Frontier Design TranzPort Wireless DAW Controller

The TranzPort by Frontier Design is incredibly useful, and an unbelievable bargain - for only $199, it offers a fully-functional control surface usable for all major audio software packages. This can greatly increase your productivity -- it did for me in just the two sessions I used it in. While it functions as only a simple control interface -- there's no wireless input or output -- it still gives you complete control of your preferred software. It also flawlessly works as an iTunes controller -- making it the perfect compliment to your personal listening setup.

Pros

Cons

At the winter NAMM show in Anaheim, I happened upon the Frontier Design booth and met their enthusiastic and knowledgeable partner, Charlie Hitchcock, who introduced me to one of the coolest tools I've ever seen -- the TranzPort. I normally don't get too excited about accessories -- some are hype, some disappoint in performance or durability, and some simply cost too much for me to get too excited about. But the TranzPort blew me away -- priced at $199 with universal compatibility with all major digital audio workstation software packages, the TranzPort offers wireless remote-controlling for a fraction of the price of major control surfaces.

Build Quality

The TranzPort is built very, very well. It's very solid, despite it's all-plastic construction. I'm sure it could take a few drops on a hard floor before you'd notice any problems or need to make a service call -- however, since my unit was generously on loan, I didn't test that aspect out!

Features

The TranzPort is feature-rich; it allows you to control all major functions very simply. In my case, I ran it with Pro Tools 7.1 on my Macbook. It works very simply; hook it up, install the drivers, and set it up in Pro Tools. I was able to get it working in less than 10 minutes, and was using it within my session rather fluently in less than 20. It gives you the option to select a track with a large jog dial, then change all the settings you need: track volume, panning, record arming, soloing, muting, and more. You also have control over all major transport functions, including play, forward, reverse, record, stop, and pause.

The TranzPort mounts easily to a mic stand for ultimate portability. Being able to control from behind a drumset, in a vocal booth, or behind a guitar prior to recording is exceptionally useful. Wireless range was as expected. Overall, a fantastic product.