Mark of the Unicorn Traveler-mk3 User's Guide

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Traveler- mk3

User Guide for Windows

™

1280 Massachusetts Avenue

Cambridge, MA 02138

Business voice: (617) 576-2760

Business fax: (617) 576-3609

Web site: www.motu.com

Tech support: www.motu.com/support

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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-mk3.

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-mk3 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-mk3 from the computer before cleaning and use a damp cloth. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners.

6. Power Sources - This MOTU Traveler-mk3 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-mk3.

8. Lightning - For added protection for the MOTU Traveler-mk3 during a lightning storm, unplug its power supply from any wall outlets. This will prevent damage to the MOTU Traveler-mk3 due to lightning and power line surges.

9. Servicing - Do not attempt to service this MOTU Traveler-mk3 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-mk3 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-mk3. c. If the MOTU Traveler-mk3 has been exposed to rain or water. d. If the MOTU Traveler-mk3 does not operate normally by following the operating instructions in the owner's manual. e. If the MOTU Traveler-mk3 has been dropped or the cabinet has been damaged. f. When the MOTU Traveler-mk3 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-mk3, 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.

DC INPUT

10-18V, 12 watts

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.

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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 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 TO YOU.

Update Policy

In order to be eligible to obtain updates of the program, you must register the software at motu.com.

Copyright © 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 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 TWO (2) YEARS 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 (617) 576-2760 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 TWO (2) YEARS 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, Mark of the Unicorn and the unicor n 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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Contents

Quick Reference: Traveler-mk3 Front Panel

Quick Reference: Traveler-mk3 Rear & Side Panels

Quick Reference: MOTU Audio Console

About the Traveler-mk3

Packing List and Windows System Requirements

IMPORTANT! Run the Traveler-mk3 Software Installer First

Installing the Traveler-mk3 Hardware

MOTU Audio Console

Traveler-mk3 Front Panel Operation

Cubase, Nuendo and Other ASIO Software

Sonar and other WDM Software

Reducing Monitoring Latency

CueMix FX

MOTU SMPTE Console

101

105

Performance Tips & Troubleshooting

Index

107

III

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121314151617181920

CueMix FX settings or metering, depending on which

knobs you turn. The labels above and below the LCD refer

to the four digital rotary encoders to the left of the LCD.

The channel numbers indicate individual channels when

viewing level meters for banks of 8 channels.

four main sections of the mixer: mix busses, inputs,

outputs and the reverb module. Push the PARAM knob to

enter the SETUP menu, which provides global

Traveler-mk3 settings, such as the global sample rate,

etc.

display modes in the LCD: 1) vertical multi-channel

meters, 2) horizontal long-throw metering for individual

channels, and 3) CueMix FX/Setup. In either meter mode

(1 or 2), turn it to choose the banks and/or channels you

wish to view in the LCD.

From the factory, it serves as its own independent

output. But it can be programmed to mirror any other

output pair (digital or analog). Use the volume knob

above to control its level.

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

levels. Outputs 1-2 serve as the main outs. Push and

then turn the front-panel volume knob for volume

control.

16. The multi-purpose backlit LCD shows system settings,

the LOCK light glows green when lockup has been

11. When the Traveler-mk3 is resolving to SMPTE time code,

achieved. The TACH light blinks once per second when

the Traveler-mk3 is successfully reading address (time

code) information.

17. Push the CHANNEL knob repeatedly to cycle among the

to the computer. Use this power switch to turn it on and

off. It is recommended that you always power off the

12. The Traveler-mk3 is powered by its FireWire connection

Traveler-mk3 before unplugging the FireWire cable.

Traveler-mk3 is operating. Use MOTU Audio Console to

set the sample rate or to choose an external clock source,

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

18. Push the METERS knob to cycle among three meter

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-mk3 to slave to an external clock, such as

optical, but there is no clock signal currently being

detected, it ﬂashes.

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

14. These four round “L/R” LEDs indicate signal presence on

20. These switches provide phantom power for their respec-

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

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

15. These round LEDs indicate signal presence on the eight

Quick Reference: Traveler-mk3 Front Panel

Monitor group is programmed to not include the main

outs, the MASTER VOL knob will no longer control the

volume of the main outs.

