Sound:
I'd just like to say that for a software based processor, this unit is actually pretty good at sound shaping. I use Pro Tools LE, Waves Gold Bundle, UAD 2 with a variety of UA plugs, tons of virtual instruments, and I've got a lot of studio staple mics (not cheap MXL / Samson mics.) I've read some of the negative reviews on here, and there are wayyyy too many variables to consider when judging a product on "how good it sounds"... Sample rates, DAW preferences, mix - headphones vs. monitors, other plug-ins inserted (which may muddy or clutter the mix), etc. My experience has been favorable with T-Racks 3, both as an insert on a final mix, and also as individual plug-ins. I work within Pro Tools using a modified 002 Rack, so I'm tracking & mixing at a high-quality 96k sampling rate with a good set of monitors & a variety of headphones. For 96k, I think the quality is good. It's the subtle things that make this software a good buy. Is it magic? Maybe not, but it does shape the mix in a positive way.
Feature:
The features are useful. I like being able to mix up the chain, having alternate plugs for chains to mix & match. I'm running a hefty Mac Pro, so although it may be a CPU hog, I haven't had any problems thus far.
Ease of Use:
Pretty darn easy to get started as an insert on a master track. I think if you want to work with T-Racks 3, you can learn to get the most out of it. Presets are useful and good to get started.
Quality:
I would give this a "10", but I don't get in high end studios very often and get to compare with high-end compressors or EQ's. I will say that I have heard a big difference while inserting the EQ as an individual on a signal chain. It's almost like there's a certain level of an "aural exciter" or "sonic maximizer" happening. That may sound strange, but when I use other EQ's, they don't cause the track to stand out like the T-Racks 3 EQ. It's like a boost in stereo image. Maybe others have experienced that also? Not sure. I'm just going by what my ears tell me. Thank goodness IK increased the size of the view window over their last version if T-Racks. Must nicer on the eyes.
Value:
I think this product is a good value. If you purchase and register IK products, you actually get refundable $$$, which I've used to save on select IK products. I'm interested to hear what the T-Racks 3 Deluxe plugs sound like (Fairchild, Pultec) since I'm using the UAD versions of these plug-ins, so I'd like to compare.
Manufacturer Support:
Not hip on the registration process, but I have all of the Amplitube products, along with all of IK's other VI's, so I'm used to the registration ordeal. Once you do it a time or two, it gets easier, but the first time is a slight headache. Haven't really needed support. Wish there were a better way to register for those who don't have internet access.
The Wow Factor:
As I stated earlier, I'm very glad they changed the size and look of the view. The earlier versions were smaller, difficult to see, and scrolling for the presets was a pain in the butt on the earlier versions. It's all about sound, and I personally like how T-Racks helps me to shape my sound.
Overall:
I was using the demo version and was curious to see what it would do for my mix with 2 CD projects I'm producing. After getting a rough mix done one one rock song, and inserting T-Racks 3 on the master, I was really, really impressed with what it did for the mix. I've heard in the past that IK T-Racks excels in the 'rock' genre, and it's true. Next, I tried using it as a master insert on a high energy gospel mix, and I had really good results there, also. As with any plug-in or hardware unit, you have to "learn" how to use it. Just as an example, one company's Pultec emulation may sound a lot different from another.
13 of 15 people
(86.67%) found this review helpful. Did you?
Sound:
In response to my last post, I'm pretty sure two of the older posts by others are the pre-T-Racks 3 versions, and are NOT the latest versions (look at the dates of their posts), which I have also used in the past the older versions of T-Racks. T-R-3 is heads & shoulders above the older version, so don't let these older posts throw you.
9 of 11 people
(81.82%) found this review helpful. Did you?
zZounds has verified that this customer bought this product from us.
Sound:
This was the first mastering software I ever purchased/used. It will have an affect on the input signal, but it takes a LOT of tweaking.
Feature:
I have to go 7 on features b/c it has a lot of them. There are numerous presets that serve as a good starting point.
Quality:
Nothing to write home about.
Value:
To me, the negatives don't outweigh the positives. Maybe if it sold for $49.00 instead of $300.00, I would feel differently.
Manufacturer Support:
It has a VERY cumbersome registration protocol. If your DAW isn't connected to the internet (and it really shouldn't be), you're down to faxing or calling Italy for a registration key. And if you happen to change any major system components, like upgrading your CPU, this genious piece of software makes you re-register.
The Wow Factor:
I wish there was a category like, "I'm Sorry I Bought It." It does look good. The little glowing vacuum tubes look cool. I'm trying to find something nice to say........
Overall:
Buy Ozone Izotope or Samplitude. For the same money (or less) they are a better deal.
6 of 10 people
(60%) found this review helpful. Did you?
Sound:
This is great program, it makes everything sound better. Flat recordings come to life with depth and transparency. The presets are fantastic, you can choose everything from vintage tube warmth to am radio. Warmth is what I need for digital recording and this thing does the job. Plus it's fast, I can take a track I recorded and make a good sounding master and put it on a CD or the internet as an mp3 in a half hour. I've paid a lot of money and time and not had as good a result. With T-RackS you get the sound you want fast and it will sound great.
Feature:
There is a user are on their site with extra presets and info.
Ease of Use:
It's easy on my ProTools LE. I use it on a Master track. Not problem.
Quality:
I like the way it looks. No problems.
Value:
Could be cheaper. But I use it all the time and can't live without.
Manufacturer Support:
I haven't needed much.
The Wow Factor:
I like the way it looks. No problems.
Overall:
I have updated from free Protools LE version to T-RackS 2 and now I just got T-RackS3.
I can't do what I do without T-RackS. This is a must have product.
Sound:
Lets start with the basics, the sound has no connection to real analogue gear, it doesn't even remind me of it. I get this really fake sound out of it, just not a product that i would want in my songs. People who have used t-racks and claim results, haven't heard real results, the sound that comes out of it is just horrible.
Feature:
Good set of features, a compressor, an eq, a limiter, missing a QUALITY DITHER.
Quality:
A very crappy program, you can't get quality mastering out of a 300 dollar piece of software. (Not even close to ok quality)
Value:
Not worth the buy.
Manufacturer Support:
Never needed it. Dumped it the first day.
The Wow Factor:
Don't want it at all, again, the sound is crap.
8 of 14 people
(57.14%) found this review helpful. Did you?
Sound:
I bought T-racks when the first verion came out. that was before 24bit. Sucked then still sucks @ 24 bit that is.
Feature:
Cute looking
Simple innerface to bad it just does'nt deliver sonicly.
Ease of Use:
Cute looking
Simple innerface to bad it just does'nt deliver sonicly.
Quality:
Cute looking
Simple innerface to bad it just does'nt deliver sonicly.
Value:
NO!
Manufacturer Support:
Yes
I'm glad they don't represent all of ITALY
The Wow Factor:
Sexy
but most of us that have been around for awhile.thoughtthat if only I had a bag to put over here head after waking up to her the next day.
You know what I'm saying?
Overall:
No way
Leave the Italians too sports cars not Mastering software
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