Mackie Tracktion2 Music Production Software (Macintosh and Windows)
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zZounds Gear Experts Say...
Unlimited track count. Support for sample rates up to 192kHz. Importing and exporting of all major file types.
Overview
Simple. Powerful. Revolutionary. Welcome to Tracktion 2.
If you've tried other music production software on the market today and found it cumbersome, limited or just plain un-inspiring, you've come to the right place.
Tracktion is a revolutionary, easy-to-use music production application that contains everything most people will ever need to professionally record and mix music on a Mac or PC - without all the hassles and limitations of other audio software. Tracktion's hallmark is a clean, single-screen interface and streamlined operation, whether you're recording tracks, MIDI programming, or mixing down songs. It offers rock-solid operation, VST and ReWire support, and very low CPU usage with operating systems ranging from Mac OSX to Windows 2000 and XP. And it contains a whole host of professional features that you can actually use from day one.
Developed by programmer Julian Storer and Mackie, Tracktion 2 is a major step forward from the original version, adding more than 100 new features and updates, while still maintaining the core feature set that has made Tracktion a runaway success.
Features:
Unlimited track count (Depending on your computer's CPU)
Support for sample rates up to 192kHz
Importing and exporting of all major file types
Simple drag-and-drop audio editing
Track freezing for conserving CPU power
VST instrument and plug-in support
ReWire support for use with Reason software
Powerful MIDI programming and editing with step recording
Built-in… read more Quicktime support
64-bit mix engine for superb sound quality
Built-in sampler
MIDI mapping for external controllers
MTC input/output, MIDI Clock output, and MMC send/receive
Powerful project management features
Full suite of name-brand plug-ins from IK Multimedia, Lin Plug, reFX, Bismark, Acuma Labs, Raw Materials and more
A Clean Single-Screen Interface
Tracktion's single-screen interface is clean and clutter-free. It's all about letting you focus on being productive, so we've gone to great measures to keep the technical stuff out of the way of your creative process. Mind you, technical and setup functions are always within one click of your mouse, but never obstructing the view of your arrangement. See it in detail.
Enhanced MIDI Editor
Tracktion 2 features a fully revamped MIDI editor for greater speed and ease of use. Notes can now be entered at a fixed velocity and length regardless of zoom level. This means you don't have to zoom in and out to enter the note values you want - and you can give notes individual color for better visibility. The Line tool allows you to draw a repeating line of notes at the velocity/and duration you choose, eliminating a great deal of note input tedium. A new Step Entry mode allows you to quickly enter notes with pinpoint accuracy, and can be used for cleaning up all those notes you frantically drew with the pencil tool.
Butt-Kickin' Built-In Sampler
That's right. There's a powerful yet easy-to-use onboard sampler waiting for you inside Tracktion. Just like any other filter or plug-in, you simply drop it onto a track, select the clips you want to trigger, click and drag to map the sample to a range of keys, then let the butt-kickin' begin.
64-Bit, 192kHz-Capable Mix Engine
Much ado has been made about the "summing bus" in DAW software. This is the place where audio streams are combined - and where audio software can potentially suffer level overload, and overall sonic degradation versus a traditional hardware mixer. Tracktion 2 has a new High-Definition 64-bit Math mixing option to improve headroom and eliminate distortion through the summing bus. This feature goes a long way to guarantee that the only distortion in your tracks is what you put there - on purpose. Additionally, Tracktion 2 comes ready for 192kHz-compatible audio interfaces like our Onyx 400F - giving you the ultimate in bleeding-edge, high-definition digital audio.
ReWire 2.0 Support
Tracktion includes ReWire 2.0 support for integration with killer applications like Propellerheads' Reason, Ableton Live, and other ReWire-supporting software. ReWire is like having an "invisible cable" that allows you to connect one application to another so you can stream audio and MIDI to and from the linked programs. Tracktion acts as a master (or "mixer") application to which other ReWire "synth applications" can be linked - simply enable ReWire in Tracktion, setup a track to receive the output of the "synth application," launch the "synth application" and crank out that hit to send to that dude who says he knows Pharell's cousin.
External Sync
T2 now offers more synchronization support, including MIDI Time Code (MTC) input/output and MIDI Clock output for working with hard disk recorders, keyboard workstations, groove boxes, etc. Tracktion 2 can also send and receive MIDI Machine Control (MMC) commands, opening the door to external transport control and integration with modular digital multi-track and hard disk recorders. This means that T2 can easily integrate with your existing recording setup.
