MOTU Traveler-mk3 User Manual

Traveler

User Guide for Mac

-

mk3

™

1280 Massachusetts Avenue

Cambridge, MA 02138

Business voice: [phone]

Business fax: [phone]

Web site: www.motu.com

Tech support: www.motu.com/support

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 ser vice 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.

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 Notice

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 [phone] to
obtain a Return Merchandise Authorization Number. No ser vice 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 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: Traveler-mk3 Front Panel

5

6

Quick Reference: Traveler-mk3 Rear & Side Panels

Quick Reference: MOTU Audio Setup

7

About the Traveler-mk3

9

Packing List and Mac System Requirements

15

17

Installing the Traveler-mk3 Hardware

Installing the Traveler-mk3 Mac Software

33

37

MOTU Audio Setup

Traveler-mk3 Front Panel Operation

43

Digital Performer

55

AudioDesk

59

Other Mac OS X Audio Software

63

71

Reducing Monitoring Latency

CueMix FX

77

107

MOTU SMPTE Console

Troubleshooting

111

III

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

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

the LOCK light glows green when lockup has been

achieved. The TACH light blinks once per second when

the Traveler-mk3 is successfully reading address (time

code) information.

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

viewing level meters for banks of 8 channels.

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

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

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

Traveler-mk3 before unplugging the FireWire cable.

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

etc.

Traveler-mk3 is operating. Use MOTU Audio Setup to set

the sample rate or to choose an external clock source,

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

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

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

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

wish to view in the LCD.

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

From the factory, it serves as its own independent

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

output. But it can be programmed to mirror any other

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

15. These round LEDs indicate signal presence on the eight

above to control its level.

rear-panel TRS analog outputs. Their threshold is around

-42 dB. They do not indicate clipping in any way; use your

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

20. These switches provide phantom power for their respec-

host audio software level meters to calibrate output

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

then turn the front-panel volume knob for volume

control.

3

Quick Reference: Traveler-mk3 Front Panel

1 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

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

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

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

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

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

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

PAGE, PARAM and VALUE knobs to access the mix

settings for the chosen channel.

provides an additional +12 dB of headroom above zero

with no clipping or digital distortion. See “Overload

protection (mic/guitar inputs only)” on page 87 for

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

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

details.

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

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.

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.

8. MIDI activity LEDs for MIDI input and output.

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

3. From the factor y, the MASTER VOL knob controls the

programmed to control any combination of outputs. See

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

“The Monitor Group” on page 100 for details. Push the

knob once to view the current volume setting in the LCD

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

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

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

9

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

position.

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

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

8

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.

When turned, this knob provides 53 dB of gain.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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).

the standard 1394 FireWire A cable provided with your

Traveler-mk3.

Traveler-mk3 when plugging in the FireWire cable,

as this avoids the possibility of static discharge,

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

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

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

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

which can harm the electrical components in the

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

Use the second

Traveler-mk3 or your computer.

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

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

FireWire port to daisy-chain up to four MOTU FireWire

audio interfaces to a single FireWire bus. You can also

channels of input from your digital mixer) and stereo

connect other FireWire devices. For details, see

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

machine).

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

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

“Connecting multiple MOTU FireWire interfaces” on

page 30.

variety of applications, such as for digital transfers with

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

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.

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

devices that cannot slave to the clock supplied by their

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

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

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

“Word Out” on page 42.

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

set of powered studio monitors and then control the

volume from the front panel MASTER VOL volume knob.

Quick Reference: MOTU Audio Setup

CHAPTER

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.

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.

Click the tabs to access general
MOTU FireWire interface
settings or settings specific to
the Traveler-mk3 (or other
connected interface).

Choose the global sample rate
for the system here.

Specifies the stereo input and
output pair when the
Traveler-mk3 is chosen for
Mac OS X audio I/O.

Each optical bank can be
configured independently for
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 their own independent pair.

The Clip Ho ld Time controls how
long the top-most red LED remains
illuminated after clipping. Choose
‘Infinite’ to be able to clear the LED
from Digital Performer. The Peak
Hold Time controls how long the
highest illuminated LED remains lit
before going dark.

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

Click the General tab to access these settings.

Check this option if you would like the MOTU
Audio Setup icon to appear in the application
dock as soon as a MOTU FireWire interface is
detected (switched on, plugged in, etc.)