CueMix FX mixer and effects. There are eight stereo mix

busses: each bus mixes all inputs (or any subset you

wish) to a stereo output of your choice. You can apply EQ,

compression and/or reverb to inputs and outputs. The

four knobs to the left of the LCD correspond directly to

the four labeled sections of the LCD. Use the CHANNEL

knob to choose the input, output or mix you wish to edit.

Push it to switch among inputs, outputs and busses,

then turn it to choose the desired channel or bus. Use the

PAGE, PARAM and VALUE knobs to access the mix

settings for the chosen channel.

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

4. This section controls the Traveler-mk3’s built-in

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

the analog TRS input jacks on the rear panel.

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

7. 4-segment metering for AES/EBU input.

8. MIDI activity LEDs for MIDI input and output.

9. 4-segment metering for S/PDIF input.

10. Optical digital I/O signal present LEDs for each bank.

1 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

pre-amp gain for the four preamp inputs (analog 1-4)

which provide low-impedance XLR mic input or

high-impedance TRS guitar/instrument input. The knobs

also function as pad switches (when pushed) for a 20 dB

pad. 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 73 dB.

Use the trim knob and the LCD metering for individual

channels (via the METERS knob) to calibrate the input

signal level. These mic inputs are also equipped with the

Traveler-mk3’s V-Limit™ hardware limiter, which

provides an additional +12 dB of headroom above zero

with no clipping or digital distortion. See “Overload

protection (mic/guitar inputs only)” on page 81 for

details.

LCD provides visual feedback for the headphone volume

setting as you turn the knob. Push the knob once to view

the current volume setting in the LCD display.

main outs (Analog 1-2), but MASTER VOL can be

programmed to control any combination of outputs. See

“The Monitor Group” on page 94 for details. Push the

knob once to view the current volume setting in the LCD

display; push it again to mute the monitor group; push a

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

2. Turn the VOL knob to control the headphone volume. The

3. From the factory, the MASTER VOL knob controls the

third time to return to the previous volume. Note: if the

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Connect the Traveler-mk3’s MIDI OUT port to the MIDI IN

port on the other device. Conversely, connect the

Traveler-mk3’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

Traveler-mk3 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

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

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

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

position.

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

10 11 12 13

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 FX to

monitor live Traveler-mk3 inputs here as well.

ring/sleeve) quarter-inch connectors that can also

accept an unbalanced plug. The front panel LCD and

Cuemix FX software let you adjust them for either +4dBu

or -10dBV input signals. They have 24-bit 192 kHz

converters. These inputs (5 through 8) do not have mic

pre-amps, so they are best used for synthesizers, drum

machines, effects processors, and other instruments

with line level signals (either -10 or +4). These inputs

are also equipped with the Traveler-mk3’s Precision

Digital Trim™ feature: digitally controlled analog trims

that let you adjust input level in 1 dB increments from

either front panel LCD or the included CueMix FX

software. The trim can be adjusted over a range of 0 to

+12 dB.

cable or a quarter-inch guitar cable. Both the low-

impedance XLR jack and the high-impedance TRS jack

are equipped with a pre-amp (so don’t connect a +4 line

level XLR cable!) 48V phantom power can be applied via

front panel toggle switches. A 20 dB pad can be applied

by pushing the front panel Precision Digital Trim™ knob.

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

9. These four XLR/TRS combo jacks accept either a mic

When turned, this knob provides 53 dB of gain.

Quick Reference: Traveler-mk3 Rear & Side Panels

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

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 Audio

Console software (or from the front panel LCD). See

“Optical input/output” on page 41 for details. ADAT

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

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

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

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

optical supplies eight channels of 24-bit digital I/O per

Important note: it is best to turn off the

the standard 1394 FireWire A cable provided with your

Traveler-mk3.

Traveler-mk3 when plugging in the FireWire cable,

2. Connect the Traveler-mk3 to the computer here using

bank (4 channels per bank at 96 kHz). TOSLink is stereo at

as this avoids the possibility of static discharge,

sample rates up to 96 kHz. One special note: you can

choose independent formats for each bank, A and B, as

Use the second

which can harm the electrical components in the

Traveler-mk3 or your computer.

well as IN and OUT within each bank. For example, you

FireWire port to daisy-chain up to four MOTU FireWire

audio interfaces to a single FireWire bus. You can also

could choose ADAT for the optical A IN (for, say, eight

channels of input from your digital mixer) and stereo

TOSLink for the optical A OUT (for, say, your DAT

machine).

