Frontier Designs AlphaTrack Compact Control Surface
No longer available at zZounds
Optimized for fast, high-quality DAW mixing and editing in a small footprint.
Overview
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,… read more 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. read less
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,… read more 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. read less
Specs
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)
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)
Reviews
Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
(12 ratings)
Submitted March 12, 2007 by a customer from worldnet.att.net
"Alphatrack is a winner"
Verified Customer
zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
This review has been selected by our experts as particularly helpful.
I've had it for around two weeks and I'm already hooked on using it. I would certainly get another one if i broke or lost this one. For owners of the Tranzport unit, this is a very nice addition. Where the Tranzport becomes essential for tracking, the Alphatrack is THE tool for mixing.
Sound
This is a control device which does not directly generate any sound.
Features
This thing blows the faderport out of the water. The display shows track, pan, EQ, FX, & other data as you select which track and attribute to control. Rotaries up top give you quick access and fast control, press them down for finer control, or you can hit the FLIP button to momentarily allow the fader to control your plugin/pan/eq/whatever. The ribbon control allows you to jump through your project or shuttle through depending on how you use it. Programmable keys can be set to whatever function you want to add.
Ease of Use
I tried it in Sonar 5.2 and it was up and working in minutes. Install disk, plug in. Inside Sonar, select it as a control surface and make sure the in/out ports are also selected in the midi screen. Then any project you load will immedialy work with alphatrack. If you have producer edition, the EQ control operates the sonitus per-track EQ. If not, use the PLUGIN control to control any track or bus plugin. Some plugins are easier than others to navigate, depending on the number of and order… read more of controls therein.
Quality
Seems solid, the only gripe i had was the little rubber feet were a little wobbly when i got it so i pulled two of them off and switched them around and now it sits flat. The fader & encoders are very nice, and the display is crystal clear and very useful.
Value
Compare to other units out there, the "ready-to-go" integration with major software is a HUGE plus. Without going to a larger MUCH more expensive control surface, this is as good as it gets.
Manufacturer Support
Frontier has been outstanding with their support & updates, new functions were added to the Tranzport unit which i also own. The alphatrack software has been updated from 1.0 to 1.1 as of now so get the newest drivers & DAW plugin for your system.
The Wow Factor
When i saw the video demos showing how slickly the alphatrack integrated with Sonar i knew i was getting one. The built in display is very cool.
Musical Background:
Musician & Recordist
Musical Style:
Alt, Blues, Rock, Techno read less
Sound
This is a control device which does not directly generate any sound.
Features
This thing blows the faderport out of the water. The display shows track, pan, EQ, FX, & other data as you select which track and attribute to control. Rotaries up top give you quick access and fast control, press them down for finer control, or you can hit the FLIP button to momentarily allow the fader to control your plugin/pan/eq/whatever. The ribbon control allows you to jump through your project or shuttle through depending on how you use it. Programmable keys can be set to whatever function you want to add.
Ease of Use
I tried it in Sonar 5.2 and it was up and working in minutes. Install disk, plug in. Inside Sonar, select it as a control surface and make sure the in/out ports are also selected in the midi screen. Then any project you load will immedialy work with alphatrack. If you have producer edition, the EQ control operates the sonitus per-track EQ. If not, use the PLUGIN control to control any track or bus plugin. Some plugins are easier than others to navigate, depending on the number of and order… read more of controls therein.
Quality
Seems solid, the only gripe i had was the little rubber feet were a little wobbly when i got it so i pulled two of them off and switched them around and now it sits flat. The fader & encoders are very nice, and the display is crystal clear and very useful.
Value
Compare to other units out there, the "ready-to-go" integration with major software is a HUGE plus. Without going to a larger MUCH more expensive control surface, this is as good as it gets.
Manufacturer Support
Frontier has been outstanding with their support & updates, new functions were added to the Tranzport unit which i also own. The alphatrack software has been updated from 1.0 to 1.1 as of now so get the newest drivers & DAW plugin for your system.
The Wow Factor
When i saw the video demos showing how slickly the alphatrack integrated with Sonar i knew i was getting one. The built in display is very cool.
Musical Background:
Musician & Recordist
Musical Style:
Alt, Blues, Rock, Techno read less
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