This button opens another dialog that lets
you assign your own customized names to
each Traveler-mk3 input and output. For
example, if you have a lead vocal mic
plugged into input 1, you could name it “Lead
Vox”. Your customized names then appear in
your host audio application (if it supports
Core Audio input naming).

In the standard Mac OS X fashion,
the console appears in the dock
when you launch it. If the Laun ch
option is checked (as shown
above), the icon appears as soon as
you switch on your Traveler-mk3
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.

7

8

CHAPTER

1

About the Traveler-mk3

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

The Traveler-mk3 Rear Panel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

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

AudioDesk. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Digital Performer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Other Host Audio Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

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.

■ Digitally controlled analog trim for all analog

inputs

■ 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

The Traveler-mk3 offers the following main
features:

■ 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

■ Extensive front panel metering and status LEDs

■ Stand-alone operation

■ Mac and Windows drivers for across-the-board

compatibility with any audio software on current
Mac and Windows systems

■ AudioDesk™, full-featured audio workstation

software for Mac OS X

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.

9

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)

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

analog inputs (with 24-bit 192 kHz converters)

† 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.

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

■ 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 -

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.

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

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

10

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.

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.

ABOUT THE TRAVELER-MK3

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.

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

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.

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).

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, Setup 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 can al so gener ate t ime code via any
analog output. The Traveler-mk3 provides a DSP­driven phase-lock engine with sophisticated
filtering that provides fast lockup times and sub­frame accuracy.

ABOUT THE TRAVELER-MK3

11

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
CueMix FX, the synchronization features are
cross-platform and compatible with all audio
sequencer software that supports sample-accurate
sync or MIDI Time Code.

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.

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 100 for
details.

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 Setup 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. Timing accuracy can be sample­accurate with host software that supports it.

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.

12

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

ABOUT THE TRAVELER-MK3

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
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 reco rd and play bac k 16 -bit or 24 -bi t 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.

ABOUT THE TRAVELER-MK3

13

AUDIODESK

AudioDesk is a full-featured, 24-bit audio
workstation software package included with the
Traveler-mk3 system (for Mac 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.

DIGITAL PERFORMER

The Traveler-mk3 system is fully integrated with
MOTU’s award-winning Digital Performer audio
sequencer software package.

OTHER HOST AUDIO SOFTWARE

The Traveler-mk3 system includes a standard
Mac OS X CoreAudio driver for multichannel I/O
with any audio application that supports
CoreAudio.

14

ABOUT THE TRAVELER-MK3

CHAPTER

2 Packing List and

Mac 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 Universal Audio Installer CD

■ One Mac OS X AudioDesk installer CD with

PDF manual

■ Traveler-mk3 product registration card

MAC SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

The Traveler-mk3 system requires the following
Mac system:

PLEASE REGISTER TODAY!

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

■ Visit www.motu.com to register online

OR

■ 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.

Be sure to do the same for the included AudioDesk
software, which must be registered separately. You
can do so online at motu.com/register. Please be
sure to register AudioDesk as well, so that you will
be eligible to receive technical support and
announcements about AudioDesk software
enhancements as soon as they become available.

■ A G4/500Mhz Power Mac or faster equipped

with at least one FireWire port

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

or more is recommended)

■ Mac OS X (version 10.4.9 or later)

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

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

15

16

PACKING LIST AND MAC SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

CHAPTER

3 Installing the Traveler-mk3

Hardware

OVERVIEW

Here’s an overview for installing the Traveler-mk3:

Connect the Traveler-mk3 interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Connect the Traveler-mk3 to the computer.

Connect audio inputs and outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Make optical and analog connections as desired.

Connect MIDI gear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Connect a controller, synth or control surface.

A typical Traveler-mk3 setup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

An example setup for computer-based mixing/FX.

Operating the Traveler-mk3 as a converter . . . . . . . . . . 26

An example of using the Traveler-mk3 as an
expander.

Making sync connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

If you need to resolve the Traveler-mk3 with other
devices, make the necessary sync connections.

Syncing to SMPTE time code. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Syncing AES/EBU and S/PDIF devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Syncing word clock devices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Connecting multiple MOTU FireWire interfaces . . . . . 30

IMPORTANT NOTE BEFORE YOU BEGIN!