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

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

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

connectors that can also accept an unbalanced plug.

They are equipped with 24-bit 192 kHz converters.

Traveler-mk3’s main outputs. You can connect them to a

set of powered studio monitors and then control the

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

kHz). This setting is made via MOTU Audio Console. See

“Word Out” on page 42.

volume from the front panel MASTER VOL volume knob.

connect other FireWire devices. For details, see

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

“Connecting multiple MOTU FireWire interfaces” on

page 33.

variety of applications, such as for digital transfers with

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

devices that cannot slave to the clock supplied by their

6. The Traveler-mk3’s eight analog outputs are gold-plated,

digital I/O connection with the Traveler-mk3. When the

Traveler-mk3 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-mk3’s sample rate

or be reduced to the equivalent 1x rate (either 44.1 or 48

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Quick Reference: MOTU Audio Console

CHAPTER

Click the tabs to access general

Determines the clock source for your Traveler-mk3. If you’re just using the analog ins and outs, set this to Internal. The other settings are for digital transfers via AES/EBU, S/PDIF or optical ports, or for slaving the Traveler-mk3 to word clock, time code or other sources.

The Traveler-mk3 Wave drivers (WaveRT, WDM and MME) have the ability to provide audio streams to host applications in banks with more than two channels (e.g. an 8-channel stream of analog output). If your audio software requires this for some reason (such as for surround support), uncheck this box. Otherwise, leave it checked, which forces all streams to be stereo pairs instead (the grouping many Windows audio applications prefer).

MOTU interface settings or settings speciﬁc to the Traveler-mk3 (or other connected interface.)

Choose the global sample rate for the system here.

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 40.

Check this option if you are running Windows Vista and the audio software you are using with the Traveler-mk3 supports Windows Vista WaveRT drivers. If you uncheck this box, Traveler-mk3 WaveRT support is disabled, and legacy WDM driver support is provided instead.

This menu lets you choose what you will hear from the PHONES 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.

The Traveler-mk3 driver provides a stereo return back to the computer. This return feeds the signal on any Traveler-mk3 output pair or CueMix FX mix bus directly back to the computer, where you can record, process, monitor or otherwise use it. This is a great way to “bounce” full mixes, complete with live audio routed through the Traveler-mk3 only, back into the computer.

If you are running an Traveler-mk3 interface at a high sample rate (96, 88.2, 176.4 or 192 kHz), 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. 96kHz) or reduces it to the corresponding 1x rate (e.g. 48kHz instead of 192 kHz).

How to access these settings

There are several ways to access these settings:

■ From the Windows Start menu, choose

Programs>MOTU>MOTU Audio Console.

■ From within Cubase, go to the Device Setup

window, click the MOTU Audio ASIO list item and and click the Control Panel button.

■ From within other applications, refer to

their documentation.

Click the Traveler-mk3 tab to access these settings.

Each optical bank can be conﬁgured independently: ADAT or TOSLink. Disable them when not in use to conserve DSP and bus bandwidth.

Choose the output pair you would like the main outs to mirror, or choose Analog 1-2 to operate them as an independent pair.

The Clip Hol d Time controls how long the top-most red LED remains illuminated after clipping. The Peak Hold Time controls how long the highest illuminated LED remains lit before going dark.

Device Setup in Cubase

Page 8

Page 9

CHAPTER

About the Traveler-mk3

Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

The Traveler-mk3 Rear Panel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

The Traveler-mk3 Front Panel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Traveler-mk3 side panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

16-bit and 24-bit recording . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

CueMix FX 32-bit ﬂoating point mixing and effects . . 13

Host Audio Software. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

OVERVIEW

The Traveler-mk3 is a FireWire audio interface for Mac and Windows with on-board effects and mixing that offers 28 inputs and 30 outputs at 44.1 or 48 kHz. Both analog and digital I/O are offered at sample rates up to 96 kHz, and analog recording and playback is offered at rates up to 192 kHz. All inputs and outputs can be accessed simultaneously. The Traveler-mk3 consists of a light (3.8 pounds) and small (14.75 x 9 inches) aluminum alloyencased interface that connects directly to a computer via a standard IEEE 1394 FireWire™ cable.

