T‑Racks isn't an editor - it is intended to process existing audio files using 32‑bit, floating‑point algorithms designed to emulate analogue compression, equalisation and multi‑band limiting. Perhaps brushed aluminium fits in better with your studio's Feng Shui.? T‑Racks offers a choice of colour schemes for its virtual modules this shot also shows the master output level meter, CPU usage meter and snapshot toolbar. Sample rates of 32 to 48kHz are supported, though 44.1kHz is recommended for CD mastering. Only 16‑bit audio files are supported - WAV‑format for PCs, and both AIFF and SDII files for Macs. A means of monitoring the audio to a high quality is also recommended in the case of the Mac, any Sound Manager‑compatible audio output is usable and may be selected under Sound in Control Panels.
It doesn't handle recording or the processing of an audio input in real time, so it's realistic to expect that you'll be using it with some other stereo editing or recording program. Some means of getting digital audio into and out of your computer is needed as T‑Racks works on existing files. You also have to enter the serial number of the software when installing it - I would have thought dongle protection was enough! Installing is simply a matter of clicking Install and entering the serial number when prompted. The manual mentions that USB dongles are also supported. The software comes on CD‑ROM, and Mac users get a dongle similar to the ones used by Waves that connect in series with the keyboard. A CPU activity monitor is provided as part of the program, so you can see how close you are to pushing your computer over. In most cases, at least 32Mb of memory are needed, though Pentium II owners should have at least double this figure. IK Multimedia are also reported to have a working BeOS version. Likewise, the PC user can get away with a 200MHz MMX (only) PC running Windows 95 or 98, though a Pentium II is recommended, in which case Windows NT 4.0 can be added to the list of supported operating systems. The minimum Mac requirement is a 180MHz PPC603e or a 120MHz PPC 604e, though a G3 is ideal. The T‑Racks mastering software under scrutiny here originates from a small company in Italy, and they've been considerate enough to make versions that will run on both Mac and PC platforms. Hardware mastering boxes seem to have been the fashion recently, but it's also possible to do mastering using only software, and if you don't need every conceivable bell and whistle, this can be a very cost‑effective alternative. Paul White tries desktop mastering using the new all‑in‑one PC or Mac package from IK Multimedia. T‑Racks's three elements aim to simulate an analogue mastering EQ, compressor and multi‑band limiter.
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