Mastering Programs like T-racks and Wavelab

[MACHINE]

I know that these programs do not even compare to the real thing like manly's and what not like alot of Equalizations plug ins compare to analog gear, but how far apart are they really ? Can a skillfull engineer perhaps make a track sound decent with these ?

anyone got some good reviews or comments ?

I release alot of mixtape stuff, and as some of you may or may not know, no one really masters mixtape stuff at all, they give it a decent mix and send it on its way, I was thinking of just getting my tracks backed mixed and using these programs since I allready got them to master a little here and there.

But please do not confuse these two questions I would like an unbiased response to my first question before you get into my second situation.

[Revelation]

Wavelab is an editing program, it's not suppose to be a Manley Mu or Cranesong Ibis. However many work the two together. With Wavelab, you can burn your CD's or DVD's using Red book info, arrange the order of songs, confirm that all the songs have the same volume and similar sound, reduce from 88 or 96 recordings down to 44, hit the phase buttons, switch left speakers to right speaker, work on fade in and fade outs, fix pops and hiss, and 100 other things. The hard ware gear does not do these things, but they work well together.

[Flymax]

Yes, T-Racks can be used effectively.
Very good low budget solution.

[greggybud]

Wavelab and T Racks are not comparable. As mentioned above Wavelab is a professional audio editor. You can achieve many of the same tasks in Wavelab that you can in Sonic Solutions or Sadie so I would say Wavelab is the real thing.

T-Racks is a lower budget group of plugs. It is not an audio editor. You will not find many if any mastering engineers use them. Most ME's when it comes to software use Waves or TDM plugs.

But remember its the user of the tools and how the user applies the tools to achieve your sonic goals.......not so much about the quality of the tools. If used properly and in the right situation even T-racks could be implemented. Learn your tools inside and out. Know when to apply what tool for any given sonic goal.

[I play in a ban]

I can't afford to have every track mastered; so I bought T-Racks a few years ago and enjoy it.

The compressor/limiter is nice, I actually like the sonic change when you just turn it on. It definetly does what it says, and it does it well.

Is it smart to master your own stuff? Probably not.... but for a mix tape or demo tape it is a very logical budget minded decision..and you won't be sorry. If it is used right I can imagine results would be amazing...

Also, I would use it for literally any style of music in any situation....but hey, that's me!


The only thing I don't like about T-Racks is the fact that IK treats their customers like criminals, so you can only install it 3 times. So after you upgrade your computer a few times I suppose you're sh*t outta luck....but I would also presume by the time that happens something better will be out anyway...

Good luck with your decision

[Whitecat]

Originally Posted by I play in a ban

I can't afford to have every track mastered; so I bought T-Racks a few years ago and enjoy it.

The compressor/limiter is nice, I actually like the sonic change when you just turn it on. It definetly does what it says, and it does it well.

Is it smart to master your own stuff? Probably not.... but for a mix tape or demo tape it is a very logical budget minded decision..and you won't be sorry. If it is used right I can imagine results would be amazing...

Also, I would use it for literally any style of music in any situation....but hey, that's me!


The only thing I don't like about T-Racks is the fact that IK treats their customers like criminals, so you can only install it 3 times. So after you upgrade your computer a few times I suppose you're sh*t outta luck....but I would also presume by the time that happens something better will be out anyway...

Good luck with your decision

I also like T-Racks, but usually as a channel strip, not really for overall mastering. You do have to like the colour the software imparts... lots of people can't stand it.

As far as IK, I've run out of authorizations several times now (been through a few computers and several boot drives on one in particular in the last few years) and all you have to do is email them, they release new ones to your account, they didn't ask any questions, within 24 hours I had three new ones, so that's not really a big deal.