New Gear Review: Wavesfactory Trackspacer 2.0

TrackSpacer 2.0 TrackSpacer is an automatic, 32-band equalizer plug-in that is controlled by the spectral content of other channel(s) coming in on its side-chain input. What?

Akin to compressor and expander/noise gates with side-chain inputs for dynamic effects, TrackSpacer analyzes the audio frequency spectrum coming into its side-chain input from an aux send bus and then applies a frequency-tracking corrective equalization that reduces the same set frequencies on the track(s) or channels where it is inserted.

You can have TrackSpacer track the changes in the frequencies of music or use the Freeze mode to lock it to a fixed band of frequencies.  Based on your individual settings and preferences, TrackSpacer “carves” room or space in your mix by reducing the frequency buildup when two or more instruments or vocal tracks in the same octave and similar timbres compete to be heard at the same time.

I’ve started using it in Pro Tools 11 for big background vocal stacks all sung by the same singer.  Dulling the mid-range of the backing vocal track’s dynamics very slightly whenever the lead vocal sings, causes the lead vocal track to “project” without changing its level and without reducing the BG’s overall volume, energy and impact.

TrackSpacer 2.0 adds 64-bit AAX support, an Advance Panel with side-chain listen and Attack/Release controls to tailor its operation even more specifically to your needs.

Great stuff and I’m just starting to get the hang of this plug-in—I love it.  It’s available in AU, VST, RTAS, AAX and VST 3 for both MACs and PCs.  TrackSpacer 2.0 can be ordered online for €59.00 EUR directly from Wavesfactory at http://plugins.wavesfactory.com.

By Barry Rudolph

miniBio: Barry Rudolph is a recording engineer/mixer with over 30 gold and platinum RIAA awards to his credit. He has recorded and/or mixed: Lynyrd Skynyrd, Hall & Oates, Pat Benatar, Rod Stewart, the Corrs and Robbie Nevil. Barry has his own futuristic music mixing facility and also teaches recording engineering at Musician’s Institute, Hollywood, CA. http://www.barryrudolph.com