The stand-alone interface has had a significant makeover for T‑RackS 5. For the purposes of this review, I had access to the MAX version. There is a substantial discount on the MAX version for existing IK Multimedia customers, and the in-app store is available in all versions, so you're not limited to the tools bundled with the standard or Deluxe versions. The free T‑RackS Custom Shop includes the Classic EQ module and an in-app store where you can buy further processing options individually, while the paid-for T‑RackS 5, T‑RackS 5 Deluxe and T‑RackS 5 MAX come with bundles of nine, 22 and 38 processors respectively. The latest iteration of the software continues the multi-format approach, with VST2, VST3, AU and AAX plug-in versions included alongside the stand-alone program. The feature list has expanded considerably since then, and all the individual processing options are now available as separate plug-ins for use within any suitable Windows or OS X host. T‑RackS started life as a stand-alone application, offering a modest, but well-featured, suite of processors comprising mastering-style EQ, compression and multiband limiting. The latter includes export options such as Disc Description Protocol (DDP) image for replication purposes. It has now arrived at version 5, with four interesting new modules added, a stylish redesign of the stand-alone interface, improvements to the underlying audio engine, more comprehensive 'broadcast-ready' metering tools and options for album-style mastering with a montage view for sequencing tracks.

Paul White reviewed the original version way back in SOS February 2000 issue, while more recent versions have been covered in the April 2009 and May 2013 issues, with consistently positive conclusions. IK Multimedia's T‑RackS is one of the more long-standing options for the task. Software-based DIY audio mastering is now an accepted necessity for most independent musicians.

IK Multimedia take home-studio mastering to the MAX - and beyond! Among the many new features in T‑RackS 5 is ONE, a simple 'one-stop' mastering processing tool.

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