The Traveler-mk3 offers the following main features:

■ Two banks of optical digital I/O that provide 16

channels of ADAT optical at 48 kHz, 8 channels of S/MUX optical I/O at 96 kHz or two banks of stereo TOSLink at rates up to 96 kHz

■ RCA S/PDIF at sample rates up to 96 kHz

■ AES/EBU digital I/O at rates up to 96 kHz

■ Word clock I/O

■ MIDI I/O

■ On-board SMPTE synchronization

■ Headphone jack with independent volume

control

■ Programmable master volume knob

■ CueMix™ FX no-latency mixing, monitoring

and effects processing

■ Front-panel LCD programming for the mixer

and all other settings

■ Extensive front panel metering and status LEDs

■ Stand-alone operation

■ Bus-powered and battery-powered operation

■ Four combo XLR/TRS mic/guitar inputs with

preamps, 48V phantom power, 20 dB pad, Precision Digital Trim™ and V-Limit™ overload protection

■ Four 24-bit analog quarter-inch (TRS) inputs

■ Eight 24-bit analog quarter-inch (TRS) outputs

■ Operation on all analog I/O at standard sample

rates up to 192 kHz

■ Digitally controlled analog trim for all analog

inputs

■ Mac and Windows drivers for across-the-board

compatibility with any audio software on current Mac and Windows systems

With a variety of I/O formats, mic preamps, nolatency mixing and processing of live input and synchronization capabilities, the Traveler-mk3 is a complete, portable “studio in a box” when used with a Mac or Windows computer.

THE TRAVELER-MK3 REAR PANEL

The Traveler-mk3 rear panel has the following connectors:

■ Eight gold-plated, balanced quarter-inch (TRS)

analog outputs (with 24-bit 192 kHz converters)

Page 10

■ Four gold-plated, balanced quarter-inch (TRS)

analog inputs (with 24-bit 192 kHz converters)

■ Four combo XLR/TRS mic/guitar inputs with

preamps

■ Two sets of optical connectors (in and out),

individually switchable among ADAT optical “lightpipe”, 96 kHz S/MUX optical or S/PDIF “TOSLink”

■ RCA S/PDIF in/out

■ XLR AES/EBU in/out

■ Word clock in/out

■ Two 1394 FireWire jacks

28 inputs and 30 outputs

All Traveler-mk3 inputs and outputs can be used simultaneously, for a total of 28 inputs and 30 outputs when operating at 44.1 or 48 kHz:

Connection Input Output

Analog 24-bit 192 kHz on bal/unbal TRS 4 8

Mic/guitar 24-bit 192 kHz on XLR/TRS combo 4 -

Headphone output* - stereo

ADAT optical digital† 16 16

AES/EBU 24-bit 96 kHz digital stereo stereo

RCA S/PDIF 24-bit 96 kHz digital stereo stereo

Total 28 30

All inputs and outputs are discrete. For example, using a mic input does not “steal” an input from the TRS analog I/O bank.

All digital I/O is disabled for 192kHz operation.

Mic/instrument inputs with preamps

The four mic/instrument inputs are equipped with preamps and “combo” XLR/TRS jacks, which accept low-impedance XLR microphone inputs or high-impedance quarter-inch guitar/instruments inputs. The total gain range for these preamps, including the 20dB pad, is 73dB, allowing you to connect any type of guitar or microphone. Preamp gain and pad can be controlled from the front panel digital rotary encoders/switches or the included CueMix FX™ software.

Mic/guitar input overload protection

All four mic/guitar inputs are equipped with V-Limit™, a hardware limiter that helps prevent digital clipping from overloaded input signals. With V-Limit enabled, signals can go above zero dB (with limiting applied) to as high as +12 dB above zero with no distortion due to digital clipping.

Additional or alternative protection can be applied to the mic/guitar inputs by enabling the Traveler-mk3’s Soft Clip feature, which engages just before clipping occurs and helps reduce perceptible distortion.

* The PHONES output can operate as an independent out put pair, or it can mirror any other Traveler-mk3 output pair, such as the main outs (Analog 1-2).

† The Traveler-mk3 optical connectors support several standard optical I/O formats, which provide varying channel counts. See “Optical” on page 11 for details about optical bank operation.

Analog

All analog inputs are equipped with 24-bit 192 kHz A/D converters. All analog outputs have 24-bit 192 kHz D/A converters. All audio is transferred to and from the computer in a 24-bit data stream.

