Mackie has announced the release of Tracktion 3, the next generation of the digital audio and MIDI production software. Tracktion 3 introduces more than 150 new features and improvements, while retaining the hallmark clutter-free, single-screen user interface that made previous versions of Tracktion a success. Tracktion 3 also continues to offer cross-platform compatibility, as well as full support for industry-standard plug-in, virtual instrument and video formats.
Among the enhancements in Tracktion 3 are the addition of time stretching and pitch shifting, two powerful capabilities that round out the functionality of the audio production suite and bring it in line with more expensive pro recording software. Tracktion 3 also boasts a new user-friendly loop browser for quick and inspired music creation. The Tracktion 3 loop browser supports three major loop formats — Apple, ACID and REX — on both Mac OS X and Windows for flexible music-making on any platform.
Tracktion 3 is available in two boxed bundles: the Tracktion 3 Ultimate Bundle and the Tracktion 3 Project Bundle. Both bundles feature the identical core Tracktion 3 application, plus training videos. They also include premium sounds, plug-ins and loops from virtual instrument, effects plug-in and sound library companies — including IK Multimedia, Drumcore, LinPlug, Garritan and Sonic Reality. The Project Bundle provides everything musicians need to get started making professional music. The Ultimate Bundle is a complete production suite, with an additional 5 Gb DVD of content, including more powerful plug-ins and huge sound sets.
Tracktion 3 bundles are available now and have a U.S. MSRP of $319.99 and $129.99 for the Ultimate Bundle and Project Bundle respectively. Owners of qualified versions of Tracktion can upgrade to the Ultimate Bundle for $259.99 via the Tracktion 3 Ultimate Bundle Upgrade.
Tracktion 3 Bundle Comparison
| Project Bundle | Ultimate Bundle | |
| Mackie Tracktion 3 Core Application | Full version | Full version |
| IK Multimedia SampleTank 2 SE | 50 sound sets | 100 sound sets |
| IK Multimedia Amplitube | Uno w/ upgrade to Duo LE | LE w/ upgrade to Duo |
| Submersible Music DrumCore | TK Diet with starter sample set | TK with 2GB of samples |
| Garritan Personal Orchestra (powered by Native Instruments Kontakt 2 Player) | Lite Edition w/ starter sound set | T3 Lite Edition w/ full 820MB sound library |
| LinPlug Alpha Classic Synth | FreeAlpha | Alpha 3 |
| LinPlug CronoX 3 Sample Synth | Lite | Full version |
| LinPlug RM IV Drum Machine | Lite w/ 100 kits and 500 MIDI loops | Drum Addiction w/ 250 kits and 2,000 MIDI loops |
| Mackie Mixing and Mastering Tools | Full suite | Full suite |
| Sonic Reality T3 Loops Collection | 500 Apple, 50 Rex and 250MB multi-track | 2,000 Apple, 200 Rex and 1GB multi-track |
| SWA Video Tracktion Training | Quickstart | Mastering Tracktion - 4+ hrs! |
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