Reading the IK website, it looks like T-Racks is primarily intended as a mastering effects suite. But can it also be used for the EQ and compression on individual instruments tracks? I'm currently using the bundled EQ and compressor that come with Cubase SL, which have their limitations. Would the CPU load be too high to use T-Racks as an insert on multiple individual tracks?
If not T-Racks, what other solutions beat the bundled Cubase effects?
Can T-Racks be used as a track EQ/Compressor?
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- KVRAF
- 4692 posts since 28 Jan, 2003 from In these very interwebs
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- KVRAF
- 1651 posts since 14 May, 2002 from Earth
I use 'em as track plugs too sometimes. They're fine for it.
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- Sonic Reality Head Chef
- 8566 posts since 11 Mar, 2002 from Florida
Absolutely!!!! It's not a load on the CPU any more than any other effect plug-in. But, the best part about the plug-in is the fact that it is really a SUITE of FIVE plug-ins. One of the plug-ins is the whole suite which is easy for mastering but even that is great to use on a track because in one shot you can EQ, compress, limit and soft clip the whole track.
Some interesting info about the modules of T-Racks... it is very similar to the UAD card type effects. I have both and use both. The only difference is that I rely on T-Racks a bit more because I have multiple systems on Macs and PCs, some of which are laptops where I can't use my UAD cards. The T-Racks compressor is modeled after the Fairchild 670! But it has added functionality which is useful for mastering (and tracking). The parametric EQ was actually modeled after an EQ that was in Abbey Road studios. One of the engineers at IK was actually working on it I believe and then modeled the circuitry and A/B'd it until it sounded as good. The Multi-Band limiter I am not sure what it was modeled on but I believe a tube piece and of course it is really powerful and useful feature-wise as well as it just sounding BIG when you use it. Really adds punch to drum tracks like nothing else.
Some interesting info about the modules of T-Racks... it is very similar to the UAD card type effects. I have both and use both. The only difference is that I rely on T-Racks a bit more because I have multiple systems on Macs and PCs, some of which are laptops where I can't use my UAD cards. The T-Racks compressor is modeled after the Fairchild 670! But it has added functionality which is useful for mastering (and tracking). The parametric EQ was actually modeled after an EQ that was in Abbey Road studios. One of the engineers at IK was actually working on it I believe and then modeled the circuitry and A/B'd it until it sounded as good. The Multi-Band limiter I am not sure what it was modeled on but I believe a tube piece and of course it is really powerful and useful feature-wise as well as it just sounding BIG when you use it. Really adds punch to drum tracks like nothing else.
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- KVRer
- Topic Starter
- 17 posts since 21 May, 2006 from Orangutan County
I just downloaded the 10-day full funtion demo of T-Racks. I really like the compressor and limiter on drum tracks and bass tracks. Definitely better than the Cubase effects. I still am trying to get my arms around the EQ. Seems liked the limits on the Q factor might make it less useful as a track effect, e.g. when trying to do fine scultping of certain frequency ranges.
Anyway, I was already interested in AT2 and CSR, so now I'm real tempted to spring for the package deal.
Anyway, I was already interested in AT2 and CSR, so now I'm real tempted to spring for the package deal.
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- KVRAF
- 4692 posts since 28 Jan, 2003 from In these very interwebs
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- KVRAF
- 4692 posts since 28 Jan, 2003 from In these very interwebs
A few tips for using the T-RackS compressor on tracks:
1) The compressor likes a lot of level! The threshold automatically adapts to the input level, so more input level = more compression.
2) The compressor is very smooth by default. Turn the sidechain HP filter down to make it more active - especially on drums and bass.
3) A cool trick is to push the input drive up all the way, then turn down the output level until overall level closely matches the bypass (no compressor) level. If you've got a decent level signal to start with, the gain reduction needle should now be in the middle, mildly dancing about to the music. Now adjust the release time to set the compression "speed".
4) It's not so easy to overdrive the compressor into distortion, but if you do you get a sound that's unlike any digital distortion - it's more like a "high end analogue gear being abused" kind of sound. Turning the HP sidechain filter all the way down will help you get there.
-Kim.