All quarter-inch analog inputs can accept either a balanced or unbalanced plug. They are equipped with a -10 dBV / +4 dBu reference level switch, plus up to +12 dB of digital trim boost.

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The quarter-inch outputs are referenced to a +4 dBu line level output signal.

Precision Digital Trim™

The Traveler-mk3’s mic/guitar inputs are equipped with digitally controlled analog trims that allow adjustments in 1 dB increments. The mic/guitar input trims can be adjusted using front-panel digital rotary encoders that provide feedback in the front panel LCD with up to 53 dB of boost. All analog inputs, including four rear-panel TRS analog inputs, can be trimmed using the front panel LCD or using the Traveler-mk3’s included CueMix FX control software for Mac and Windows. This allows you to ﬁne-tune trim settings for synths, effects modules and a wide variety of analog inputs for optimum levels. Different trim conﬁgurations can then be saved as ﬁles on disk for instant recall.

Optical

The two optical banks provide 16 channels of ADAT optical at 44.1 or 48 kHz, 8 channels of S/MUX optical I/O at 96 kHz or two banks of stereo TOSLink at rates up to 96 kHz. The banks operate independently, including input and output, allowing you to mix and match any optical formats. For example, you could receive 4 channels of 96 kHz S/MUX input on Bank A while at the same time sending 96 kHz stereo optical S/PDIF (“TOSLink”) from the Bank A output.

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-mk3 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, as discussed earlier.

Word clock

The Traveler-mk3 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-mk3 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-mk3 is operating at 96 kHz, 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-mk3 to a FireWire-equipped Mac 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. Keep in mind, however, that the Traveler-mk3 uses more FireWire bus bandwidth when one or both optical banks are enabled, or when it operates at higher sample rates. These operating conﬁgurations will limit the number of devices you can daisy chain on a single FireWire bus.

On-board SMPTE synchronization

The Traveler-mk3 can resolve directly to SMPTE time code via any analog input, without a separate sy nchron izer. It ca n also gene rate time cod e vi a any analog output. The Traveler-mk3 provides a DSPdriven phase-lock engine with sophisticated ﬁltering that provides fast lockup times and subframe accuracy.

The included MOTU SMPTE Console™ software provides a complete set of tools for generating and regenerating SMPTE time code, which allows you to slave other devices to the computer. Like

ABOUT THE TRAVELER-MK3

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CueMix FX, the synchronization features are cross-platform and compatible with all audio sequencer software that supports the ASIO2 sample-accurate sync protocol.

THE TRAVELER-MK3 FRONT PANEL

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.

Phantom power

Individual 48V phantom power can be enabled for each preamp with the four front panel switches.

Headphone output and main volume control

The Traveler front panel includes a quarter-inch stereo headphone output jack and volume knob.

Dedicated MASTER VOLUME knob

From the factory, the MASTER VOL knob controls the main outs (Analog 1-2), but MASTER VOL can be programmed to control any combination of outputs. See “The Monitor Group” on page 94 for details.

Programmable backlit LCD display

Any Traveler-mk3 setting, including the powerful CueMix FX on-board 16-bus mixer with effects, can be accessed directly from the front panel using the four rotary encoders and the 2x16 backlit LCD display.

Programmable LCD metering

Push the METERS knob to cycle among three meter display modes in the LCD: 1) vertical multichannel meters, 2) horizontal long-throw metering for individual channels, and 3) CueMix FX/Setup.

In either meter mode (1 or 2), turn it to choose the banks and/or channels you wish to view in the LCD.

Metering section

The front panel of the Traveler-mk3 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 Console software). The LOCK and TACH LEDs provide feedback for the Traveler-mk3’s on-board SMPTE synchronization features. The ADAT and MIDI LEDs indicate audio and MIDI activity, respectively.

TRAVELER-MK3 SIDE PANEL

MIDI I/O

The Traveler-mk3’s standard MIDI IN and MIDI OUT jacks supply 16 channels of MIDI I/O to and from the computer via the Traveler-mk3’s FireWire connection.

Bus power

The Traveler-mk3 can draw power from three possible sources:

1. the computer (via the FireWire cable connection between the Traveler-mk3 and the computer)

2. an external battery pack (purchased separately)

3. a DC power supply

Bus power provides convenient portability with laptop computers. An external battery pack provides both portability and extended operation, even in remote locations. The included DC power

ABOUT THE TRAVELER-MK3

Page 13

supply allows for stand-alone operation as a mixer, without a computer. (The Traveler-mk3 can also run stand-alone with a battery pack.)