Auxiliary Send and Return Functionality
Tracktion 2 provides 8 Auxiliary sends and returns for tasks like sharing a reverb on the different instrument tracks in a drum kit. Or you can use the sends to build the perfect stereo headphone mix for the picky lead guitarist. Like all things Tracktion, these Aux sends and returns are simple for new and existing users alike.
Quicktime Support
Tracktion 2 supports Quicktime video playback. Select a movie and start tracking - compose music, add effects, replace your dialog, and win your Oscar. This opens a world of project studio post-production to Tracktion users. And since both Tracktion and Quicktime are cross-platform compatible, it's as easy to share video projects as it is audio.
MIDI Controller Mapping
T2 makes integrating any MIDI controller a breeze. Just enter the MIDI Mapper, pick a filter parameter, and move the controller... done. The controller and parameter are now linked, and this pairing is stored in the session file for next time.
Integrated Mackie Control Universal and C4 Support
Tracktion 2 offers full support for our Mackie Control Universal and Mackie Control C4 rotary controllers, providing complete hands-on control of a full range of recording and mixing parameters - including plug-ins and virtual instruments. (Tracktion 2 overlays will be available in the coming weeks.) In true Tracktion fashion, it's so intuitive and easy that you'll be enjoying the productivity boost only real knobs and faders can provide - plus they look really wicked on your desktop.
Loop Recording
Got a client who can't sing their way out of a paper bag? Or perhaps an overzealous lead guitar player? No problem. Tracktion 2 includes "loop record mode" which makes it easy to record multiple passes and compile the best of each into the perfect take.
-Per Track Input
Tracktion 2 adds a "per track input mode", offering an alternative to the standard "drag the input to the track" assignment method. If you have more than just a few inputs, you'll appreciate not having to sort through all of those input icons to find the one you need. Instead, simply select an audio or MIDI input from the new drop-down menu available on every track.
Full-Screen Input Metering
Tracktion 2 now offers more ways to visualize your audio intensity. Enhanced Input meters on every channel provide more accurate at-a-glance viewing of your input levels. The new "Large Meters Mode" transforms the horizontal tracks into a gigantic input meter bridge for super-accurate level setting.
Track Freezing
What with Tracktion being so fun and easy to use, one could possibly create so many tracks, effects, and virtual instruments, that even the hardiest of computers could choke on all the action. So we thought that a Track Freeze function that renders single and multiple tracks with all their assorted audio files, effects and instruments to a single file on the hard disk. This frees up the computer's CPU for important tasks - like creating more tracks!
Broadcast .wav & Mackie HDR File Import
Tracktion 2 offers industry-standard broadcast .wav file import. Support of .bwav audio files means even greater ease and flexibility for users importing audio from otherwise incompatible applications and hardware. And because these files are time-stamped, restoring them to their original position relative to other audio clips is a snap.
Additionally, users of the Mackie's popular HDR, MDR and SDR hard disk recorders can now import their project files directly into Tracktion 2, complete with all audio and edits intact. So you can track those rowdy musicians at the club to your hard disk recorder, then quickly transfer to your laptop and toss it in the van. When the bass player finally passes out, set your laptop on his head and mix on the way to the next gig.
Scalable Interface
Tracktion 2's single-screen interface can be scaled to virtually any size, permitting users of large monitors to devote some of those pixels to other applications, while still keeping an eye on Tracktion. read less
If you've tried other music production software on the market today and found it cumbersome, limited or just plain un-inspiring, you've come to the right place.
Tracktion is a revolutionary, easy-to-use music production application that contains everything most people will ever need to professionally record and mix music on a Mac or PC - without all the hassles and limitations of other audio software. Tracktion's hallmark is a clean, single-screen interface and streamlined operation, whether you're recording tracks, MIDI programming, or mixing down songs. It offers rock-solid operation, VST and ReWire support, and very low CPU usage with operating systems ranging from Mac OSX to Windows 2000 and XP. And it contains a whole host of professional features that you can actually use from day one.
Developed by programmer Julian Storer and Mackie, Tracktion 2 is a major step forward from the original version, adding more than 100 new features and updates, while still maintaining the core feature set that has made Tracktion a runaway success.
