I know this is a computer interface, but since it also doubles as a standalone preamp, I though I would post this here.
After much hemming and hawing, I finally placed my order for MOTU's traveler. I tested this badboy with my powerbook and the compact size, SPDIF connections, great metering and tight DAC conversion won me over. The only critique I had of this box was the sound of the ADC. I spoke to Doug Oade to see if he offered any mods but he has no plans to do so. I kept searching till I found someone who does indeed mod the Traveler and supposedly is getting excellent results.
http://blacklionaudio.com/828.htm
I have signed up for my mod and will gladly play guinea pig and report the results here. Stay tuned...
Hey! Before you send that MOTU in, can you crack the box and take a closeup photo of the mic-pre section?
According to the webpage you mentioned, they use 4580 opamps. We know those are bad and can be replaced. (Not for the faint of heart on a $800 board, but can be done...).
But what I want to know is what circuitry is *before* the opamps. In particular, is there a discrete transistor front end. Also, is the circuit running at +-15V, or some lower voltage, like +-5V on the Edirol UA5 (stock).
If the circuit has a discrete front end, and if it has +-15V, I expect it to sound similar to the Presonus Firepod/Firebox. And IMO this sounds a lot better than the UA5. I don't know how much switching the opamps will help. But I guess at the price he is asking (ca. $200), it sounds like it is worth a try.
Thanks,
and plusT for modding your gear!
Richard