IK Multimedia has announced T-RackS 5, which they describe as a cutting-edge mixing and mastering system for Mac and PC. It will be available in October 2017 and is now open for pre-order.
Check out this walkthrough of T-RackS 5:
T-RackS 5 is totally customisable: you can now choose from a total of 38 modules and create a 16-processor series/parallel chain. The new modules include Master Match, which promises to match the sound of a mix with up to three other reference tracks. IK reckons that this will enable even those with no previous audio engineering experience to create great-sounding masters, and could be seen as an attempt to see off auto-mastering services such as LANDR.
The other additions are the Dyna-Mu vari-mu compressor/limiter, which is based on a piece of American hardware and is designed to glue your mix together; the EQual 10-band parametric EQ, which replicates the typical curves of British and American analogue EQs; and the One processor, which combines an EQ, compressor, analogue harmonic exciter, low-end enhancer and limiter and is designed for streamlined and straightforward audio finalisation.
T-RackS 5 Master Match module is a new type of plug-in that automatically matches the sound of your songs using up to 3 different source tracks as reference.
Master Match calculates the spectral balance and perceived loudness of the reference tracks, analyzes them using sophisticated algorithms and then creates an exact match for the source material providing an editable ultra-high quality EQ curve and level adjustment. This can be achieved using the Master Match as a stand-alone processor or at the end of a pre-existing processing chain.
Thanks to this new powerful module, you can create great sounding masters or mixes in seconds, sounding every bit as good as your preferred tracks, without the need for any previous audio engineering experience or specialized skills.
Additionally, the Master Match can provide its magic either by being used as a fully automatic processor, or alternatively it can be used as your personal audio engineer assistant, since you can look at the suggestion it gives, and then you have the freedom to apply those by yourself using the T-RackS 5 tools you prefer.
You can use T-RackS 5 in three ways: as a standalone suite, as a plugin suite (ie, a channel strip or mastering chain) or by selecting each processor as a separate plugin (VST/AU/AAX). The interface has been streamlined and is now resizable, and the audio engine has been improved. There are also broadcast-ready metering tools and the option to assemble a complete album from within the T-RackS 5 interface.
T-RackS 5 is completely modular; you can actually download the Custom Shop version for free and then buy modules on a pay-as-you go basis. Alternatively, you can get nine modules for €150, 22 for €300 and the full 38 for €500 if you go for the Max bundle. Crossgrades are available, too.
Find out more on the IK Multimedia website.
