Tracktion Software

Telecasterseattle · Post by **Telecasterseattle** » Tue Nov 10, 2009 5:00 am

I am a latecomer to Traction. Just recently started using T2 full version, which I've had for a while. I'm a casual, avocational user, and will probably never need the many tracks some users seem to find problematic. I noticed today that Musicians Friend is now selling T3 Ultimate for $79. I really don't need the additional instruments, but the loop handling features look interesting, as do the SWA training videos. I'm also planning to move from Win XP to Win 7 one of these days and am wondering if I'll be better off on T3 for this purpose.

I am aware of the many concerns about the (unlikely / uncertain) future of Tracktion. Is it worth moving to T3 at this point, or should I stay with T2 until the next big thing (Studio One perhaps?) comes along?

ionized · Post by **ionized** » Tue Nov 10, 2009 5:43 am

My situation is very much like yours. I recently got the T3 Ultimate package at the new low (clearance) price - just couldn't refuse. And I like the extra goodies, especially the LinPlug synths and the training video. Haven't had much in the way of problems running on WinXP SP3. Just 1 or 2 VST plug-ins that aren't compatible - nothing major. I wish the CPU usage was better for multi-cores (I have a quad core). (BTW, the best setting is 2 - not 4 - for the number of cores in the Tracktion settings menu.) I also have Reaper - bought it early on due to the pace of the developers and the enthusiastic user community (reminds me of the old days with Jules). If I run into any show stoppers on T3, I'll just do things on Reaper. But I still prefer the workflow on T3 - I am just an occasional user with few tracks so my needs are like yours.

As you may have seen in other posts, some people are using T3 successfully in Win7, so I'm not too concerned about the future. Don't know if anyone has tried T2 in Win7 yet.

I say go for it. The video is really good for someone like me who has done little with recording technology in the past and is worth $20-30 by itself. It's a great package for the money.

skipkent · Post by **skipkent** » Tue Nov 10, 2009 5:27 pm

I say go for it. There are improvements in T3 under the hood in addition to all the obvious extras, and the more I use it the happier I am with the extras. I find automation to much more reliable on T3 and the ability to drop in a loop and time-stretch it is great. Time-stretching is a bit quirky but works great once you get the hang of it. Folder tracks are great as are the new plugs, like the channel strips (mono and stereo).

If you like T2, there's every reason to say you'll love T3.

LBN · Post by **LBN** » Tue Nov 10, 2009 5:38 pm

No. It's a dead-end product.

skipkent · Post by **skipkent** » Tue Nov 10, 2009 6:10 pm

One upside to a dead-end product: You'll never have to pay for an upgrade!

AndrewSimon · Post by **AndrewSimon** » Tue Nov 10, 2009 10:16 pm

LBN wrote:No. It's a dead-end product.

Me no care... then again I'm still using W2K so it might be just me.

ionized · Post by **ionized** » Tue Nov 10, 2009 10:28 pm

Dead-end?

If it works on the newest Windows OS that has just come out, it doesn't sound like a dead product yet. Development may be dead atm, but T3 still works quite well for hobbyist use. And who knows - Mackie may still do something with it once they get sorted out with their recent problems.

skipkent · Post by **skipkent** » Tue Nov 10, 2009 10:34 pm

T3 works great for what it is. It's an embarrassment of riches with a clever and original interface. Gives me a warm glow inside every time I fire it up!

Telecasterseattle · Post by **Telecasterseattle** » Wed Nov 11, 2009 5:20 am

Thanks to all for your thoughtful replies. I went ahead and ordered T3 tonight from Music 123. Same price as Musician's Friend, but free shipping.

I am looking forward to trying it out.

Best,

ionized · Post by **ionized** » Wed Nov 11, 2009 5:38 am

Tracktion Software

KVR Audio

Should I Upgrade to T3 Ultimate from T2 for $79?