Noisy Traveler Mic Preamps

ricardo_lee · Post by **ricardo_lee** » Thu Apr 03, 2008 11:36 pm

Anyone had problems with Traveler Mic Preamps?

Mine went very noisy before X'mas and I still haven't got it back. I was told it had to be sent to MOTU, US for a new board. I'm in Oz.

rmhofu · Post by **rmhofu** » Wed Apr 09, 2008 12:47 pm

I have heard of this problem especially on pres 1 and 2 although I haven't experienced it myself. For me the first firewire port seems to have just died. This was after 4 years, other than that, no problems. I have however moved on to RME and the difference is so so clear. By the way, I am assuming you are using the right cables because cables can send you on wild goose chase, but you probably know this. Good luck!

Roy

ricardo_lee · Post by **ricardo_lee** » Wed Apr 09, 2008 7:36 pm

rmhofu wrote:I have heard of this problem especially on pres 1 and 2 although I haven't experienced it myself. For me the first firewire port seems to have just died. This was after 4 years, other than that, no problems. I have however moved on to RME and the difference is so so clear. By the way, I am assuming you are using the right cables because cables can send you on wild goose chase, but you probably know this. Good luck!

Roy

Pres 2, 3 & 4 went VERY noisy on me after 6 mths.

Could you elaborate on the difference between RME and the Traveler?

rmhofu · Post by **rmhofu** » Thu Apr 10, 2008 10:43 am

RME is just another brand. I don't know what your budget is, but you could go for the RME Fireface 400 or the more expensive 800. They process signal the same way Traveler does, but with so much more headroom, e.g you have two sets of ADAT ins and outs on the 800, configurations is dead easy and the mic pres are just another level. They will make a huge difference to your sound.

ricardo_lee · Post by **ricardo_lee** » Thu Apr 10, 2008 4:26 pm

rmhofu wrote:RME is just another brand. <snip> and the mic pres are just another level. They will make a huge difference to your sound.

Could you describe the differences you hear between the RME and Traveler mic pres?

rmhofu · Post by **rmhofu** » Fri Apr 11, 2008 11:18 am

Firstly, the self noise of the Traveler pres has become evident in that masking has been made very apparent. Recording the same signal from same source using the same mic with the same gain setting always results in a better and clearer recording from RME. I almost have to increase gain by a great deal more to get close to the RME. Also when I compare the two, the Traveler has a some "artificial" warmth whereas the RME will capture the signal as close to original as possible, which I prefer as I can then manipulate it the way I want it. This does not by any means mean the Traveler is bad, it is actually a very good device and I have used it for mobile recording several times, but I am glad I discovered RME. I will definitely recommend Traveler, but if your budget permits, then go the step up and it is a step up.

Roy