Before you begin installing the Traveler-mk3 (or
any bus-powered device), take these important
precautionary measures to avoid damaging the
sensitive electrical components in your computer,
the Traveler-mk3 or other devices being
connected:

■ Tu r n of f th e c omp u te r.

■ Turn off the Traveler-mk3’s front panel power

switch.

■ Turn off the power of any other devices.

■ Touch the metal casing of the Traveler-mk3 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-mk3.

3. Turn on other devices connected to the
Tr a v e l e r - m k 3 .

17

CONNECT THE TRAVELER-MK3 INTERFACE

1 Plug one end of the Traveler-mk3 FireWire cable
(included) into the FireWire socket on the
computer as shown below in Figure 3-1.

☛ You can connect the Traveler-mk3 to an

800Mbit “FireWire B” port using a 9-pin to 6-pin
FireWire B cable (not shown). However, the
Traveler-mk3 will still operate at its specified
400Mbit (FireWire A) data rate.

2 Plug the other end of the FireWire cable into the
Traveler-mk3 I/O as shown below in Figure 3-1.

CONNECT AUDIO INPUTS AND OUTPUTS

The Traveler-mk3 audio interface has the following
audio input and output connectors:

■ 8 balanced, +4 dB quarter-inch analog outputs

■ 4 balanced +4 dB quarter-inch analog inputs

■ 4 mic/guitar combo jack inputs with preamps

■ 2 pair of optical in/out switchable between

ADAT (“Lightpipe”) or optical S/PDIF (TOSLink)

■ 1 pair of AES/EBU in and out

■ 1 pair of RCA S/PDIF in and out

Here are a few things you should keep in mind as
you are making these connections to other devices.

Mic/guitar inputs with preamps

Connect a microphone, guitar, instrument or other
analog input to the back panel XLR/quarter-inch
combo jack ( Figure 3-4) with either a standard mic
cable or a balanced cable with a quarter-inch plug.

Figure 3-1: Connecting the Traveler-mk3 to the computer.

Figure 3-2: Traveler-mk3 front panel

☛ Do not connect a +4 (line level) XLR cable to

the mic/guitar inputs (because of the preamps).

Phantom power

If you are connecting a condenser microphone or
other device that requires phantom power, move
the corresponding 48V phantom power switch on
the front panel (Figure 3-2) to the right (enabled).

Tr i m

Both the low-impedance XLR mic input and the
high-impedance quarter-inch guitar input are
equipped with 53 dB of digitally controlled analog
trim. Use the detented trim knobs on the front

18

INSTALLING THE TRAVELER-MK3 HARDWARE

panel (Figure 3-2) to adjust the input level as
needed for each input. The LCD provides visual
feedback as you turn the trim knob (Figure 3-3).

Quarter-inch analog input trims

The quarter-inch inputs are calibrated to
accommodate either +4 dBu or -10 dBV signals
and are equipped with digital trims that provide up
to +12 dB of boost. You can use either the front
panel LCD or the included CueMix FX software to
adjust both the reference level and the input trim.
To do so using CueMix FX, see “Pad and reference
level” on page 86 and “Input trim” on page 83. To
adjust the trims using the front panel LCD:

Figure 3-3: The LCD gives you feedback as you turn the TRIM knobs for
the four mic/guitar inputs.

The Traveler-mk3’s input trims are digitally
controlled, so they allow you to make fine-tuned
adjustments in 1dB increments. Use the four input
level meters on the front panel (labeled ANALOG
1-4) to calibrate the level. You can also use a long­throw horizontal meter in the LCD. See “Meters
knob” on page 44. You can also adjust trim in the
MOTU CueMix FX software. See “Input trim” on
page 83.

20 dB pad

If the input signal is still too hot with the trim
turned all the way down, engage the 20dB pad by
pushing the Trim rotary encoder (Figure 3-2). The
LCD provides feedback for the current pad setting.

Quarter-inch analog

The quarter-inch analog inputs (5-8) and outputs
(1-8) shown in Figure 3-4 are balanced (TRS)
connectors that can also accept an unbalanced
plug.

1 Push the CHANNEL knob repeatedly until you
see “I:” (which stands for Input) in the CHANNEL
section of the LCD (Figure 3-5).