Features:
Unlimited track count (Depending on your computer's CPU)
Support for sample rates up to 192kHz
Importing and exporting of all major file types
Simple drag-and-drop audio editing
Track freezing for conserving CPU power
VST instrument and plug-in support
ReWire support for use with Reason software
Powerful MIDI programming and editing with step recording
Built-in… read more Quicktime support
64-bit mix engine for superb sound quality
Built-in sampler
MIDI mapping for external controllers
MTC input/output, MIDI Clock output, and MMC send/receive
Powerful project management features
Full suite of name-brand plug-ins from IK Multimedia, Lin Plug, reFX, Bismark, Acuma Labs, Raw Materials and more
A Clean Single-Screen Interface
Tracktion's single-screen interface is clean and clutter-free. It's all about letting you focus on being productive, so we've gone to great measures to keep the technical stuff out of the way of your creative process. Mind you, technical and setup functions are always within one click of your mouse, but never obstructing the view of your arrangement. See it in detail.
Enhanced MIDI Editor
Tracktion 2 features a fully revamped MIDI editor for greater speed and ease of use. Notes can now be entered at a fixed velocity and length regardless of zoom level. This means you don't have to zoom in and out to enter the note values you want - and you can give notes individual color for better visibility. The Line tool allows you to draw a repeating line of notes at the velocity/and duration you choose, eliminating a great deal of note input tedium. A new Step Entry mode allows you to quickly enter notes with pinpoint accuracy, and can be used for cleaning up all those notes you frantically drew with the pencil tool.
Butt-Kickin' Built-In Sampler
That's right. There's a powerful yet easy-to-use onboard sampler waiting for you inside Tracktion. Just like any other filter or plug-in, you simply drop it onto a track, select the clips you want to trigger, click and drag to map the sample to a range of keys, then let the butt-kickin' begin.
64-Bit, 192kHz-Capable Mix Engine
Much ado has been made about the "summing bus" in DAW software. This is the place where audio streams are combined - and where audio software can potentially suffer level overload, and overall sonic degradation versus a traditional hardware mixer. Tracktion 2 has a new High-Definition 64-bit Math mixing option to improve headroom and eliminate distortion through the summing bus. This feature goes a long way to guarantee that the only distortion in your tracks is what you put there - on purpose. Additionally, Tracktion 2 comes ready for 192kHz-compatible audio interfaces like our Onyx 400F - giving you the ultimate in bleeding-edge, high-definition digital audio.
ReWire 2.0 Support
Tracktion includes ReWire 2.0 support for integration with killer applications like Propellerheads' Reason, Ableton Live, and other ReWire-supporting software. ReWire is like having an "invisible cable" that allows you to connect one application to another so you can stream audio and MIDI to and from the linked programs. Tracktion acts as a master (or "mixer") application to which other ReWire "synth applications" can be linked - simply enable ReWire in Tracktion, setup a track to receive the output of the "synth application," launch the "synth application" and crank out that hit to send to that dude who says he knows Pharell's cousin.
External Sync
T2 now offers more synchronization support, including MIDI Time Code (MTC) input/output and MIDI Clock output for working with hard disk recorders, keyboard workstations, groove boxes, etc. Tracktion 2 can also send and receive MIDI Machine Control (MMC) commands, opening the door to external transport control and integration with modular digital multi-track and hard disk recorders. This means that T2 can easily integrate with your existing recording setup.
Auxiliary Send and Return Functionality
Tracktion 2 provides 8 Auxiliary sends and returns for tasks like sharing a reverb on the different instrument tracks in a drum kit. Or you can use the sends to build the perfect stereo headphone mix for the picky lead guitarist. Like all things Tracktion, these Aux sends and returns are simple for new and existing users alike.
Quicktime Support
Tracktion 2 supports Quicktime video playback. Select a movie and start tracking - compose music, add effects, replace your dialog, and win your Oscar. This opens a world of project studio post-production to Tracktion users. And since both Tracktion and Quicktime are cross-platform compatible, it's as easy to share video projects as it is audio.
MIDI Controller Mapping
T2 makes integrating any MIDI controller a breeze. Just enter the MIDI Mapper, pick a filter parameter, and move the controller... done. The controller and parameter are now linked, and this pairing is stored in the session file for next time.
