T-RackS 24 Mastering Software from IK Multimedia

Read Barry's Mix Magazine Review Of IK Multimedia T-RackS 24.
T-RackS 24 Mastering Software from IK Multimedia
by Ted Blaisdell
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I have a lot of respect for good mastering engineers. However sometimes a project doesn't have the budget for a full-blown mastering session. Maybe the entire budget has already been spent! If that sounds familiar, check out IK Multimedia's T-RackS 24.

The T-RackS 24 is a standalone mastering application with four processors: a six-band parametric equalizer, a "tube" compressor, a multiband limiter and output stage. The screen interface looks sharp and has extensive metering. The EQ section has an oscilloscope type display, the compressors and limiters each have there own VU meters and the output stage a stereo LED display with clip indicators. I found this helpful for keeping an eye on all the different processing functions.

I first tried the T-RackS 24 on a compilation tape of some of my work. None of it needed much processing, as I had already done most of the tweaking in Pro Tools. When I switched on the multiband limiter, it achieved one very noticeable effect: IT GOT LOUDER! These days it seems like everyone is after that effect (but be careful not to squeeze the life out of your mix).

Next up, I tried an older recording that I transferred from a home stereo 7.5 ips, 1/4 inch tape. This track needed serious help and I actually brought that old beast back to respectability with some intricate tweaking. As I went along, I saved my settings with the Snapshot function and reloaded them when I got too carried away--a good feature. On 24-bit orchestral files, T-RackS' 24-bit capabilities are more apparent showing off its tube-like sound quality. Interesting to me was finding the mid-range equalizer goes all the way to 17.5kHz while the high-band equalizer stops at 8.3kHz--strange.

T-RackS 24 isn't a CD burning program or editing tool, although it does perform excellent fades. It sounds great, is easy to use and a worthwhile mastering toolkit. The standalone version for MAC and PC is $299 MSRP while the T-RackS RTAS (MAC only-PC soon which includes the standalone) and MAS plug-ins are $399. HTDM, MAS and VST MAC/PC versions of T-RackS plug-in are expected by the second quarter 2002. Contact IK Multimedia at 5911 Hickory Dr., Fort Pierce, FL 34982. Telephone 866-243-1718 or visit: www.t-racks.com.

Ted Blaisdell is a LA-based recording engineer.

Edited by: Barry Rudolph

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