2 Turn the CHANNEL KNOB until you see the
desired analog input or input pair. For example,
analog inputs 1-2 appear as “I:An 1-2”
(Figure 3-5), which means Input analog 1-2.

3 From the factory, TRS analog inputs are
grouped in stereo pairs (5-6 and 7-8) If you need to
split a pair to deal with it as two individual mono
inputs, turn the PARAMETER knob until you see
PAIR in the parameter section of the LCD
(Figure 3-5). Turn the VALUE knob to choose
MONO. Then turn the CHANNEL knob again to
select the desired input you are adjusting.

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

Figure 3-4: Traveler-mk3 back panel

INSTALLING THE TRAVELER-MK3 HARDWARE

Figure 3-5: The settings for analog inputs 1 and 2 (as a pair).

19

4 After splitting the stereo pair, if necessary, turn
the PARAM knob until you see the TRIM
parameter in the LCD (Figure 3-6):

Figure 3-6: Setting the input trim for a TRS analog input.

5 Turn the VALUE knob to adjust the trim.

6 Repeat steps 4 and 5 for the REF LEVEL setting

(+4 or -10).

The Traveler-mk3 supplies +12dB of digital trim
(boost) for each optical input, which can be
adjusted from CueMix FX (“Input trim” on
page 83) or the front panel (“The IN (inputs)
menu” on page 49).

Optical operation at 44.1 or 48 kHz

When configured for ADAT “lightpipe”, an optical
connector provides 8 channels at 44.1 and 48 kHz.

ADAT optical operation at 88.2 or 96 kHz

When configured for ADAT “lightpipe”, an optical
connec tor provides four channels at 88.2 or 96 kH z
(2x sample rates). When using the ADAT lightpipe
format at a 2x rate, be sure to choose either Type I
or Type I I ope ration, as e xplaine d in “ADAT SM UX
Typ e” o n pa ge 48 .

Main outs

Analog outputs 1-2 can serve as main outputs.
From the factory, the volume for the TRS main
outputs is controlled by the MASTER VOL knob
on the front panel, although this knob can be
programmed to control any combination of
outputs. For details, see “The Monitor Group” on
page 100. In a standard studio configuration, the
main outs are intended for a pair of studio
monitors, but they can also be used as additional
outputs for any purpose.

Optical

The Traveler-mk3 rear panel provides two sets of
ADAT optical (“lightpipe”) connectors: Bank A
and B (Figure 3-4). Each bank provides an input
and output connector. All four connectors can
operate independently and offer two different
optical formats: ADAT optical or TOSLink (optical
S/PDIF). For example, you could connect
8-channel ADAT optical input from your digital
mixer and stereo TOSLink output to an effects
processor.

Below is a summary of optical formats:

Format 44.1 or 48 kHz 88.2 or 96 kHz

ADAT optical 8 channels 4 channels

TOSLink stereo stereo

Optical is disabled at 4x sample rates

The optical banks are disabled at the 4x sample
rates (176.4 and 192kHz).

Using optical I/O to operate the Traveler-mk3 as a
16-channel expander

When the Traveler-mk3 is not connected directly
to a computer via FireWire, the sixteen optical
output channels can be programmed (via the
CueMix FX mixer) to mirror the incoming signal
on any combination of the Traveler-mk3’s inputs.
By connecting the Traveler-mk3 optical outputs to
another device, such as another ADAT-optical
equipped interface or a digital mixer, you add up to
sixteen additional inputs to your system (or eight
inputs at the 2x sample rates).

20

INSTALLING THE TRAVELER-MK3 HARDWARE

To learn how to program the Traveler-mk3 when it
is operating as a stand-alone expander in this
fashion, see chapter 6, “Traveler-mk3 Front Panel
Operation” (page 43).

Choosing a clock source for optical connections

When connecting an optical device, make sure that
its digital audio clock is phase-locked (in sync
with) the Traveler-mk3, as explained in “Making
sync connections” on page 26. There are two ways
to do this:

1. Resolve the optical device to the Traveler-mk3

2. Resolve the Traveler-mk3 to the optical device

For 1), choose Internal (or any other clock source
except ADAT optical) as the clock source for the
Traveler-mk3 in MOTU Audio Setup.

