Tracktion Waveform: Difference between revisions

Tracktion
Developer(s)	Tracktion Software Company
Initial release	2002; 22 years ago
Stable release	12.0.53 / March 23, 2022; 2 years ago
Operating system	macOS, Microsoft Windows, Linux
Type	Digital audio workstation
License	Proprietary
Website	www.tracktion.com

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Waveform, previously known as Tracktion,^[1] is a digital audio workstation for recording and editing audio and MIDI. The software is cross-platform, and runs on Apple macOS, Microsoft Windows, and Linux.

History

Tracktion was developed by independent UK designer/programmer Julian Storer and was released in 2002 by UK-based Raw Material Software. In 2003, US-based Mackie, a division of LOUD Technologies specializing in studio recording and live sound products, took over the distribution of Tracktion. It was sold in standalone, boxed retail versions and bundled with Mackie, Tapco, and Echo Audio computer-audio interfaces and digital-capable mixing boards.

Although no official word came from Mackie, the users' understanding was that Tracktion had been discontinued as the company issued no updates, communication, or announcements on it since January 2008. However, at the January 2013 NAMM Show, Tracktion's original developer Julian Storer announced he had reacquired control of the software and would continue developing Tracktion with his new Tracktion Software Company.

User interface and unique features

Tracktion was designed to be transparent and intuitive. Track object controls and parameters are context-sensitive; effects, MIDI instruments, and other software objects can be added to tracks or applied directly to individual audio and MIDI clips using a drag-and-drop system of filters. Complex chains of filters can be created, stored, and recalled for later use as rack effects, analogous to a saved channel strip settings in a traditional DAW/sequencer.^[2]

Tracktion represented a move away from the modal dialog boxes, multiple menus, and cluttered windows common to legacy MIDI sequencers and digital audio workstations, in favor of a streamlined, single-screen approach that presented the user with minimal options at any time. In this way, Tracktion is often compared to Ableton Live, but while the latter has two separate work areas (Session and Arrange), Tracktion has fully context-sensitive windows that automatically appear or hide depending on the current task. Both are also noted for their more abstract visual styles, in contrast to the photorealistic style of other interfaces (like Reason) which imitate the appearance of real world recording equipment and effects units.

Tracktion's other innovations, later emulated by many other DAWs, were the development of "freeze", the ability to convert a MIDI instrument track to audio to free up RAM and CPU, and an inline MIDI editor that allowed MIDI to be edited in-track rather than in a separate window or dedicated editor. It was also the first DAW to adopt a fully vector-based, resizable interface.

Open source library

The underlying C++ code developed to create Tracktion's graphic and audio capabilities was later released as an open-source library, JUCE.

References

^ "NAMM 2017: Tracktion DAW becomes Waveform, and now works on Raspberry Pi". www.musicradar.com. Archived from the original on 2017-07-07. Retrieved 2018-05-30.
^ Staff, M. P. V. "macProVideo.com". macProVideo.com. Retrieved 2024-07-20.

External links

Official website

[1] "NAMM 2017: Tracktion DAW becomes Waveform, and now works on Raspberry Pi". www.musicradar.com. Archived from the original on 2017-07-07. Retrieved 2018-05-30.

[2] Staff, M. P. V. "macProVideo.com". macProVideo.com. Retrieved 2024-07-20.