1) The compressor likes a lot of level! The threshold automatically adapts to the input level, so more input level = more compression.
2) The compressor is very smooth by default. Turn the sidechain HP filter down to make it more active - especially on drums and bass.
3) A cool trick is to push the input drive up all the way, then turn down the output level until overall level closely matches the bypass (no compressor) level. If you've got a decent level signal to start with, the gain reduction needle should now be in the middle, mildly dancing about to the music. Now adjust the release time to set the compression "speed".
4) It's not so easy to overdrive the compressor into distortion, but if you do you get a sound that's unlike any digital distortion - it's more like a "high end analogue gear being abused" kind of sound. Turning the HP sidechain filter all the way down will help you get there.
-Kim.
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- KVRist
- 51 posts since 31 Jul, 2006
I am rapt with the T Racks suite of plug ins and use them as separate eq's and compressors all the time. They have a very unique and coloured sound as opposed to sounding transparent.
Yes, you wouldn't use the eq for surgical repairs (thats where my Waves eqs and the Logic pro EQs are great!) For 'character', these eq's are top notch!
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It would be nice to have a multiband compressor though for some things. Oh well, mabey in the next version. Plus perhaps IK could also mimic other types of compressors and eqs (a bit like the Focusrite Liquidmix) .
However, I love the T Racks plug ins and they will always find a place in my mixes!
Yes, you wouldn't use the eq for surgical repairs (thats where my Waves eqs and the Logic pro EQs are great!) For 'character', these eq's are top notch!
. It would be nice to have a multiband compressor though for some things. Oh well, mabey in the next version. Plus perhaps IK could also mimic other types of compressors and eqs (a bit like the Focusrite Liquidmix) .
However, I love the T Racks plug ins and they will always find a place in my mixes!
Imac 3.4ghz/16gb ram/M Audio C600/PT11/Logic Pro X/Reason 7/Final Cut Pro X/Stacks of 3rd party plug ins.
MIDITEK MUSIC PRODUCTION, RECORDING & TUITION- Recording, production & mixing backing tracks, demos, albums & jingles.
MIDITEK MUSIC PRODUCTION, RECORDING & TUITION- Recording, production & mixing backing tracks, demos, albums & jingles.
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- KVRAF
- 4692 posts since 28 Jan, 2003 from In these very interwebs
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- KVRist
- 302 posts since 23 Aug, 2004 from US
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- KVRist
- 150 posts since 20 Oct, 2004
This post has been most helpful to me... I've had and loved TRackS for a few years now and swear by it for mastering. I never really thought much though about using the separate plugins in my channels. So, this post got me to try it. The TRackS compressor is now my compressor of choice for everything! The electric guitar preset works wonders on my e guitar parts. And the drum buss on drums (of course!).... Beautiful! The character added is very musical. If you got it, try it! I'm sure glad I did... and I'm sure glad this thread got started. I was sitting on a gem and didn't know it! And CPU is lower than my previous fav. It's time to display my TRackS box again I think!
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- KVRist
- 175 posts since 27 Aug, 2002 from Sweden
Why isn't there a reasonably priced cross-grade from T-racks24 to the T-racks-VST-plugin? As a T-racks24-owner I think it would be fair to pay let's say $100 for a crossgrade.
/Anders
/Anders
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- KVRist
- 150 posts since 15 Mar, 2005 from Sweden
There is a crossgrade from T-racks 24. $199 list at IK. Propably cheaper at esoundz 
(although I only can see the crossgrade from EQ at esoundz at the moment, but email sales and ask if they carry it.)
T-racks24 lists $199, T-racks lists $399, so that sounds fair to me. Why should it be cheaper to get T-tracks24+crossgrade than only the T-racks
)
EF
(although I only can see the crossgrade from EQ at esoundz at the moment, but email sales and ask if they carry it.)T-racks24 lists $199, T-racks lists $399, so that sounds fair to me. Why should it be cheaper to get T-tracks24+crossgrade than only the T-racks
) EF
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thecausewaybaykid thecausewaybaykid https://www.kvraudio.com/forum/memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=140613
- KVRer
- 3 posts since 17 Feb, 2007
t-racks rocks me bows