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-mk3 to draw power from the computer, and AC power is available, you can power the Traveler-mk3 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-mk3 system handles all data with a 24-bit signal path, regardless of the I/O format. You ca n re cord and play bac k 16 -bit o r 24 -bit aud io ﬁ les at any supported sample rate via any of the Traveler-mk3’s analog or digital inputs and outputs. 24-bit audio ﬁles can be recorded with any compatible host application that supports 24-bit recording.

CUEMIX FX 32-BIT FLOATING POINT MIXING AND EFFECTS

All Traveler-mk3 inputs and outputs can be routed to the on-board CueMix FX 16-bus (8 stereo) digital mixer driven by hardware-based DSP with 32-bit ﬂoating point precision. The mixer allows you to apply no-latency effects processing to inputs, outputs or busses directly in the Traveler-mk3 hardware, independent of the computer. Effects can even be applied when the Traveler-mk3 is operating stand-alone (without a computer) as a complete rack-mounted mixer. Input signals to the computer can be recorded wet, dry, or dry with a wet monitor mix (for musicians during recording, for example).

Effects include reverb, parametric EQ and compression/limiting. The Traveler-mk3’s Classic Reverb™ provides ﬁve different room types, three frequency bands with adjustable crossover points, shelf ﬁltering and reverb lengths up to 60-seconds.

Two forms of compression are supplied: a standard compressor with conventional threshold/ratio/ attack/release/gain controls and the Leveler™, an accurate model of the legendary LA-2A optical compressor, which provides vintage, musical automatic gain control.

CueMix FX also provides 7-band parametric EQ modeled after British analog console EQs, featuring 4 ﬁlter styles (gain/Q proﬁles) to effectively cover a wide range of audio material. Low-pass and high-pass ﬁlters are also supplied with slopes that range from 6 to 36 dB. The EQ employs extremely high precision 64-bit ﬂoating point processing.

The Traveler-mk3’s ﬂexible effects architecture allows you to apply EQ and compression on every input and output (a total of 58 channels), with enough DSP resources for at least one band of parametric EQ and compression on every channel at 48 kHz. However, DSP resources are allocated dynamically and a DSP meter in the CueMix FX software (included) allows you to keep tabs on the Traveler-mk3’s processing resources. Each input, output and mix bus provides a send to the Classic Reverb processor, which then feeds reverb returns to mix busses and outputs, with a selectable split point between them to prevent send/return feedback loops.

HOST AUDIO SOFTWARE

The Traveler-mk3 ships with standard Windows drivers that allow you to record, edit, play back and mix your Traveler- mk3 proje cts us ing your f avorite Windows audio software.

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ABOUT THE TRAVELER-MK3

Page 15

CHAPTER

2 Packing List and

Windows System Requirements

PACKING LIST

The Traveler-mk3 ships with the items listed below. If any of these items are not present in your Traveler-mk3 box when you ﬁrst open it, please immediately contact your dealer or MOTU.

■ One Traveler-mk3 I/O rack unit

■ One set of removable rack ears

■ One 6-pin to 6-pin IEEE 1394 “FireWire” cable

■ One DC power adapter

■ One Traveler-mk3 Mac/Windows manual

■ One cross-platform Univer sal Audio Installer CD

■ One Mac OS X AudioDesk installer CD with

PDF manual

■ Traveler-mk3 product registration card

WINDOWS SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

The Traveler-mk3 system requires the following Windows system:

■ A 1 GHz Pentium-based PC compatible or faster

equipped with at least one FireWire port

PLEASE REGISTER TODAY!

Please register your Traveler-mk3 today. There are two ways to register.

■ Visit www.motu.com to register online

■ Fill out and mail the included product

registration card

As a registered user, you will be eligible to receive technical support and announcements about product enhancements as soon as they become available. Only registered users receive these special update notices, so please register today.

Thank you for taking the time to register your new MOTU products!

■ A Pentium III processor or faster is

recommended

■ At least 256 MB (megabytes) of RAM (512 MB

or more is recommended)

■ Windows XP or Vista

■ A large hard drive (preferably at least 100 GB)

Page 16

PACKING LIST AND WINDOWS SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

Page 17

CHAPTER

3 IMPORTANT! Run the Traveler-mk3

Software Installer First