Integrated Mackie Control Universal and C4 Support
Tracktion 2 offers full support for our Mackie Control Universal and Mackie Control C4 rotary controllers, providing complete hands-on control of a full range of recording and mixing parameters - including plug-ins and virtual instruments. (Tracktion 2 overlays will be available in the coming weeks.) In true Tracktion fashion, it's so intuitive and easy that you'll be enjoying the productivity boost only real knobs and faders can provide - plus they look really wicked on your desktop.
Loop Recording
Got a client who can't sing their way out of a paper bag? Or perhaps an overzealous lead guitar player? No problem. Tracktion 2 includes "loop record mode" which makes it easy to record multiple passes and compile the best of each into the perfect take.
-Per Track Input
Tracktion 2 adds a "per track input mode", offering an alternative to the standard "drag the input to the track" assignment method. If you have more than just a few inputs, you'll appreciate not having to sort through all of those input icons to find the one you need. Instead, simply select an audio or MIDI input from the new drop-down menu available on every track.
Full-Screen Input Metering
Tracktion 2 now offers more ways to visualize your audio intensity. Enhanced Input meters on every channel provide more accurate at-a-glance viewing of your input levels. The new "Large Meters Mode" transforms the horizontal tracks into a gigantic input meter bridge for super-accurate level setting.
Track Freezing
What with Tracktion being so fun and easy to use, one could possibly create so many tracks, effects, and virtual instruments, that even the hardiest of computers could choke on all the action. So we thought that a Track Freeze function that renders single and multiple tracks with all their assorted audio files, effects and instruments to a single file on the hard disk. This frees up the computer's CPU for important tasks - like creating more tracks!
Broadcast .wav & Mackie HDR File Import
Tracktion 2 offers industry-standard broadcast .wav file import. Support of .bwav audio files means even greater ease and flexibility for users importing audio from otherwise incompatible applications and hardware. And because these files are time-stamped, restoring them to their original position relative to other audio clips is a snap.
Additionally, users of the Mackie's popular HDR, MDR and SDR hard disk recorders can now import their project files directly into Tracktion 2, complete with all audio and edits intact. So you can track those rowdy musicians at the club to your hard disk recorder, then quickly transfer to your laptop and toss it in the van. When the bass player finally passes out, set your laptop on his head and mix on the way to the next gig.
Scalable Interface
Tracktion 2's single-screen interface can be scaled to virtually any size, permitting users of large monitors to devote some of those pixels to other applications, while still keeping an eye on Tracktion. read less
Documents and Manuals
For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 800-898-3211
Email: support@mackie.com
Web: https://mackie.com/en/support/contact
Phone: 800-898-3211
Email: support@mackie.com
Web: https://mackie.com/en/support/contact
Reviews
Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
(31 ratings)
Submitted July 13, 2006 by a customer from yahoo.com
"Clean, functional and no-nonsense, as good software should be."
Verified Customer
zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
Sound
I haven't had any issues, it's great. I'm a novice and just getting started. I use a Zoom MRS-8 to record with and then do mixing offline on Tracktion. So I don't use it for audio capture, just mixing and mastering. But I HAVE used it with an audio interface (TASCAM US-122) and it works great. It's a VST host so there's ton's of synths and effects you can add to it if you're not happy with the prepackaged ones.
Features
Has mixer parameter automation, which I think I will use later as I get better at this. It's a VST host so there's ton's of synths and effects you can add to it if you're not happy with the prepackaged ones. Comes with a lot of plug-ins already, you shouldn't need anything else.
Ease of Use
As easy as a DAW software can get! Great for a newbie like me, who HASN'T used a standard mixer console model with all the sends, returns, bussing etc. This treats every track as a signal chain that you can see from input to output. It's very "big picture" so novices like me don't get trapped in some submenu somewhere.
Quality
Seems very polished. The GUI is clean and functional, you won't get a virtual knob graphic with knurls here :-)
Value
Comes with a lot of good VST plugins, including mastering. Altho there are pretty good free/cheap sequencers around (Kristal, n-track), they have some limitations. Tracktion is worth the money for the interface alone (for me).
Manufacturer Support
Great forums online.
Musical Background:
Hobbyist
Musical Style:
Progressive metal, some blues, acoustic rock.
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