All user reviews for the IK Multimedia T-RackS 3 Beyond Mastering

I installed this application with no issues, the manual was very easy to understand in fact the manual isn't needed if you understand the basics of EQ,Compression and other essential mixing tools etc. I run this on a windows 7 setup with no issues. Sorry I can't speak on the other operating systems.

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

Every feature works flawlessly, presets are easy to access and use not to mention you can create your own presets which I strongly suggest doing because stock presets get old and they don't work well on your style of music it kind of keeps you in a box which is something you do not want to be in. You want to be able to mix projects save the presets and then use the presets on more/other projects that you'll do in the future. For example lets say you're creating a beat for Lil Wayne you mix it and later on down the road Wayne or an artist wants a similar beat (Dynamic wise) it will be very easy to replicate that mix because you are already have the settings

OVERALL OPINION

What I enjoyed most about T-Racks was it worked perfectly for what I needed (polishing my mixes). I've tried other mixing suites mostly the ones that come with DAWS such as Logic, Pro tools, Sonar, Cubase etc. I've even tried WAVES and to be honest T-Racks was just easier to get my head around and do exactly what I needed to get done.

T-Racks is well worth the money spent if I had to start over and pick a mixing/mastering bundle software I'd go with T-Racks it's just easy straight for and very easy to use. Not that this has anything to do with it's quality but it allows you to change it's skin thus giving it a different look. Another great thing about T-Racks is everything is non destructive many if you push the EQ or the compressor you can always remove it without ruining the audio.

The T-Racks III was easy to install and I had no compatibility issues with my system. The plug-in comes with Pro Tools LE and is installed while you are installing Pro Tools, so there couldn't be anything easier about that. The configuration of the pedal is a basic compressor and is easy to follow. I don't have a manual for this and I'm not even sure if one exists.


SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

I run T-Racks III with a Mac Book Pro that has a 2.2 Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo processor and 4 GB of RAM. I use it with Pro Tools LE 7.4 and a Digi002R. I have never run it with anything else as I'm pretty sure you can't run it with any other software because it is a Digidesign plug-in that comes free with Pro Tools. I am able to run a bunch of these at once without any problems and I have never had a problem with it whatsoever - this plug-in with my configuration is completely stable.


OVERALL OPINION

I've been using this since I got Pro Tools, which was about three or fours years ago. The sound of this compressor is good and usable, but since I have other options like Smack and a URS compressor, I don't use it all that often. The sound quality is good but is definitely not spectacular. The meters and graphs are a big upside on this as they are quite helpful. The interface is easy to follow and even those with no previous use with a compressor should be able how to us this. I like it on drums and guitars and I probably wouldn't use it for anything else, as the tone isn't vibrant enough for my taste. It is easy to follow though and since the price is free with Pro Tools, you can't really complain about it at all and it is nice to have as an option.

The T-Racks 3 Beyond Mastering suite was quick to install and the whole process only took a few minutes.  I didn't have any compatibility issues at all and really had no other problems whatsoever.  The interface of the software is really user friendly and it literally only took me a few minutes to get the hang of using it.  However, there is a ton that you can do with this software and while I was quick to learn the basic functions I am still learning some of it as this is fairly new software.  I haven't seen the manual for T-Racks 3 Beyond Mastering so I can't say how helpful it would be while learning this powerful software.


SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

So far while running T-Racks 3 Beyond Mastering I haven't had too much issues when running the software.  I am currently running the software on a Mac Book Pro that has a 2.2 Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo processor and 4 GB of RAM.  I've used it both as a standalone piece of software and in Pro Tools LE and HD.  However, while the software runs pretty smoothly, there does seem to be some bugs that need to be fixed within the software.  I had some issues when trying to process and bounce some files as it would crash and I would have to re-open it which is always a drag.  Beyond this it has worked pretty well for me and I imagine that these problems will be fixed sometime in the near future as this software hasn't been out for all too long. 


OVERALL OPINION

I've only been using T-Racks 3 Beyond Mastering for a few months but I've become quite attached to this powerful mastering suite in this time.  The best part about this software beyond its great sound is that you can use the signal processing like EQs and compressors as standalone plug-ins in Pro Tools, meaning you can use them as individual plug-ins.  To me this makes the worth of this software much more as you can now not only use it as a mastering suite but it is also a plug-in bundle that you can use for mixing.  The signal processing is pretty great and everything has a really great sound to it.  I also really like the presets as they give you a great starting point.  The price is probably the best part as it is extremely cheap for a suite of this nature and while it is affordable for home studio owners, it is used by professionals and amateurs a like.  If you are looking for a home mastering suite, T-Racks 3 Beyond Mastering is a the way to go.

(Originally written by henridelavillle/translated from Audiofanzine FR)
- No installation problems.

- The program seems to be incompatible with my notebook (Centrino 1.7 GHz, 1 GB RAM) but it works very well with my desktop (AMD 6000 *2 3 HHz).

- It cannot be compared with TRACKS1 since it's a real professional tool with 8 high-quality plug-ins.

- The deluxe version includes an excellent EQ.

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

- Very, very good

OVERALL OPINION

- I've been using it for one week. It's a great feeling to have everything you need and know the software will be an enhancement to your mix instead of a real pain...

- It's possible to boost the 30 kHz frequency band without destroying the mix. Adequate settings allow you to even make a good mastering work.

- There's a huge difference with Tracks 1: the processing quality is much better and it is good enough for mastering if you avoid extreme settings.

- I'm looking for a good analog compressor/limiter but this software is excellent to start working fast.