Using word clock to resolve optical devices

If the optical device you are connecting to the
Traveler-mk3 has word clock connectors on it, you
can use them to resolve the device to the
Traveler-mk3, similar to the diagram shown in
Figure 3-18 on page 29 for S/PDIF devices with
word clock. Also see “Syncing word clock devices”
on page 30.

S/PDIF

If you make a S/PDIF digital audio connection to
another device, be sure to review the digital audio
clocking issues, as explained in “Syncing AES/EBU
and S/PDIF devices” on page 29. The Traveler-mk3
supplies +12dB of digital trim (boost) for the
S/PDIF input pair, which can be adjusted from
CueMix FX (“Input trim” on page 83) or the front
panel (“The IN (inputs) menu” on page 49).

For 2), choose either ADAT Optical A or ADAT
Optical B as the Traveler-mk3’s clock source
(Figure 3-7) . Be sure to choose the optical port that
the device is connected to.

Figure 3-7: Resolving the Traveler-mk3 to an optical device.

For details about using the clock source setting and
the MOTU Audio Setup software in general, see
chapter 5, “MOTU Audio Setup” (page 37).

AES/EBU

Connect standard AES/EBU input and output.
2x sample rates (88.2 & 96 kHz) are supported; 4x
samples rates (176.4 or 192kHz) are not supported.
Be sure to review the digital audio clocking issues,
as explained in “Syncing AES/EBU and S/PDIF
devices” on page 29.

The Traveler-mk3 supplies +12dB of digital trim
(boost) for the AES/EBU input pair, which can be
adjusted from CueMix FX (“Input trim” on
page 79) or the front panel (“The IN (inputs)
menu” on page 46).

INSTALLING THE TRAVELER-MK3 HARDWARE

21

CONNECT MIDI GEAR

Connect your MIDI device’s MIDI IN jack to the
Traveler-mk3’s MIDI OUT jack (Connection A
below). Connect the MIDI device’s MIDI OUT
jack to the MIDI IN jack (Connection B).

Traveler-mk3

rear panel

MIDI

OUT

Connection A

MIDI Device

Figure 3-8: Connecting a MIDI device to the Traveler-mk3.

MIDI

cables

MIDI INMIDI

OUT

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
shown in Figure 3-8. 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.

MIDI

IN

Connection B

Connecting additional gear with MIDI THRUs

If you need to connect several pieces of MIDI gear,
run a MIDI cable f rom the MIDI THRU of a device
already connected to the Traveler-mk3 to the MIDI
IN on the additional device as shown below in
Figure 3-9. The two devices then share the
Traveler-mk3’s MIDI OUT port. This means that
they share the same set of 16 MIDI channels, too,
so try to do this with devices that receive on only
one MIDI channel (such as effects modules) so
their receive channels don’t conflict with one
another.

Traveler-mk3

rear panel

MIDI
OUT

MIDI Device

Figure 3-9: Connecting additional devices with MIDI THRU ports.

MIDI

IN

MIDI

THRU

MIDI

cable

MIDI IN

22

INSTALLING THE TRAVELER-MK3 HARDWARE

POWER OPTIONS

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

1. the computer (via FireWire)

2. an external battery pack

3. a DC power supply

When operating under bus power, daisy-chaining
is not recommended

The Traveler-mk3 can be daisy-chained with other
FireWire devices from a single FireWire
connection to the computer. However, if the
Traveler-mk3 is operating under bus power, this is
not recommended. If you need to daisy chain the
Traveler-mk3 with other devices on the same
FireWire bus, power the Traveler-mk3 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.

Figure 3-10: The Traveler-mk3’s battery and power supply options.

Bus power requirements

The Traveler-mk3 draws all the power it needs
from the FireWire bus connection to the computer.
However, the FireWire connection to the computer
must meet all of the requirements discussed below.

6-pin FireWire connectors

The Traveler-mk3 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

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

Traveler-mk3 to a PCI card and run the
Traveler-mk3 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, Cardbus or ExpressCard slot adapters

— If you plan to connect the Traveler-mk3 to a PC
card, Cardbus or ExpressCard FireWire adapter
(inserted in the 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 card adapter requires AC.

Figure 3-11: 4-pin FireWire connectors cannot be used for bus power.

