FaderPort vs Alphatrack - which is best for DP?

charlesmoman · Post by **charlesmoman** » Thu Nov 15, 2007 4:34 am

I read all the previous discusssions.
I may be able to buy the Mackie Control Universal but I am still looking at these single faders.

The AlphaTrack looks best to me.

Getting ready to work on 2 major projects - a symphony/soundtrack and a major musical.

Current feelings and experiences?

Thanks!

Charles

MacPro - 5GB RAM, Tiger, etc.

wurliuchi · Post by **wurliuchi** » Thu Nov 15, 2007 9:38 am

charlesmoman wrote:I read all the previous discusssions.
I may be able to buy the Mackie Control Universal but I am still looking at these single faders.

The AlphaTrack looks best to me.

Getting ready to work on 2 major projects - a symphony/soundtrack and a major musical.

Current feelings and experiences?

Thanks!

Charles

MacPro - 5GB RAM, Tiger, etc.

I'd go with the Alphatrack because of its readout.

YouTube · Post by **James Steele** » Thu Nov 15, 2007 11:36 am

Seconded on the Alpha Track... but budget an extra $9.95 for their replacement knob/fader cap kit. They're much more comfortable than the standard knobs.

http://www.motunation.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=156259

YouTube · Post by **James Steele** » Thu Nov 15, 2007 11:42 am

James Steele wrote:Seconded on the Alpha Track... but budget an extra $9.95 for their replacement knob/fader cap kit. They're much more comfortable than the standard knobs.

http://www.motunation.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=156259

Oops... nevermind... I think I've read that they're standard now.

grimepoch · Post by **grimepoch** » Fri Nov 16, 2007 9:03 am

I third the AlphaTrack, it is REALLY nice.

robstudio · Post by **robstudio** » Fri Nov 16, 2007 9:18 am

Four, Alphatrack. I like it alot.
Regard, Rob
... FWIW, I also run the alpha along side a contour shuttle... wicked setup - the slider/transport on the alpha - zoom with the contour, really fast editing combo...

Resonant Alien · Post by **Resonant Alien** » Fri Nov 16, 2007 9:27 am

I have the Alphtrack. It is great - the display and rotary encoders are a leg up on the FaderPort. However, I do have one complaint - the feel of the transport buttons.....they are very stiff and "clicky" - you have to really put some pressure on them. I came from using a Mackie MCU, and the transport buttons on it are very tactile and easy to push - much like the buttons on tape deck. I haven't tried the FaderPort, so I am not sure about the feel of its buttons.

stephentayler · Post by **stephentayler** » Fri Nov 16, 2007 9:42 am

Any thoughts on the size and weight of these units? I like the features of the Alphatrack, but thinking of my travelling kit, is the Faderport significantly smaller and lighter? And what about power supplies..... are they heavy, and are they universal voltage?

Any tips much appreciated

TIA

Stephen

grimepoch · Post by **grimepoch** » Fri Nov 16, 2007 10:29 am

The alphatrack is pretty small and is powered off of the USB, so no worries there. It's plastic whereas the other is metal, I'd imagine the alphatrack would be slightly lighter to say the least. But I am sure the difference in weight is probably not a huge amount.

stephentayler · Post by **stephentayler** » Fri Nov 16, 2007 11:18 am

Actually I've answered most of my own questions: here are some specs for those interested:

Alphatrack
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)

Faderport
Power: operational via USB bus, motorized fader powered via 9V 1.2A DC external power supply.
Included Items: FaderPort, USB cable, power supply, rubber feet
Size: Approx. 7" x 5.25" x 1.75" (18cm x 13cm x 4cm)
Weight: Approx. 1 lb.

So the Alphatrack is a little bigger, and a tad heavier, but does not need a PSU.

Thanks for all the tips..... shall probably pick up the Alphatrack when I go to LA shortly......

Ta

Stephen

robstudio · Post by **robstudio** » Fri Nov 16, 2007 11:45 am

James,
Your friends at alpha ought to see this thread... your post's were a factor in my decision to get the alpha.... very happy customers here, especially with the knob upgrade, when I bought mine, it already had the new ones... a week or so after your posts about it...

Regards, Rob

grimepoch · Post by **grimepoch** » Fri Nov 16, 2007 12:43 pm

I wonder if that 1lb on the fader port includes the power supply?

The deal sealer for me was the display, I reference it A LOT!

supersonic · Post by **supersonic** » Fri Nov 16, 2007 11:19 pm

I also use the Alphatrack and like it a lot, and also think the transport keys are loud and hard to action. I'd rather prefer the soft touch ones - especially if you're recording in the same room

That holds especially for Tranzport which uses the same mechanism for the keys.

Ebaange · Post by **Ebaange** » Tue Nov 20, 2007 1:06 pm

I tried the AlphaTrack when it first came out... I wanted to like it... actually I think I really *would* have liked it except mine had the notorious grounding defect and it would just completely freak out when I would touch the touch sensitive knobs. They acknowledge the problem but, pretty much, beyond getting my house rewired -which they won't pay for (hahaha.. just kidding, of course. Why should they?)- they offer no solution. So, I sent mine back and now I have no control surface. Yep, back to mousing. Come to think of it, I've done very little to no recording since. Anyone have a recommendation?

YouTube · Post by **James Steele** » Tue Nov 20, 2007 2:37 pm

Sorry you had bad luck with yours. Mine has been working like a champ and I don't know that my wiring is all that great, however all my gear is running off a TrippLite power conditioner and voltage regulator, so maybe that's got something to do with it?

MOTUnation.com

FaderPort vs Alphatrack - which is best for DP?

FaderPort vs Alphatrack - which is best for DP?

Re: FaderPort vs Alphatrack - which is best for DP?