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FRONTIER ALPHATRACK Details
Frontier Design Group is now shipping the new AlphaTrackT controller, and is
pleased to announce 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. Now you
can ride a high-resolution fader, turn real knobs, and scroll/shuttle with
the touch of your fingers. Its compact design and USB connection make
AlphaTrack an excellent portable companion for laptops too.
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, a feature previously found only on high-end
gear costing thousands of dollars. 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.
One of AlphaTrack's unique innovations is its touch-sensitive jog and
shuttle strip. Slide one finger across its surface to scroll through your
project's timeline. Place two fingers on the strip to control the timeline's
shuttle speed. Zoom through your project with two fingers, then just lift
one finger and slide to quickly set the precise position you want. To
navigate through your project's markers, simply tap your finger on the end
of the strip.
AlphaTrack owners are saying:
* "Love the long throw fader. It's a very smooth fader and when I
automate tracks, my curves are smooth and very high resolution."
* "Wonderful idea and well thought out. AlphaTrack is just what
working composers, arrangers, engineers and producers need."
* "I just received my AlphaTrack today and set it up. What an easy
install. I love the jog strip. I can finally move around a project like I've
always wanted to."
AlphaTrack works on Windows XP and Mac OS (including Intel
Macs), and connects to the computer using just a single USB cable. For
more details, including an online demo video and the latest information
about supported applications, please go to
www.frontierdesign.com/AlphaTrack.
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 three 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 two 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 LED’s, 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 SX/SL, and Nuendo. Support for more applications will be added regularly.
* Optimized for fast, high-quality DAW mixing and editing in a small footprint
* Intuitive, innovative, and powerful controls in an attractive package
* 100mm touch-sensitive, high-resolution (true 10-bit positions) motorized fader
* Three touch-sensitive encoders ... context-specific feedback appears on the 32-character backlit display
* Innovative touch-sensitive jog and shuttle strip for fast timeline control
* 22 buttons and 21 LED's for track-specific and global functions
* Works with Pro Tools®, Sonar™, Cubase®, Reason™, Digital Performer®, Nuendo®, and other DAW software applications
* Works on Windows XP and Mac OS X computers (Mac OS 10.3.9 or later), including Intel Macs
* Footswitch input on back panel
* No external power adapter required ... single USB connection and small size make it great for laptops!
FRONTIER ALPHATRACK Specs
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:
o One 100mm touch-sensitive, motorized fader
o One 32-character backlit display
o Three touch-sensitive encoders, with push-button function
o 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
o 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)
FRONTIER ALPHATRACK FAQs
Does it work with laptops?
Does it ever! Since AlphaTrack is a small, lightweight device, and since it is powered over its USB cable (with no external power adapter required), it is the perfect companions for laptop musician who need to work on the go.
What's that horizontal strip under the transport buttons?
That's our unique touch-sensitive jog and shuttle strip. It can detect when it is touched by your finger, and can also determine if you are using one finger or two (spaced slightly apart). It is typically used to control the project timeline, much like a jog/shuttle wheel, only faster. Put two fingers down on it and you're ready to shuttle. Slide them a bit to the right, and you shuttle slowly to the right. Slide further right and go faster, or left and slow down and even go backwards. Now lift one finger, with just one finger touching, and you directly control the timeline. Scroll left or right to place the “now” time precisely where you want it.
Can I use more than one AlphaTrack with my DAW?
Sorry, but no. You can use just one AlphaTrack on a given computer.
How far can the AlphaTrack be from the computer?
While it comes with a 6' (1.8 m) cable, you can use any approved USB cable with it. Standard USB cables of up to 16' (5 m) are readily found, and active extension cables can take you even farther.
If I unplug and replug the AlphaTrack on the Windows machine, why do my applications no longer find it?
Bet you’re not using Service Pack 2, right? If so, we strongly recommend that you get this upgrade which includes a fix for this operating system bug, along with many other useful fixes.
How large is AlphaTrack?
Smaller than a breadbox. In fact it is about 8.5" x 6" x 3" (22 cm x 15 cm x 7.5 cm) and weighs just over one pound (510 grams).
What is the philosophy behind using continuous-turn, touch-sensitive encoders?
We were hoping someone would ask! (OK, so this ain't a Frequently Asked Question, but we wish it was!) Many music-oriented computer peripherals have rotary knobs for control. Our three rotary knobs are attached to continuous-turn encoders, not limited-turn potentiometers. They can instantaneously be mapped to different parameters and turned to increment or decrement those parameters, as opposed to limited-turn pots. When they are mapped to a different parameter and turned, the system puts out a fixed value corresponding to the knob's position, and the parameter typically jumps, inelegantly, to that value.
With AlphaTrack we've “kicked it up a notch,” or two, by providing a display right above the knobs for parameter name and value feedback, and by making the knobs touch-sensitive. Just put your finger a knob and the system can respond by instantly showing more detailed name and value information on the display, showing a large bar graph or a more precise numeric value or a longer name. It's just plain easier to use!
Where should I put the AlphaTrack? To the left of my keyboard? To the right of my mouse? In between them?
After extensive research and testing, we have determined the optimal location of the AlphaTrack. It is wherever you want it! Seriously, it seems like everyone who tries it has their own way of using it, and they are all correct. Some folks even like to sit back in the speaker sweet spot with the AlphaTrack in their lap while fine tuning their mixes. “It's all good.”
Compare and contrast TranzPort with AlphaTrack.
What are you, my high school English teacher??? Actually, it's pretty easy. TranzPort is wireless and is designed to help you record tracks from anywhere in your studio. AlphaTrack is designed to speed your editing and mixing workflow, -- by giving you maximum control over your tracks, effects, and instruments, while consuming a minimum of desktop space.
You know, it might just make sense to have them both.
Frontier AlphaTrack Compact DAW
