Easy Operation for Quality Enhancement! Feature Overview of IK Multimedia’s T-RACKS ONE

Greetings! I’m Mark, a rookie writer. For my first article of 2024, I’ll be covering an essential topic in DTM (Desktop Music): plugins.

Today, I’d like to introduce IK Multimedia’s "T-RACKS ONE" , a plugin that has been making remarkable strides in both hardware and software development in recent years.

This will be my personal take on explaining the product, so if you’re feeling lost or unsure about plugins, this article is for you. Let’s dive in together!

■ T-RACKS ONE

T-RACKS ONE (hereafter referred to as ONE) is a plugin that belongs to the IK Multimedia T-RACKS series and is described as an "all-in-one mastering and mixing processor."

It stands out because it integrates various functions into a single plugin. You can insert it into an individual track to shape the sound or apply it to the master track for final adjustments.

Specifically, it includes features like EQ, compressor, harmonic exciter, low-end enhancer, and a limiter.

ONE is highly praised by users, with some claiming that it "improves the sound just by inserting it." Even if you haven't used it yet, you might have already heard of its name due to its reputation.

■ Feature and Function Breakdown

The T-RACKS plugin can be used as a standalone application (independent software) or as a plugin within a DAW. When using it in a DAW, simply insert it into a track, just like any other plugin.

Here’s what the actual interface looks like—pretty sleek, right?

Each knob has the following functions. I’ll be adding some explanations to the descriptions from IK's official documentation (originally in English):

AIR

This knob gently controls the boost or cut of the high frequencies.

As the name AIR suggests, it influences the airiness or openness of the sound by adjusting the high frequencies.

Unlike reverb, which adjusts the sense of space through resonance, this knob enhances clarity and presence by altering the amount of high-end frequencies, making the sound more articulate. Think of it as controlling how well the sound "cuts through" rather than adding a spatial echo.

FOCUS

This knob adjusts the clarity of the midrange frequencies.

If you feel that the mids are either too pronounced or too dull, this control can help bring balance. A good approach is to start by setting it to the 12 o’clock position and then make adjustments after tweaking the other knobs.

BODY

This knob fine-tunes the amount of low-end without disrupting the overall frequency balance.

Rather than aggressively boosting or cutting the bass, think of it as adjusting the "fullness" of the sound. It enhances the richness and body of the low-end. Similar to the midrange knob, it's best to set this one at 12 o’clock initially, and then adjust it later after you've made other tweaks.

BASS PUNCH

This knob controls both the boost and tightness of the low-end frequencies simultaneously.

It allows you to add punch and presence to the bass without it becoming boomy or overwhelming. By tightening up the low-end, you can enhance its impact while maintaining clarity and control.

ANALOG

This knob adds harmonic enhancement, giving the track more impact and color.

By enhancing the harmonics (overtones), it increases the overall richness and detail of the sound. As the name ANALOG suggests, it also introduces a subtle amount of saturation (grit and distortion), adding warmth and character.

It's a great tool to use on tracks that feel too digital or sterile, as it helps to blend and soften them, making the sound more cohesive and natural.

TRANSIENTS

その立ち上がり部分を目立たせるか控えめにするか。基本的にコンプレッサー的なものと捉えてもらってOKですが、という認識を持つと使い道が見えてくると思います。

This knob emphasizes or smooths the attack, helping you achieve the ideal balance of impact in your mix. But what does that really mean?

The term transient refers to the initial part of a sound, just before the most prominent "attack." It's tricky to explain, but think of it as the "start" of a sound—the moment it begins to rise toward its peak. Sound doesn’t jump straight to its loudest point but builds up from zero, almost like a brief fade-in. This knob allows you to control how noticeable that rise is, whether to make it more pronounced or more subdued. While it's similar to a compressor in function, it’s not a typical one-knob compressor focused solely on attack. Instead, it intelligently adjusts a broader area, offering more nuanced control. This helps give your mix the right amount of punch without overpowering it.

WIDTH

This knob fine-tunes the stereo image of the track—essentially acting as a 音の広がり具合を変える"stereo imager."

It adjusts the perceived width of the sound without converting mono sources into stereo. Instead, it emphasizes sounds that are already panned left or right, creating a sense of wider space.

If you ever feel like your mix sounds too centered or narrow, try inserting this on the master track and adjusting it to spread things out for a more open, balanced sound.

PUSH

This knob controls all the compressor settings, from gentle to intense... but what does that actually mean?

In essence, this knob functions as a maximizer . While a compressor adjusts dynamics (the ebb and flow of loudness) and a limiter suppresses peaks, a maximizer combines these functions to increase overall loudness.

By turning the PUSH knob, you can raise the overall volume, adding more impact and power to the track. This PUSH feature is arguably the standout function of ONE. It's especially useful for DTM beginners who want a simple tool to boost loudness without getting lost in complex settings.

While the standard approach is to use it at the final stage of sound shaping, I like to tweak it lightly along with EQ-related knobs. The behavior of PUSH can change depending on the position of other controls, so adjusting them together often yields better results.

VOLUME

This knob allows you to make the music sound louder without worrying about artifacts... but what does that mean?

Here, artifacts refer to unwanted noise or clipping. In other words, unlike a gain knob that increases volume by adding distortion, this knob acts more like a master volume control that increases loudness cleanly. It doesn’t introduce harshness or distortion as you raise the volume.

■ A Powerful Tool That’s Easy to Get Started With

The charm of T-RACKS ONE lies in its ability to let users create great sound intuitively

EYou don’t have to worry about the complexities of traditional sound shaping, like:
- Cutting or boosting specific frequency ranges with an EQ,
- Adjusting compressor settings like threshold and ratio,
- Fine-tuning enhancer parameters.

Even if you're not used to these detailed tasks, you can simply turn the visible knobs until the sound reaches your desired result. This makes it accessible for beginners while still delivering impressive outcomes.

It's a fantastic plugin not only for helping beginners but also for streamlining workflows for intermediate and advanced users.

T-RACKS ONE is included in both T-RACKS 5 and T-RACKS 5 MAX , and can also be purchased separately as an add-on to T-RACKS SE , which comes bundled with other IK Multimedia products. Plus, you can try it for free by downloading the trial version from the official website, so you can explore its features before committing.

A great purchasing strategy is to buy an IK audio interface, which comes with T-RACKS SE for free, and then upgrade to T-RACKS 5 MAX .

During sales, you can sometimes upgrade to T-RACKS 5 MAX (normally priced at around €500) for as little as €99. Considering that IK audio interfaces start at just over 10,000 yen, this is an excellent value.

Start by trying out the free trial, and if you find yourself saying, "This is it!", consider getting it along with an IK interface for a great deal!

■ Examples of T-RACKS SE Bundle Products:

IK MULTIMEDIA / iRig Keys I/O 25

IK MULTIMEDIA / iRig Pro I/O Audio Interface

IK MULTIMEDIA / iRig Pro Quattro I/O

IK MULTIMEDIA / iRig Pro Quattro I/O Deluxe

IK MULTIMEDIA / AXE I/O USB Audio Interface

---

The “sound & person” column is made possible by your contributions.
For more information about submissions, click here.