INSTALLING THE TRAVELER-MK3 HARDWARE

23

Examples of bus- powered operation

Here are a few typical examples of bus-powered
Traveler-mk3 operation:

Bus power from a desktop computer

Your desktop computer is running off of its usual
AC power connection, and the Traveler-mk3 draws
power from the FireWire cable connected to the
computer. There are no limits to running time.

DC 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
8-18 volt, 12 watt DC power supply with any
polarity (tip positive or negative) and amperage as
shown below. To prevent the Traveler-mk3 from
drawing power from the computer, turn off the Bus
Power switch.

Bus power from an AC-powered laptop

This scenario is identical to the desktop situation
described above: the laptop is powered by AC, the
Traveler-mk3 is powered via the 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-mk3 is being powered by its FireWire
connection to the computer. So the laptop battery
is supplying power to both the laptop and the
Traveler-mk3. This is the most compact and
portable operating 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-mk3 from a battery pack

The 4-pin XLR battery jack on the Traveler-mk3
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 preferred supplier of professional audio/video
equipment.

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-mk3 lets you control whether
or not the Traveler-mk3 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, turn on the Bus Power
switch.

If you are powering the Traveler-mk3 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-mk3 to run down the
laptop’s battery unnecessarily), turn off the Bus
Power switch.

24

INSTALLING THE TRAVELER-MK3 HARDWARE

A TYPICAL TRAVELER-MK3 SETUP

Here is a typical Traveler-mk3 studio setup. This
rig can be operated without an external mixer. All
mixing and processing can be done either in the
Traveler-mk3, in the computer with audio
software, or both. During recording, you can use

the Traveler-mk3’s CueMix™ FX mixer to apply
reverb, EQ and compression to what you are
recording and monitor it via the main outs,
headphone outs, or any other output pair. You can
control everything from the included CueMix
Console software.

Traveler-mk3 side panel

Mac

Traveler-mk3

back panel

AES/EBU

MOTU 8pre or other optical

mic input expander

FireWire

ADAT optical

Digital processor or

other outboard gear

8-channel

ADAT optical

MIDI IN

MIDI OUT

monitors

Analog

sends

Analog outputs (stage

monitors, surround

monitors, etc.)

synthesizer

quarter-inch

analog outs

guitars (with or
without an amp)

Analog
returns

mics

Digital reverb or other

outboard gear

headphones

Traveler

front panel

headphone

INSTALLING THE TRAVELER-MK3 HARDWARE

S/PDIF

DAT deck

jack

Figure 3-12: A typical Traveler studio setup.

Compressor, reverb or other

analog outboard gear

25

OPERATING THE TRAVELER-MK3 AS A
CONVERTER

As explained earlier in “Using optical I/O to
operate the Traveler-mk3 as a 16-channel
expander” on page 20, the Traveler-mk3 can serve
as a multi-channel analog-to-digital converter
when disconnected from the computer and instead
connected to another device equipped with an
ADAT optical input. For example, you could
connect the Traveler-mk3 optical output to the
optical input on another MOTU audio interface,
such as a Traveler, 896mk3 or even another
Traveler-mk3. The Traveler-mk3 then serves as a
multi-channel expander that adds additional mic,
analog TRS and digital inputs to the interface. The
benefit of connecting the Traveler-mk3 in this
manner (instead of as another FireWire interface)
is that you can seamlessly integrate the
Traveler-mk3’s inputs into the on-board no-

latency CueMix monitor mixing in the interface,
since the Traveler-mk3’s inputs are fed into
CueMix via the interface’s optical inputs.

If the device to which you are connecting the
Traveler-mk3 supports 2x optical sample rates
(88.2 or 96 kHz), you can also use both banks of
connectors as discussed in “ADAT optical
operation at 88.2 or 96 kHz” on page 20.

MAKING SYNC CONNECTIONS

If you connect devices digitally to the
Traveler-mk3, or if you need to synchronize the
Traveler-mk3 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.

26

Mac

FireWire

Base

Traveler-mk3

ADAT optical In

ADAT optical Out

Expander

Traveler-mk3

Figure 3-13: Using the Traveler-mk3 as an optical expander. In this example, it is connected to another Traveler-mk3.

INSTALLING THE TRAVELER-MK3 HARDWARE

Do you need to synchronize the Traveler-mk3?

