The Bottom Line
Let's go ahead and set the record straight: Frontier Design Group really knows cool gear.
One of the things I really like about the larger studios I take my larger-budget clients to is the control surfaces; having that tactile representation of my work is a huge plus, and I miss it in my project studio.
At the same $199 price point as the wonderfully-reviewed TranzPort, you get twice the features, many of which are only native in high-dollar interfaces, with the same high-quality build and attention to detail that established the TranzPort as a major bang-for-the-buck in recording equipment.
One of the things I really like about the larger studios I take my larger-budget clients to is the control surfaces; having that tactile representation of my work is a huge plus, and I miss it in my project studio.
At the same $199 price point as the wonderfully-reviewed TranzPort, you get twice the features, many of which are only native in high-dollar interfaces, with the same high-quality build and attention to detail that established the TranzPort as a major bang-for-the-buck in recording equipment.
Pros
- Versatile & Powerful
- Universal Compatability
- Accessible Price
Cons
- Takes Time to Learn
Description
- Street Price: $199
- USB connectivity, universal compatibility with most major DAW software.
- Touch-sensitive, 100mm motorized fader with 10-bit resolution.
- Touch-sensitive trackpad for controlling jog functions.
- Three touch-sensitive encoder knobs, allowing seamless control of features such as EQ, pan, sends, etc.
- Fantastic build quality.
Guide Review - AlphaTrack USB DAW Control Surface
The AlphaTrack gives the ability to work with a fully-programmable control surface on a very accessible budget; it worked flawlessly when working in my smaller project studio. The only drawback was that the more intricate features took a little longer to learn, but it didn't slow me down once I figured everything out.Picking up where the TranzPort left off, the AlphaTrack's first major feature is a 100mm, touch-sensitive, motorized fader. The fader's mechanical movement was very smooth, instantly reactive with commands sent via automation through Pro Tools. Next to the fader are buttons for solo, mute, and record arm, all completely useful in every session I used the AlphaTrack on. A quick click of the shift button next to the fader doubles the meets-the-eye capabilities of AlphaTrack's buttons. I also fell in love with the touch-sensitive trackpad, used for quickly flipping through jog and shuttle functions -- I loved the ability to quickly move through my edit screen.
Also of note is the three touch-sensitive encoder knobs. These are a huge time-saver, as you can program them to control channel pan, plug-in settings, or any other combination of user-assignable features (I loved controlling pan as well as aux sends). You're only limited by your imagination!
The only feature missing is the ability to work wirelessly; I was spoiled by the TranzPort's wireless capabilities, but trust me: the added features make up for it.
At $199, Frontier Design Group scored another home-run. A well-constructed, useful piece of equipment at a price point accessible to everyone. In a future model, I'd love to see a wireless version of the AlphaTrack, or even a larger-format version. One thing's certain: wherever they go from here, if past experience proves right, the chances are that it'll be a high-quality, useful product at a fair price.
