Frontier Designs TranzPort Wireless DAW Controller

No longer available at zZounds
Two-way interface. Compatible with Mac and Windows. Supports Pro Tools, Logic, Cubase, Digital Performer, Sonar, and other DAW software applications.

Frontier Design Group's new TranzPort represents a revolutionary way to interact with your Windows or Mac digital audio workstation (DAW). Instead of being stuck in front of your computer to compose, record, and produce music/audio, TranzPort gives you the freedom to control DAW functions from anywhere in your studio.

TranzPort is easy to set up and use. Right out of the box, it's compatible with popular DAW software such as Pro Tools, Sonar, Logic, Cubase, Digital Performer and others. You can arm tracks, use transport controls, set markers, control pans, punch in/out, start loops, and more from TranzPort's simple and intuitive interface. TranzPort is a bi-directional controller, so it also provides feedback to you on signal levels, timecode position, track names and more, via a backlit LCD display and LED indicators.

Unlike infrared remotes, you don't need line-of-sight between the TranzPort and your computer. TranzPort uses high frequency radio waves (RF) to send and receive control data, and uses advanced coding and frequency-hopping techniques to operate without causing interference, even in the presence of other wireless devices.

Using TranzPort, you can:
-- Adjust monitor mix settings from inside an isolation booth, or easily record instruments that are physically incompatible with your workspace (piano, drums, etc.)

-- Get creative in an environment away from the computer (living room, lounge, etc.) without having to run back and forth to the workstation

-- Control read more your recording while physically removing yourself from unwanted computer noise and monitor hum

-- Add a set of basic DAW controls to a second location in a studio (producer's desk, separate room, etc.)

-- Remotely control your computer from onstage in live performance without messy cable runs

-- And much more!

TranzPort is small and lightweight, runs on standard AA batteries, is mountable to a mic stand, and even has a footswitch input. As a very affordable alternative to keyboard/mouse DAW control, TranzPort offers control tools that will speed up your workflow.

Compatible with Windows 2000/XP and Mac OS X (10.2.8 and above), and requiring only one USB port for the small receiver, TranzPort is the remote DAW control solution for everyone from personal/project studios to large commercial recording facilities.

TranzPort -- it's a control thing.

Tranzport quick facts
Wireless DAW control: operate your computer-based digital audio workstation from anywhere in your studio

Compatible with Mac and Windows

Supports Pro Tools, Logic, Cubase, Digital Performer, Sonar and other DAW software applications

Two-way interface: get timecode position, track name/number, track volume, pan settings and more via backlit LCD display and LED indicators

Uses high-frequency RF technology: no wires or line-of-sight required, and no added interference

Dedicated buttons for often-used functions, including transport controls, marker/locate buttons, track control (level, pan, solo, mute, record arm) and more

Operates on AA batteries

Small, lightweight design (mountable to a mic stand)

Footswitch input
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Requirements: Mac OS X (10.2.8+), Windows 2000, or Windows XP operating system; one available USB port for Tranzceiver interface

Operational distance: over 30 feet (10 meters) typical

Frequency band: 2.4 GHz

Buttons/controls: REW, FWD, STOP, PLAY, RECORD, CHAN LEFT/RIGHT, RECORD-ARM, MUTE, SOLO, UNDO, IN, OUT, PUNCH, LOOP, SHIFT, PREV, ADD, NEXT, Battery, Backlight, Data Wheel (24 pulse/rev)

Indicators: RECORD-ARM, MUTE, SOLO, ANY-SOLO, PUNCH, LOOP, RECORD, LINK STATUS, backlit multifunction LCD display

Power: 4 standard 'AA' batteries

Included Items: TranzPort remote unit, Tranzceiver USB interface, (4) AA batteries, CD-ROM

Size: Apprx. 7 x 5.5 x 2 in.

Weight: Apprx. 1 lb.

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 800-928-3236

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars. (21 ratings)
Submitted June 15, 2006 by a customer from hotmail.com

"Simply can't be beat for the money. Rock solid performance backed by a company who believes in this product."

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
This review has been selected by our experts as particularly helpful.
Simply can't be beat for the money. Does what it's supposed to, supports tons of applications, and Frontier really stands behind this product.

Features
Does exactly what's advertised and works with so many applications. I like the fact the using SHIFT + JOG WHEEL lets you control volume faders on your tracks.

Ease of Use
So simple to get up and running. I use this with Ableton Live 5.2 (Mackie Control Universal mode) and it's great. The only buttons that don't work as expected in Live are the loop start/end buttons but this is because the MCU Emulation was optimized for Cubase. The same issue exists with Tascam and Yamaha controllers too. It is my understanding native Tranzport support is coming in a future Live update. It's no big deal though as everything else works perfect.

Quality
Good build quality. Buttons are crisp and solid and I don't think they will wear out. Jog Wheel is smooth as silk. The unit operates on batteries and has a battery-life indicator. I was worried it would blow through batteries quickly but it hardly uses any juice. If you always have the backlight turned on of course you will consume more resource.

Value
You can't beat this for the money. I have a Mackie Control Universal and never use it anymore. Sure the 100mm Pnny + Giles faders are nice, but the Tranzport is much more productive as you position it in front read more of you (on top of your synth perhaps?) and everything is just a hand-reach away.

Manufacturer Support
Frontier is quick to respond to emails of any kind. Their Forum is an excellent resource and their tech support people are very active on there. It's a great community with lots of positive people.

The Wow Factor
Cosmetically the unit looks very nice and professional.

Musical Background:
Active Musician

Musical Style:
Techno
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5 of 6 people (83%) people found this review helpful. Did you?
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