If you will be using only the Traveler-mk3’s analog
inputs and outputs (and none of its digital I/O),
and you have no plans to synchronize your
Traveler-mk3 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-mk3 Mac Software”
(page 33). After you install the Traveler-mk3
software, you’ll open MOTU Audio Setup to
confirm that the Clock Source setting is Internal as
shown below. For details, see chapter 5, “MOTU
Audio Setup” (page 37).

Figure 3-14: You can run the Traveler-mk3 under its own internal
clock when it has no digital audio connections and you are not
synchronizing the Traveler-mk3 system to an external time reference
such as time code.

Situations that require synchronization

There are three general cases in which you will
need to resolve the Traveler-mk3 with other
devices:

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 3-15: 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

Master

Slave Slave

■ Synchronizing the Traveler-mk3 with other

digital audio devices so that their digital audio
clocks are phase-locked (as shown in Figure 3-15)

■ Resolving the Traveler-mk3 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. Your success
in using the Traveler-mk3’s digital I/O features

INSTALLING THE TRAVELER-MK3 HARDWARE

Figure 3-16: To keep the Traveler-mk3 phased-locked with other
digital audio devices connected to it, choose a clock master.

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-mk3.

27

SYNCING TO SMPTE TIME CODE

The Traveler-mk3 system can resolve directly to
SMPTE time code. It can also generate time code
and word clock, under its own clock or while
slaving to time code. Therefore, the Traveler-mk3
can act both as an audio interface and as a digital
audio synchronizer to which you can slave other
digital audio devices. You can use the Traveler-mk3
to slave your audio software to time code as well, as
long as your software supports either sample­accurate sync or MIDI Time Code, which is the
means by which the software follows the
Tr a v e l e r - m k 3 .

Use this setup if you have:

✓ A SMPTE time code source, such as a multitrack tape deck.

A Traveler-mk3 by itself, OR with another slaved device (such

✓

as a digital mixer).

✓ Host software that supports sample-accurate sync or MIDI

Time Code sync.

This setup provides:

✓ Continuous sync to SMPTE time code.

✓ Sub-frame timing accuracy.

✓ Transport control from the SMPTE time code source.

audio

cable

quarter-inch jack

Analog

out

audio cable bearing LTC
(Longitudinal Time Code)

Analog

Word

Out

BNC
cable

SMPTE time code source

When lockup is achieved, the LOCK
light illuminates and the TACH light
blinks once per second.

Traveler-mk3 interface

FireWire ca ble

First, choose SMPTE
as the clock source in
AudioDesk, Digital
Performer, or MOTU
Audio Setup. This
setting can also be
made in the MOTU
SMPTE Console
(shown below).

If your host appli­cation supports
sample-accurate
sync, enable it. If
not, set it up to
sync to MIDI Time
Code (MTC).

In AudioDesk or Digital Performer:

1. Choose Receive Sync from the Setup menu.

2. Choose the Sample-accurate option. (If this
option is grayed out, choose SMPTE as the
clock source setting first, as shown above.)

3. Make sure that Slave to External Sync mode
is enabled.

Other digital audio device

slaved to the Traveler-mk3

Figure 3-17: Connections for synchronizing the Traveler-mk3 directly to SMPTE time code.

Mac running AudioDesk,

Digital Performer or other host software.

28

Launch the MOTU SMPTE Console to specify the time code frame
rate and amount of freewheel. Also, confirm that the Clock
Source/Address is SMPTE/SMPTE. For details about the other
settings, see chapter 12, “MOTU SMPTE Console” (page 107).

INSTALLING THE TRAVELER-MK3 HARDWARE

SYNCING AES/EBU AND S/PDIF DEVICES

DAT decks and other devices with S/PDIF and/or
AES/EBU digital I/O will sync to the Traveler-mk3
in one of two ways:

■ Via the S/PDIF or AES/EBU connection itself

■ Via word clock

Devices with no word clock

If your S/PDIF or AES/EBU device has no word
clock sync connectors, just connect it to the
Traveler-mk3 via the S/PDIF or AES/EBU
connectors. When the device records a digital
audio signal (from the Traveler-mk3), it will simply
synchronize to the clock provided by the digital
audio input.

On the other hand, when you transfer audio from
the S/PDIF or AES/EBU device into the
Traveler-mk3, you’ll have to slave the Traveler-mk3
to its S/PDIF or AES/EBU input. If you have other
digital audio devices connected to the
Traveler-mk3, and they are not slaved directly to
the Traveler-mk3 itself, you may hear clicks and
pops resulting from their unsynchronized audio
clock. If so, just turn them off during the transfer.

