KVR Audio

dblock · Post by **dblock** » Fri Oct 17, 2008 11:06 pm

I waited for Sonalksis to finally release their mastering suite but now that t-racks is coming out, I'm definitely leaning that way. What say you?

adl · Post by **adl** » Fri Oct 17, 2008 11:10 pm

Hm, hard to say, as T-Racks 3 isn't released yet.

bduffy · Post by **bduffy** » Fri Oct 17, 2008 11:30 pm

Indeed. All I can say is that I'm a little disappointed with Sonalksis compressors as a mastering solution. I like the MaxLimit for tracking, though.

Per Lichtman · Post by **Per Lichtman** » Fri Oct 17, 2008 11:31 pm

That really depends on what you are looking for, among other things.

T-Racks aims to, among other things, model coloration and vintage sound (especially in the deluxe bundle) while the Sonalksis Mastering Suite is meant to be very transparent. While I haven't had experience with both, and as mentioned one isn't out yet, I think that part of the decision process should be figuring out whether you are looking more for precision or coloration.

K-Slash · Post by **K-Slash** » Fri Oct 17, 2008 11:33 pm

Wait and test both when they get released.

By the way, T-RackS is more complete, and offers more choice.

But... Sonalksis has a killer stereo enhancer plugin and a great dither too in their mastering suite, so...

You'll see by yourself.

Per Lichtman · Post by **Per Lichtman** » Fri Oct 17, 2008 11:33 pm

As regards Sonalksis compressor (sv-315), I find it quite useful during the mixing process (especially for drums and transparent compression) but haven't used either it for mastering work, nor tried the new suite. I look forward to having time to do so, however.

bduffy · Post by **bduffy** » Fri Oct 17, 2008 11:41 pm

I agree about the SV-315, and it's funny: based on what I've heard, I'd feel more comfortable using the SV-315 for mastering than the new MaxLimit.

ckatrun411 · Post by **ckatrun411** » Fri Oct 17, 2008 11:44 pm

K-Slash wrote:Wait and test both when they get released.

By the way, T-RackS is more complete, and offers more choice.

But... Sonalksis has a killer stereo enhancer plugin and a great dither too in their mastering suite, so...

You'll see by yourself.

I have to agree here....

I also think, that T-Racks is going to be more flexible in and of itself, with whatever final sound you are going for. I mean, T-Racks, will allow you more shaping and ending tools, whereas the Sonalksis, really just stands as sort of, "tools to finish with."

I do think it is possible that T-Racks will be a little more forgiving to the user.

I'm liking the Sonalksis, but in this economic enviorement you can't just spend the cash without examining all options thouroughly.

What drives me toward the Sonalksis? A sound character that seems impossible to miss. Love it, or hate it, there is no denying the Sonalksis comes with an upfront, in your face sound, that every ear can notice.

Both products are not a one size fits all solution. They both have pros and cons, and I can't really compare till I have done a T-Racks 3 demo.

hibidy · Post by **hibidy** » Fri Oct 17, 2008 11:56 pm

depends on how long you want to wait

IK is notorious for being way behind from the original "launch" dates.......

@SV-315......wonderful plug!

Personally, I'm afraid of trying the SMS since I'd probably want to get it.

poonna · Post by **poonna** » Sat Oct 18, 2008 2:27 am

And then we're going to have Ozone 4 thrown into equation in January, too...

justin3am · Post by **justin3am** » Sat Oct 18, 2008 3:10 am

Yeah, I've heard some exciting things about Ozone 4. T-Racks 3 also looks pretty sexy. I'll have to see what the upgrade paths are but I'll probably end up with both.

(I can't help myself)

I've spent some time comparing the Sonalksis suite with the other tools and they're alright, they'll definitely get some use. I've kind of gotten in a pattern of work where I use URS and McDSP for rock stuff, Sonalksis (Essential suite) and Flux for electronic stuff and Eiosis, URS and Sonalksis (master suite and multiband dynamics) for acoustic stuff.

On my own stuff, I just use everything. 4 compressors on a channel is not uncommon. Not because it makes things sound better, just 'cause I can. :hihi;

hibidy · Post by **hibidy** » Sat Oct 18, 2008 4:21 am

poonna wrote:And then we're going to have Ozone 4 thrown into equation in January, too...

don't remind me

(god, how many days do I need to walk the street now)......

bduffy · Post by **bduffy** » Sat Oct 18, 2008 5:26 am

justin3am wrote:Yeah, I've heard some exciting things about Ozone 4. T-Racks 3 also looks pretty sexy. I'll have to see what the upgrade paths are but I'll probably end up with both. (I can't help myself)

I've spent some time comparing the Sonalksis suite with the other tools and they're alright, they'll definitely get some use. I've kind of gotten in a pattern of work where I use URS and McDSP for rock stuff, Sonalksis (Essential suite) and Flux for electronic stuff and Eiosis, URS and Sonalksis (master suite and multiband dynamics) for acoustic stuff.

On my own stuff, I just use everything. 4 compressors on a channel is not uncommon. Not because it makes things sound better, just 'cause I can. :hihi;

That's my kinda guy!

bduffy · Post by **bduffy** » Sat Oct 18, 2008 6:02 am

Man. I just watched the demo video on the IK site, and I gotta say, T-Racks through is looking dead-sexy right now. You can A/B seperate effects chains with level-matching! Perceived loudness meters (isn't that just RMS?)! Very cool.

lotus2035 · Post by **lotus2035** » Sat Oct 18, 2008 6:15 am

I may have to sell my granny to pay for this...well worth it..

Sonalksis Mastering Suite or Ikmultimedia T-Racks 3?