IK Multimedia T-RackS - Detailed Review

IK Multimedia T-RackS 6 Overview

T-RackS 6 is a comprehensive mixing and mastering software suite that offers a wide range of features and functionalities, making it a versatile tool for musicians, producers, and engineers.

Processors and Plug-ins

T-RackS 6 includes a total of 60 world-class mixing and mastering processors. These processors are available individually in any DAW, as an all-in-one plug-in, or as part of the standalone Mastering Console. Here are some of the new processors introduced in version 6:

• Master Match X: This processor matches the EQ, compression, and limiting settings to the analysis of your reference track, allowing for quick and accurate matching of your mix to a professional standard.
• Channel Strip X: A flexible chain with dynamics, EQ, de-essing, and transient processing, offering a range of presets for single instruments and channel groups.
• Bass ONE: A specialized bass management system for precise control of low frequencies within your mix.
• Lo-Fi Punch: Adds texture, warmth, and grit to your sounds by shaping dynamics and accentuating harmonics.
• Dual Spring: A new approach to spring reverb with mono and stereo modes and controls such as length and reverb stretch.
• Delay Lab: A clean, articulate delay unit that adds dimensionality and movement to any sound.
• Pusher: A 4-band saturator with five saturation types per band, including drive, envelope, and coloration controls.
• Filter Fusion: A filter processing module with five filter types, including the classic Moog ladder filter.

Mastering Console

The Mastering Console in T-RackS 6 has been significantly updated for a fast and smooth user experience. Key features include:

• Song-Based Processing: Users can import mixes and set a specific mastering chain per song with instant total recall of the whole song’s chain and parameters on playback.
• Master Bus: Allows users to add up to four additional processors that will be applied to the whole project, enabling global adjustments such as altering the color of the entire record or applying a final limiter.
• I/O Metering: Provides instant checks of the gain staging and keeps all levels under control on a single page.

Metering and Monitoring

T-RackS 6 includes multi-standard-compliant Loudness metering (EBU R128, ATSC A/85, OP-59, TR-B32) and other advanced metering tools:

• True Peak PPM, Dynamic Range, and RMS: These metrics are displayed with both graphical and numeric readouts.
• Sonogram and Filter-Based Smooth RTA: These tools provide detailed real-time audio analysis.

GUI and Workflow

The software features a redesigned graphical user interface (GUI) that is engineered for speed and functionality:

• Resizable GUI: Each plug-in can be resized on the DAW screen to fit the user’s workflow preferences, improving the mixing workflow.
• Preset Browser: Allows easy browsing, finding, and checking of presets using a floating window with tags and a smart search function.

Side-Chaining

All T-RackS compressors have been updated to include side-chain input, allowing control of the dynamics using a different signal for added flexibility.

AI Integration

While the specific features of T-RackS 6 do not explicitly integrate AI in the traditional sense of machine learning algorithms, IK Multimedia’s broader technology ecosystem does involve AI. For example, their AI Machine Modeling service, announced separately, allows users to model the sound of any guitar rig using AI, but this is not a part of the T-RackS 6 suite itself.

Pricing and Availability

T-RackS 6 is available in several versions, including a free Intro version with 3 plug-ins, as well as PRO and MAX versions with more extensive sets of processors. There is also a subscription option called MAXscription, which includes all plug-ins and updates for a monthly or annual fee.