Devices with word clock

If your S/PDIF or AES/EBU device has a Word
Clock input, slave the device to the Traveler-mk3
via their word clock connection. You can then
freely transfer audio between the Traveler-mk3 and
the S/PDIF device.

Traveler-mk3

S/PDIF or AES/EBU

device

S/PDIF or AES/EBU

S/PDIF or AES/EBU

Traveler-mk3

Clock Source setting =

Internal (when transferring from the

Traveler to the other device)

Traveler-mk3

S/PDIF or AES/EBU

device

With this setup, in MOTU Audio Setup, choose Internal, or any other clock
source setting except SPDIF or AES/EBU. The other device slaves to the Traveler
via word clock for digital transfers in both directions.

S/PDIF or AES/EBU (when transferring

from the other device to the Traveler)

Traveler-mk3

Clock Source setting = Internal

Word Clock Out

Word Clock In

Traveler-mk3

Clock Source setting =

SPDIF or AES/EBU

SPDIF or AES/EBU

Figure 3-18: Two setups for synchronizing an AES/EBU or S/PDIF device with the Traveler-mk3. In the top diagram, sync is achieved via the
connection itself. In this case, you have to choose AES/EBU or S/PDIF as the Traveler-mk3’s clock source when recording from the other device. If
you don’t want to have to worry about switching the Clock Source setting depending on the direction of the transfer, you can slave the other
device to word clock from the Traveler-mk3 or vice versa (not shown). The Word Clock connection maintains sync, regardless of the direction of
the transfer.

INSTALLING THE TRAVELER-MK3 HARDWARE

29

SYNCING WORD CLOCK DEVICES

The Traveler-mk3 word clock connectors allow
you to synchronize it with a wide variety of other
word clock-equipped devices.

Traveler-mk3 could be running at 96 kHz while
slaving to a 48 kHz word clock signal. Similarly, the
Traveler-mk3 could run at 88.2 kHz and slave to

44.1 kHz word clock.

For standard word clock sync, you need to choose
an audio clock master (as explained in “Be sure to
choose a digital audio clock master” on page 27).
In the simplest case, you have two devices and one
is the word clock master and the other is the slave
as shown below in Figure 3-19 and Figure 3-20.

Master

Word clock OUT

Word clock IN

Slave

Figure 3-19: Slaving another digital audio device to the Traveler-mk3
via word clock. For the Traveler-mk3 clock source, choose any source
besides word clock, as it is not advisable to chain word clock.

Master

Word clock OUT

Word clock IN

Slave

Figure 3-20: Slaving the Traveler-mk3 to word clock. For the
Traveler-mk3 clock source, choose ‘Word Clock In’.

Traveler-mk3

Other device

Word clock source

Traveler-mk3

Remember, the word clock signal must be one of
the following:

■ the same as the Traveler-mk3 clock

■ half of the Traveler-mk3 clock

Forcing a 1x word out rate

The Traveler-mk3 can generate a word clock
output signal that either matches the current
system clock rate (any rate between 44.1 and
192kHz) or the corresponding 1x rate. For
example, if the Traveler-mk3 is operating at
192kHz, you can choose to generate a word out rate
of 48kHz. For details on how to make this word
clock output setting, see “Word Out” on page 42.

CONNECTING MULTIPLE MOTU FIREWIRE
INTERFACES

You can daisy-chain multiple MOTU FireWire
interfaces on a single FireWire bus, with the
restrictions described in the following sections.
Most computers have only one built-in FireWire
bus (even if it supplies multiple FireWire sockets).
Connect them as follows:

Don’t chain word clock

If you have three or more digital audio devices that
you need to synchronize, avoid chaining their word
clock connections (OUT to IN, OUT to IN, etc.), as
this causes problems. Instead, use a dedicated
synchronizer or a word clock distribution device of
some kind.

Slaving to 2x and 1/2x word clock

All MOTU FireWire audio interfaces that support
96 kHz operation have the ability to slave to a word
clock signal running at either one half or one
quarter of their current clock rate. For example, the

30

INSTALLING THE TRAVELER-MK3 HARDWARE