Frontier Designs AlphaTrack from zZounds.com!

Item: FROALPHATRACK

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customer reviews

7 People rated this product : 8 out of 10

3 People wrote reviews

6 out of 10

"Looks great, great features but feels cheap"

Feature:
I had trouble with the most basic feature, the volume fader so I have to admit that didn't delve too deeply into the advanced features. The basic features (Play, Stop, Pause, Solo)worked just fine. I was not able to change tracks in Logic 8 with the unit, but then again it may have been operator error or the fact that the unit I purchased had some mechanical issues.

Quality:
I was disappointed with the quality of this product. For the $$ I expected it to be more solid. The pan knobs felt cheap, clunky, wobbly and toy-like. The buttons were solid but tight and slightly difficult to press. Each button press produced an audible "click" sound that got on my wife's nerves almost immediately. The track pad is a great idea but it was difficult to use. The slot seemed too narrow. Someone with fat fingers would find this feature nearly useless.

Value:
I would say the product was not worth the 200 dollars I paid for it

Desirability:
I bought the product based on pictures I saw. Yes, it had sex appeal and looked great on my studio desk. I would prefer that it came in solid black. The features were great. I didn't like how it felt however. I also wasn't a fan of the track pad, and the loud button clicking. I would be willing to pay more $ for a more solid product.

Sound:
Product not designed for sound reproduction

Ease of Use:
Unit was layed out nicely. All buttons were labeled clearly. The interface was intuitive with the most used button layed out in a logical fashion. I had the unit up and running almost immediately. Learning curve was minimal and the lighted display is a nice feature. I also liked the fact that it did not require a power cord. Though it works with Logic 8, I was disappointed to find that the manual had operator instructions for everything except Logic.

Support:
I did not contact support

Overall:
If the product did not have a mechanical problem I would have kept it for about a year before buying a more solid porduct. I don't know what that would be however? Maybe one of the JL Cooper products.

Submitted: 5/28/2008

Style of Music: Rock, Traditional music (Celtic, Irish)

8 out of 10

"Finally, an inexpensive but very capable mixing controller for the project studio market."

Overall:
There is often a desire in the project studio market for a control surface that will relieve the difficulties associated with using the keyboard and mouse for mixing. The Alpha Track is the fulfillment of that desire. It is an inexpensive, well designed, comprehensive mixing control surface that is compatible with all of the major sequencer programs. With a single touch-sensitive fader, three rotary encoder knobs that also function as buttons, a dedicated and intuitive transport section complete with user assignable buttons as well as the unique transport strip, the Alpha Track is well equipped to accomplish most of your mixing needs. Kudos to the Frontier Design Group for making it bus powered as well, thus, eliminating the need for extra cabling. All of the power and information transfer goes through the single, included USB cable. Another great feature is the LCD display which is a big plus for this unit as it allow you to keep track of parameters without having to rely entirely on your monitor screen. The only real down side is the necessity to use the Alpha Track's shift button to access alternate assignable functions for the buttons. It can be tedious having to remember all of the functions that each button has assigned to it and constantly shifting between button options, but this is one of the natural drawback to any small mixing control surface. It's perhaps best to think of the Alpha Track as a way to augment the keyboard and mouse, not completely replace it. As one becomes familiar with the unit however, it becomes clear just how much easier it is to navigate and mix a project with the Alpha Track than without. For it's price and with it's small size it's not a problem that it doesn't make the keyboard and mouse obsolete. Basically with the Alpha Track you are getting great functionality at a fraction of the cost associated with larger control surfaces. In a world of overpriced mixing control surfaces at $200 the Alpha Track is a hands-on, project studio or professional on-the-go engineer's dream come true.

Submitted: 12/30/2007

Style of Music: Many

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About This Product!

Description

From Our Catalog

Frontier Design Group's new AlphaTrack™ combines a set of intuitive tactile controls in a compact and attractive package. Ride a high-resolution fader, turn real knobs, scroll and shuttle with the touch of your fingers, all with a control surface that fits your desktop and the way you work. AlphaTrack lets you work more productively and creatively without giving up a lot of desktop space.

AlphaTrack includes a 100mm, touch-sensitive, motorized fader which provides true 10-bit resolution for smooth and precise level control. AlphaTrack also has 3 touch-sensitive encoders, a feature previously found only on high-end gear costing thousands of dollars. These let you adjust track and plug-in parameters while the 32-character backlit display shows detailed feedback in response to your touch. The encoders provide quick control of pans, sends, EQ, plug-ins, and automation.

One of AlphaTrack's greatest innovations is its touch-sensitive jog and shuttle strip. Slide one finger across its surface and your project's timeline scrolls in response. Drop a second finger onto the strip, and now your fingers control the timeline's shuttle speed. Zoom through your project with 2 fingers, then just lift one finger and slide to quickly set the precise position you want. And you can also just tap on the left or right ends of the strip to navigate through your project’s markers!

AlphaTrack also has a set of 22 buttons and 21 LEDs, including standard transport controls, per track record, solo, mute, and automation indication, and encoder mode control. When supported by the computer application, a set of buttons can also be customized with user-programmable functions.

AlphaTrack connects to your computer using just a single USB cable. This makes it quite portable, easy to connect, and compatible with laptops since no additional power supply is needed. AlphaTrack's backpanel also includes a footswitch jack for easy punch-in recording.

AlphaTrack works on Windows XP and Mac OS X (including Intel Macs) with applications such as Pro Tools, SONAR, Reason, Cubase, Nuendo, Final Cut Pro, Soundtrack Pro, and Reaper. Support for more applications will be added regularly.

Technical Info

Requirements: Windows XP (Service Pack 2 recommended) or Mac OS X (10.3.9+) operating system

Computer Interface: powered full-speed USB 2.0 or USB 1.1 port (unpowered hub connection not recommended)

Power: From USB port; no external adapter required

Included Items: AlphaTrack control surface, 6 ft. (1.8 m) USB cable, CD-ROM, Quick Start Guide

Size: 8.5 in. x 6 in. x 3 in. (22 cm x 15 cm x 7.5 cm)

Weight: 1 lb. 2 oz. (510 grams)

Comprehensive, compact DAW control from the same geniuses that brought you the Tranzport! Touch-sensitive 100mm motorized fader. Three touch-sensitive rotary encoders. Touch-sensitive strip for jog/shuttle control. Over 20 buttons and LEDs including transport controls. Backlit LCD screen shows parameter information. Footswitch input for punch-ins. USB bus-powered. Supports most major DAW software.

what our customers say about zZounds

"If you're looking for reliable service and quick delivery, then look no further – zZounds is for you." - customer on August 11, 2008

Frontier Designs AlphaTrack Compact Control Surface