Ran the MOTU>Powerbook G4 combo at three Los Lobos shows this weekend. I had two sets of mics running (Neumann KM140's and ADK TL's) through the XLR inputs with phantom on; and I also ran in a SBD feed via line in (XLR>1/4" TRS). Chain went like this:
I recorded at 24/48. I could have easily recorded 24/96; but I brain-farted when I did my prep work and entered the settings as 24/48. I can only guess this was force of habit from using my other lappy with the VX Pocket V2 for digi in.
First, let me say that I ran into no computer errors with this setup: no blips, no (apparent) dropped samples, no crashes. Utterly refreshing. On Friday night, I was surfing the 'Net at the same time as recording. Maybe not the smartest thing to do (only running 512 MB memory at the moment); but it doesn't seem to have caused any problems.
I didn't use any outboard preamps, so that I could get a feel for the sound of the unit. I guess the best description would be "clear"...which seems OK for the Neumann's; but it made the already bright sounding TL's seem even brighter. Still sounds OK; but I hope to be able to experiment with some preamps later on.
I had to get used to the line in a bit. Even with -10 pad switch on, the input seemed overly sensitive (probably just me). As the 'faders' in the MOTU CueMix only reduced the digital level, I could still get clips. I had to back off the levels at the SBD...not unreasonably so; just more than I had been accustomed to doing before running SBD>preamp>DA-P1.
As for power consumption, I did not experiment running the Traveler off batteries. Although I did bring along my EC90, I had access to AC power at all three venues. I just powered the Traveler off the Firewire bus on the Powerbook and plugged the Powerbook into the AC. Next time out, I'll test out the consumption "under fire."
Overall, I'm very pleased with the results I got. Couldn't have been smoother. I love the fact that I have all my sources done at the same bit/sample rate, in one place, all ready to start editing. One funny thing though: don't know it was because TSA has been being ragged on a lot lately or what; but the Traveler was viewed with a lot of suspicion when I was going through security at the airports...even more than the SLA's. But not as much as the KM140's with the actives.