AlphaTrack

A demo video for the Frontier Design Group AlphaTrack.

AlphaTrack Specifications:

• 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)
• User Interface:
  • One 100mm touch-sensitive, motorized fader
  • One 32-character backlit display
  • Three touch-sensitive encoders, with push-button function
  • Buttons: REW, FFWD, STOP, PLAY, RECORD, SHIFT, MUTE, SOLO, REC-ARM, FLIP, IN, OUT, LOOP, PAN, SEND, EQ, PLUG-IN, AUTO, F1, F2, F3, F4
  •  Indicators: RECORD, SHIFT, MUTE, SOLO, REC, FLIP, IN, OUT, LOOP, PAN, SEND, EQ, PLUG-IN, AUTO, F1, F2, F3, F4
• Power: From USB port; no external adapter required
• Included Items: AlphaTrack control surface, 6′ (1.8 m) USB cable, CD-ROM, Quick Start Guide
• Size: 8.5″ x 6″ x 3″ (22 cm x 15 cm x 7.5 cm)
• Weight: 1 lb. 2 oz. (510 grams)

Software manufacturers continue adding support for the AlphaTrack DAW controller from Frontier Design Group. Now you can use AlphaTrack with Mackie’s Tracktion 3 and with Cakewalk’s Guitar Tracks Pro 3.

With AlphaTrack’s touch-sensitive jog/shuttle strip, LCD display, three touch-sensitive encoder knobs, standard transport buttons, user-definable buttons, and 100mm touch-sensitive fader, you have everything you need right at your fingertips to control Tracktion 3 and Guitar Tracks Pro 3. AlphaTrack also works well with MOTU’s Digital Performer, Adobe’s Audition 2, Apple’s Final Cut Pro and Soundtrack Pro, Steinberg’s Nuendo and Cubase (SX/SL, Cubase 4, Studio 4), Cakewalk’s SONAR, Propellerhead’s Reason, and Digidesign’s ProTools.

Several AlphaTrack accessories are available now too. Frontier Design Group’s online store has padded gig bags, custom-made for AlphaTrack.

In response to customer requests, Frontier Design Group has also developed an alternate knob set for AlphaTrack. The set includes a fader cap and three knobs for the encoders. The new fader cap has a deeper curve than the original fader cap. The new knobs are more cylindrical than the original knobs, with protruding ridges which are easy to grasp. The new coating is slightly more textured while maintaining the touch-sensitivity of the knobs and fader.

Frontier Design Group is also pleased to announce that Ardour 2 now supports its TranzPort wireless remote controller in Linux systems. Simply connect TranzPort’s USB interface to an active USB port, launch Ardour 2 and select ‘TranzPort’ from the Options / Control Surfaces menu.

Frontier Design Group has added Adobe’s Audition 2.0 to the list of applications that support its AlphaTrack controller, including Digidesign’s ProTools, Cakewalk’s SONAR, Steinberg’s Cubase SX/SL and Nuendo and Cubase 4 (including Studio 4), Apple’s Final Cut Pro and Soundtrack Pro, Propellerhead’s Reason, and MOTU’s Digital Performer.

AlphaTrack is a compact controller for DAW mixing and editing, which fits easily on the desktop and can also travel with a laptop. AlphaTrack has a 100mm touch-sensitive fader, a unique touch-sensitive jog/shuttle strip, and three touch-sensitive encoders for quick control of pans, sends, EQ, plug-ins, and automation. AlphaTrack also has standard transport controls, a set of user-definable buttons and a footswitch input for easy punch-in recording. AlphaTrack (MSRP $249) runs in Windows XP and Mac OS X (including Intel Macs), and connects to the computer using just a single USB cable.

The SONAR and Cubase plug-ins for AlphaTrack have also been updated to provide additional functionality with those applications. For example, with the updated plug-ins, pressing shift while tapping AlphaTrack’s touch-strip enables audible scrub/shuttle without changing modes. Read more…

Frontier Design Group is now shipping the very cool AlphaTrack controller, and has announced support for two more applications — Apple’s Final Cut Pro and Soundtrack Pro — in addition to the DAWs already supported (ProTools, SONAR, Reason, Cubase SX/SL, Digital Performer, and Nuendo).

AlphaTrack combines a set of intuitive tactile controls in an attractive package that fits easily on your desktop for DAW mixing and editing. Its compact design and USB connection make AlphaTrack an excellent portable companion for laptops.

AlphaTrack has a 100mm, touch-sensitive, motorized fader which provides true 10-bit resolution for smooth, precise level control. AlphaTrack includes three touch-sensitive encoders. Use the encoders to 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. AlphaTrack also has standard transport controls, a set of user-definable buttons and a footswitch jack for easy punch-in recording. Read more…