAT synchronizer

ADAT

Sync Out

Use this setup if you have:

ADATs, Alesis hard disk recorders or any ADAT SYNC

✓

compatible device(s).

✓A MOTU Digital Timepiece, MIDI Timepiece AV or other

ADAT synchronizer.

✓Host software that supports sample-accurate sync.

This setup provides:

Sample-accurate locating between all ADAT SYNC-compati-

✓

ble devices, the Traveler and your software (AudioDesk,
Digital Performer or other sample-accurate software).

✓With a Digital Timepiece, this setup provides sample-accurate

locating across all devices: ADAT, Tascam and the Traveler.

✓Transport control of everything from the computer, OR

continuous sync to SMPTE time code and other sync sources
(the other source is the transport master in this case).

To s et the Traveler hardware clock source for sample­accurate sync:

1. In AudioDesk or Digital Performer, choose Configure
Audio System>Configure Hardware Driver from the
Setup menu, or run the MOTU FireWire Audio Console.

2. Choose ADAT 9-pin from the Clock Source menu as
shown to above.

3. Make sure the Sample Rate setting matches the recorder
and synchronizer.

ADATs

FireWire

Figure 3-14: Connections for sample-accurate ADAT sync.

28

Sync In

Sync Out

Sync In

Sync Out

Sync In

Sync Out

Sync In

ADAT

sync cables

etc.

In AudioDesk or Digital
Perf ormer, turn on MIDI
Machine Control by pressing
this button. This brings on line
all the recorders connected to
the DTP or MTP AV.

AudioDesk automatically scans
the DTP or MTP AV for
connected recorders, and they
appear here.

INSTALLING THE TRAVELER HARDWARE

SAMPLE-ACCURATE ADAT SYNC WITH NO
SYNCHRONIZER

Even if you don’t have an ADAT synchronizer, you
can achieve sample-accurate sync between ADAT­sync compatible devices, a Traveler, and any
sample-accurate software (such as AudioDesk or
Digital Performer). Just connect the Traveler to the
end of the ADAT sync chain as shown below. You
don’t get transport control from your computer,
nor can you slave the system to SMPTE time code.
Instead, you have to play, stop, rew ind and cue the
system from the transports on your recorder. If
you’re using the recorder as an additional source of
analog inputs and outputs only (not for recording),
see “Syncing optical devices” on page 32.

In AudioDesk or Digital Performer:

1. Choose Receive Sync the Setup menu.

2. Choose the Sample-accurate option
shown to the left.

3. Make sure that Slave to External Sync
is checked in the Studio menu.

Macintosh computer running
AudioDesk or Digital Performer

With no s ynchronizer, the ADAT

that is the master of the ADAT
sync chain becomes transport

master over everything, including

your audio software.

FireWire

ADATs

Sync Out

Sync In

Sync Out

ADAT

sync cables

Use this setup if you have:

ADATs, Alesis hard disk recorders or any ADAT SYNC

✓

compatible device(s).

✗ No ADAT synchronizer.

✓ Host software that supports sample-accurate sync.

This setup provides:

Sample-accurate locating between all ADAT SYNC-compati-

✓

ble devices, the Traveler and your software (AudioDesk,
Digital Performer or other sample-accurate software).

✗ No transport control of everything from the computer.

✗ No sync to SMPTE time code or other sync sources.

To s et the Traveler hardware clock source for sample-accurate sync:

1. In AudioDesk or Digital Performer, choose Configure Audio
System>Configure Hardware Driver from the Setup menu, or run the
MOTU FireWire Audio Console.

2. Choose ADAT 9-pin from the Clock Source menu as shown to above.

3. Make sure the Sample Rate setting matches the recorder and
synchronizer.

In AudioDesk or Digital Performer:

1. Make sure that Slave to External Sync is checked in the Studio menu.

2. Click the play or record button. The software will then wait for you to start
your record er.

Sync In

Sync Out

FireWire

Sync In

Figure 3-15: Sample-accurate sync between AudioDesk or Digital Performer and
one or more ADAT-sync compatible devices — without an ADAT synchronizer.

INSTALLING THE TRAVELER HARDWARE

etc.

3. Press the Play button on the front panel of your recorder to initiate playback
or recording.

29