The EM Poll

Frontier Alpha Track:
The Sound of One Fader Sliding

Apr 20, 2007 5:19 PM, Advertorial by David Battino

           

The Lone Fader Rides Your Gain

With today’s computers, the challenge is no longer raw horsepower; it’s harnessing that power in an easy, enjoyable way. That’s why “workflow” has become such a popular term. The Frontier Design Group AlphaTrack is a deceptively simple device that can go a long way toward making your computer more musical.

You’ll get the most out of it if you’re running one of the applications that support its touch strip and display, such as Audition, Cubase, Digital Performer, Pro Tools, Reason, Reaper, and Sonar; but the list is growing fast. Frontier’s earlier TranzPort controller now works with 28 music programs. Be sure to check the AlphaTrack forum for the latest news.

I also encourage you to explore the program-specific documentation on Frontier’s downloads page. You’ll discover numerous shortcuts and key combinations that let you do everything from disabling the fader motor (helpful when an open mic is nearby) to toggling your DAW’s metronome on and off. The AlphaTrack may have just one fader, but it offers a wealth of possibilities.

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)