IK T-RackS 6
IK Multimedia’s enduring mixing and mastering software suite enjoys a big update.
5 September 2024
IK Multimedia’s new T-RackS 6 is the latest generation of its mixing and mastering software. With innovative new modules, improved capabilities, faster workflow and more effortless organisation, T-RackS 6 expands on its sound quality, speed and ease-of-use to offer everything musicians, producers and engineers need to craft the perfect track.
T-RackS 6 offers 60 mixing and mastering processors, available individually in any DAW, as an all-in-one plug-in or as a standalone Mastering Console. Also included are T-RackS’s presets covering every instrument and genre, providing instant starting points and minimising time spent tweaking so users can get their hits done.
From studio must-have compressors, EQs and channel strips, all leveraging IK’s analogue modelling technology, to hall, room, plate and spring reverbs based on some of the most iconic studios of all time, to cutting-edge digital processors and organic all-in-one units, T-RackS 6 offers every tool users could need to shape their mixes and masters.
NEW GEN MASTER MATCH
Users can more precisely shape their mix by selecting a reference from a track they love. The new Master Match X takes a mix from that starting point to a final master that shares the same sonic aspects as the reference track. It’s done automatically and then can be fine-tuned to adjust the results to match each user’s vision of perfection.
SEARCH LESS, SAVE TIME
The new Modules Manager allows users to manage which modules appear in their DAW, T-RackS 6 plug-in and Mastering Console. Users can now show or hide the plug-ins in their lists. They can conceal unowned processors or leave them visible to demo as needed.
POWERFUL PROCESSORS
T-RackS 6 expands its plug-in collection with eight new modules. These new modules provide a wealth of options for mastering, mixing and creative sound design:
Master Match X: The next generation of intelligent mastering: instantly analyse a reference song to match EQ, balance, compression, limiting and more. With internal or external references and a wealth of controls, anyone can create professional-sounding masters almost instantly.
Channel Strip X: This versatile unit delivers EQ, de-essing, dynamics processing and transient shaping in a single lightning-fast unit, with tailored presets for various instruments and ensembles.
Bass ONE: Innovative, organic multi-algorithm processor that makes the low end thick, solid, clean, uncluttered, precise and powerful.
Lo-Fi Punch: This harmonics and dynamics multiprocessor can add and alter the audio texture, ranging from subtle warming to total squashing. It has dynamic tone shaping and convenient control to add textures, thickness, dimension, grit, life and movement.
Dual Spring: The Dual Spring pushes the spring reverb concept by adding never-before-seen parameters, such as selecting the spring material, using stereo or mono single reverb, reverb length, reverb stretch, and more. It offers classic analog tone with digital flexibility and convenience.
Delay Lab: This powerful delay unit adds movement, space and depth to vocals, instruments, rhythmic patterns and everything else. Its delay unit is clear and open-sounding, giving everything space and a sense of dimension.
Pusher: A four-band processor that offers five different saturation types per band, along with envelope, drive and colour controls – from subtle enhancement to trashing total distortion.
Filter Fusion: This do-it-all filter processor offers five unique filter types, including a model of the iconic Moog transistor ladder. It’s combined with an extensive array of controls and options, including a step sequencer for rhythmic use and an innovative modulation joystick for incredibly nuanced and expressive effects.
RESIZABLE GUI
The redesigned graphical user interface (GUI) is engineered for speed and functionality, providing a faster, more responsive experience and offering re-sizing to adapt to users’ workflow preferences. Each plug-in can now be resized on the DAW screen, even to tiny sizes, to keep them open while mixing, improving the mixing workflow and allowing more concentration on the sound.
SIDE CHAINING
All T-RackS compressors have been updated to add side-chain input, which allows control of the dynamics using a different signal for added flexibility.
NEW MASTERING CONSOLE
T-RackS 6’s Mastering Console has been designed for a fast and smooth user experience. 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.
In addition to the dedicated song-based processing, a new master bus lets users add up to four additional processors that will be applied to the whole project to, for example, alter the color of the entire record with just a single post-EQ and apply a global final limiter. I/O metering on each module in the chain allows for an instant check of the gain staging and keeps all levels under control on a single page.
PRESET BROWSER
Easily browse, find and check presets on a floating window with tags and a smart search function. Then, apply what’s needed to the project.
NEW METERING
The T-RackS 6 multi-standard-compliant Loudness meter (EBU R128, ATSC A/85, OP-59, TR-B32) allows for immediate checks for the compliance of content audio tracks — true peak PPM, Dynamic Range and RMS — all with both graphical and numeric readout.
Sonogram and filter-based smooth RTA make T-RackS 6 Metering a true professional toolkit. The tailorable and customiSable Metering View gives complete control over what to show or hide on the meters set on each project.
INTRO
T-RackS 6 Intro is a free version that offers immediate access to three essential modules for users to keep — the Classic Comp, the Classic EQ and the Master Match X lite. Users can also
quickly explore and test any of the 60 available modules for 14 days without any commitment to buy, restrictions or white noise.
COMPATIBILITY
T-RackS 6 is designed to be fully compatible with Mac and Windows platforms. It supports all major plug-in formats, Audio Units, VST 3 and AAX.
T-RackS 6 can be downloaded now from the IK Multimedia online store and through IK authorised dealers. T-RackS 6 is priced in three tiers (US$99.99/$199/$299) and there’s upgrade pricing available.
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