T-Racks - Next Level

[sbn]

There is a topic for suggestions, but I think this one deserves its own separate discussion so it doesn’t get lost in a flood of messages.

I believe that to attract a lot of new users and make a big impact on the market, a few key things are needed—features that are highly competitive both financially and in terms of drawing users to the company's products.

IK already has a huge number of audio processing effects. Logically, the next step would be to create an automatic mastering feature, where T-Racks scans the audio and selects a set of tools while adjusting their parameters accordingly. This would be an extended version of the Master Match concept, but with additional flexibility, allowing users to fine-tune the suggested settings. It could take inspiration from Mastering Flow and Ozone.

Given IK's reasonable pricing and the fact that many users already own some T-Racks plugins or the full bundle, this could attract a lot of attention and outshine many competitors.

Also, the user should have the option to choose what type of mastering they want: digital, analog, or with tape processors, or without them.

It would also be great to allow users to select their favorite tools for mastering, which can be used when building the effect chain. I think this would be a real game-changer since no one else offers this. The user could immediately choose their favorite EQs, compressors, or sound enhancers like tape and saturation.

Of course, this could consume a lot of computer resources, so there should be a limit on the number of tools used, but with the ability for the user to add additional tools later. For example, the mastering chain could include up to 6-7 modules that the user can apply to create the final master. However, it doesn't always have to be 6—sometimes it could be just 3 if the system determines this by comparing it with internal references or analyzing the sound profile.

I strongly recommend considering this direction—it’s a genuinely powerful approach!

[darkogav]

Sure. these sound like good and interesting ideas. you already have Lurrsen console which sort of gives you a one stop shop for quick mastering. not really same as AI auto mastering, requires a little understanding of effects chains and how to tweak them a bit -- but still a great product.

[sbn]

Yes, I have it, but the concept I’m talking about offers more control and adjustments. It’s essentially a more advanced version of Master Match, allowing you to see more parameters of the processors we already have in T-Racks Max.

The whole idea isn’t about fast mastering but rather reducing the time needed. Different genres and mixes require different approaches, and a reference track built into the system might work well for one track but completely misguide another. That’s why I often use Master Match as a guiding reference—to highlight what to pay attention to—but I always adjust by ear.

I don’t know the key or the exact sound choices another producer used when creating a style reference, at least when talking about standard presets. I often search for a reference track with a very similar sound. Sometimes, this helps save a bit of time and gives a clear picture of what needs to be adjusted, especially when mixing and mastering on your own, as your ears can get fatigued during long sessions.

I think this would be a great step forward for IK Multimedia, considering their plugin prices are quite reasonable and don’t require a subscription, which many people dislike. It would breathe new life into their existing plugins. For example, users could pre-select specific plugins they want to use in a new mastering session.

I hope the developers consider this idea and put it on their task list for a new T-Racks ECO! ))