It's known across the computer music globe for ease of use and sonic prowess, but is version 3 of this mastering suite a roaring success?A popular product ever since the release of the first version way back in 1999, IK Multimedia's T-RackS mastering software has become a bona fide computer music classic. What appealed most about the early versions of T-RackS was the combination of impressive analogue-esque sonics and a simple, intuitive user interface. It remained largely unchanged with subsequent versions, which brought such features as 24-bit audio support and separate plug-in versions of each of its four modules. Come 2008, IK Multimedia have finally released a new version: T-RackS 3. But, does it meet demanding modern standards?
Run for your life
T-RackS 3 can run as a plug-in suite inside your DAW, but you can't load individual processors as single VST plug-ins as with older versions. It uses a 'shell' system, a bit like IK's AmpliTube range. The software also works as a standalone audio mastering solution, which differs only in that it has a simple audio editor for adding fades and automated mastering changes, and lets you render out to audio files.
If you buy the Classic version of T-RackS 3, you get the same four processors as the original, albeit in spruced-up form - see boxout. However, the real excitement is over the Deluxe edition, which we're focusing on here. This boasts five additional, brand-new processors.
There are three new 'analogue' modules: the Vintage Tube Compressor, Vintage Tube Program Equaliser and Opto Compressor. These are based on the legendary Fairchild 670 tube compressor, the similarly illustrious Pultec EQP-1A equaliser, and an unspecified optical compression design respectively. Rounding things off in thoroughly digital style are the Brickwall Limiter and Linear Phase Equaliser.
Rack'em up
The familiar T-RackS GUI has been overhauled: what was previously a fixed rack of effects is now a more complex and versatile modular affair. You can only see one module at a time in the main window (the interfaces are rather hefty), while the metering section sits at the bottom and is ever-present.
Up top, there are 12 processing slots,
"The new analogue' plug-ins impressed us the most bringing some of that warm and punchy magic"
arranged as two parallel four-slot chains, followed by a final serial chain of four. This gives plenty of parallel processing potential, eg, using two types of compression at once, or applying frequency-dependent compression/limiting, for example. The new Linear Phase EQ comes in handy for the latter application, helping to avoid phasing issues that can arise with regular EQs.
While you can view the processing chain in schematic format, it's a real disappointment -quite a surprise, in fact - that you can't drag and drop effects to reorder them. IK Multimedia tell us that this will be added in an update.
More well-conceived is the Compare section, which balances the volume of the original and mastered audio, for making comparisons without being blindsided by differing volume levels. The A/B/C/D compare panel is another winner, enabling you to set up four mastering chains and flip between them instantly.
As for the metering, it's a welcome addition, but it's annoying that you can't switch it off or hide it away, as it's not always useful and takes up a fair bit of screen space. However, it is extremely customisable, with the perceived loudness meter very helpful when trying to maintain a consistent-sounding level.
The stereo phase meter is slightly redundant considering there's no dedicated stereo imaging module. The new EQs and compressors have mid/side modes, though, which can be used to manipulate the stereo image, and the Classic Compressor has a stereo-tweaking function. IK say that they intend to add further modules in the future - a stereo tool wouldn't go amiss.
Putting T-RackS through it's paces, the new 'analogue' plug-ins impressed us most, bringing some of that elusive warm and punchy magic to your tracks. The Fairchild and Pultec emulations are comparable to those of Universal Audio's renowned UAD system, which is to say that they're rather good indeed. The EQ helps to take the harsh edge off digital-sounding material, while still brightening it up. However, our favourite is the Opto Compressor, which is blessed with a fantastic sound that makes it a contender for best native software compressor.
Another brick in the wall
The Brickwall Limiter has numerous modes, offering different 'flavours' of limiting. It's great for making mixes louder than they've any right to be, though it's not as transparent as, say, PSP Xenon. The Linear Phase EQ offers exactly what you'd expect: equalisation without colouration.
In the highest-quality mode, with linear phase operation and oversampling engaged, T-RackS 3 can be very CPU hungry. Which is fine for mastering, but if you're using T-RackS 3 for mixing, you'll want to enable the Lowest Latency mode, which disables the CPU-guzzling oversampling, although it's still no lightweight.
Overall, both T-RackS 3 bundles represent solid value for money. You can achieve great mastering results with minimal fuss, and the processors work great in the mix, too. Some of the interface issues - such as the inability to reorder effects or hide meters - are frustrating and take the edge off things, so we'll certainly be looking forward to those updates! cm
Contact: IK Multimedia UK, 0800 0934066
Web: www.ikmultimedia.com
Info: Standard version, £138 Deluxe version crossgrade, £211
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You can view the effects chain and see how the modules are arranged, though you can't drag and drop 'em, sadly≌≌≌≌≌≌≌≌≌≌≌≌≌≌≌≌≌≌≌≌≌≌≌≌≌≌≌
The Classic Compressor and Equalizer sound better than ever in T-RackS 3Jurassic classics
The Standard version of T-RackS is significantly cheaper at £138, though it only carries the four original T-RackS modules, now termed Classics: Equalizer, Compressor, Multiband Limiter and Clipper. These are functionally identical to previous releases, but have apparently undergone an audio path update to bring them up to v3's standards. They can make use of the same high-quality oversampling modes too.
We can report that the Standard version as a whole is great value for money and that its modules can definitely benefit your tracks. The minimalist controls help you to concentrate on the sound, and they still stand up today as useful audio tools, with a warm, characterful quality. The Compressor in particular works well on everything from basslines to vocals.
That said, things aren't quite perfect. The Multiband Limiter can give decent results, but it's unintuitive to use, and has no solo/bypass or metering per band. It sure doesn't compare to modern multiband processors, which, considering it's T-RackS 3's only such effect, is a tad disappointing. IK say that more sophisticated multiband tools are a possibility in the future, though it's not clear whether they'll come as free updates or as commercial expansions.
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System requirements
(PC) Pentium 2.4GHz/Athlon XP 2.4GHz, 1GB RAM, Windows XP/ Vista VST/RTAS host
(MAC) Dual G4/G51.25GHZ/1.66GHZ Intel Core 2 Duo,
1GB RAM, OS X 10.4,
AU/VST/RTAS host
Test system
(PC) Intel Q6600,4GB RAM Windows XP, Cubase SX3
Alternatively
Sonalksis Mastering Suite £320 cm133» 7/10 » £320
No EQ, but it has a stereo enhancer and a better multiband limiter
iZotope Ozone 4 N/A»N/A»$249
T-RackS's arch rival - see p10 for more info on this forthcoming title
Verdict
FOR
- Audio quality is excellent!
- Emulations add some analogue 'magic'
- Very easy to get good result!
- A/B/C/D compare function
AGAINST
- EatsCPU Iike a T-Rex!
- Interface has some shortfalls
- No dedicated stereo-imaging module
- Multiband Limiter could be better
A few curious omissions hold T-RackS 3 back from true greatness, but there's no denying that it sounds the business
MARK: 8/10
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