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@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 {{Multiple issues|{{Advert|date=May 2018}}
-{{Unreferenced|date=May 2018}}}}{{Infobox software
+{{More references|date=May 2018}}
+{{Single source|date=May 2024}}}}
+{{Infobox software
 | name = Tracktion
+| logo = Tracktion Waveform logo.png
-| screenshot =|
+| screenshot =
 | caption = Tracktion Main Edit Screen
-| developer = [http://www.tracktion.com Tracktion Software Company]
+| developer = [https://www.tracktion.com/ Tracktion Software Company]
+| released               = {{Start date and age|2002}}
-| latest_release_version = T7
+| latest release version = 12.0.53
-| latest_release_date = 2016-03-01
+| latest release date = {{Start date and age|2022|03|23}}
-| operating_system = [[Apple Mac OS X]], [[Microsoft Windows]], [[Linux]]
+| operating system = [[macOS]], [[Microsoft Windows]], [[Linux]]
-| genre = [[Digital Audio Workstation]]
+| genre = [[Digital audio workstation]]
 | license = [[Proprietary software|Proprietary]]
-| website = [http://www.tracktion.com www.tracktion.com]
+| website = {{URL|https://www.tracktion.com/}}
 }}
-'''Tracktion''' (now known as '''Waveform'''<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.musicradar.com/news/tech/namm-2017-tracktion-daw-becomes-waveform-and-now-works-on-raspberry-pi-647387|title=NAMM 2017: Tracktion DAW becomes Waveform, and now works on Raspberry Pi|last=|first=|date=|work=www.musicradar.com|access-date=2018-05-30|language=EN-GB}}</ref>) is a [[digital audio workstation]] for recording and editing [[sound|audio]] and [[MIDI]]. The software is cross-platform, running on [[Apple Mac OS X]], [[Microsoft Windows]] and [[Linux]].
+'''Waveform''', previously known as '''Tracktion''',<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.musicradar.com/news/tech/namm-2017-tracktion-daw-becomes-waveform-and-now-works-on-raspberry-pi-647387|title=NAMM 2017: Tracktion DAW becomes Waveform, and now works on Raspberry Pi|work=www.musicradar.com|access-date=2018-05-30|language=EN-GB|archive-date=2017-07-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170707070625/http://www.musicradar.com/news/tech/namm-2017-tracktion-daw-becomes-waveform-and-now-works-on-raspberry-pi-647387|url-status=live}}</ref> is a [[digital audio workstation]] for recording and editing [[sound|audio]] and [[MIDI]]. The software is cross-platform, and runs on [[Apple macOS]], [[Microsoft Windows]], and [[Linux]].
 ==History==
-Tracktion was originally developed by a single [[UK]] designer/programmer, [[Julian Storer]] and was first released in 2002 by UK-based [http://www.rawmaterialsoftware.com Raw Material Software]. US-based [[Mackie]], a division of [[LOUD Technologies]] specializing in studio recording and live sound products, took over distribution of Tracktion in 2003 and the software was sold in standalone, boxed retail versions as well as bundled with Mackie, [[Tapco]] and [http://www.echoaudio.com/ Echo Audio] computer-audio interfaces and digital-capable mixing boards.
+Tracktion was developed by independent [[UK]] designer/programmer Julian Storer and was released in 2002 by UK-based Raw Material Software. In 2003, US-based [[Mackie (company)|Mackie]], a division of [[LOUD Technologies]] specializing in studio recording and live sound products, took over the distribution of Tracktion. It was sold in standalone, boxed retail versions and bundled with Mackie, Tapco, and Echo Audio computer-audio interfaces and digital-capable mixing boards.
-Although no official word came from Mackie officials, user understanding was that the project had been discontinued, as no updates, communication or announcements had been forthcoming from the company since January 2008. However, at the January 2013 NAMM show Tracktion was reborn through original developer Julian Storer, who announced that he had re-acquired control of the software and would be developing Tracktion with his newly founded "Tracktion Software Company" ([http://www.tracktion.com]).
+Although no official word came from Mackie, the users' understanding was that Tracktion had been discontinued as the company issued no updates, communication, or announcements on it since January 2008. However, at the January 2013 [[NAMM Show]], Tracktion's original developer Julian Storer announced he had reacquired control of the software and would continue developing Tracktion with his new Tracktion Software Company.
 ==User interface and unique features==
-Tracktion was designed to be as transparent and intuitive to the user as possible. Track object controls and parameters are context-sensitive; effects, MIDI instruments and other software objects can be added to tracks or even applied directly to individual audio and MIDI clips using a [[drag-and-drop]] system of ''filters''. Complex chains of filters can be created, stored and recalled for later use as ''rack effects,'' which can be thought of as analogous to a saved [[channel strip]] setting in a traditional DAW/sequencer.
+Tracktion was designed to be transparent and intuitive. Track object controls and parameters are context-sensitive; effects, MIDI instruments, and other software objects can be added to tracks or applied directly to individual audio and MIDI clips using a [[drag-and-drop]] system of ''filters''. Complex chains of filters can be created, stored, and recalled for later use as ''rack effects,'' analogous to a saved [[channel strip]] settings in a traditional DAW/sequencer.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Staff |first=M. P. V. |title=macProVideo.com |url=https://www.macprovideo.com/article/audio-software/review-tracktion-waveform-11-free |access-date=2024-07-20 |website=macProVideo.com |language=en}}</ref>
-Tracktion represented a move away from the [[modal dialog]] boxes, multiple menus and cluttered windows common to most legacy [[MIDI]] sequencers and [[Digital Audio Workstation]]s, in favour of a streamlined, single-screen approach that presents the user only with the options they need for the task they are currently doing, such as editing audio, adjusting MIDI automation parameters, effects settings, etc. In this respect Tracktion is often compared to [[Ableton Live]], although Live has two separate work areas (Session and Arrange) and does not have fully context sensitive non modal elements that automatically show or hide depending on the task as does Tracktion. However both are notable for the use of a more abstract visual style that does not attempt to visually replicate "real world" recording equipment or effects boxes. As well as the drag and drop based non modal interface and rack filters, other key innovations of Tracktion's, later to be followed by most other DAWs, were the development of "freeze", a way of reversibly converting a midi instrument track to audio to free up memory and cpu, and an inline midi editor that allowed midi to be edited in the track rather than in a separate window or dedicated editor. Tracktion was also the first DAW to adopt a fully vector-based, resizable interface.
+Tracktion represented a move away from the [[modal dialog]] boxes, multiple menus, and cluttered windows common to legacy MIDI sequencers and digital audio workstations, in favor of a streamlined, single-screen approach that presented the user with minimal options at any time. In this way, Tracktion is often compared to [[Ableton Live]], but while the latter has two separate work areas (Session and Arrange), Tracktion has fully context-sensitive windows that automatically appear or hide depending on the current task. Both are also noted for their more abstract visual styles, in contrast to the [[photorealistic]] style of other interfaces (like [[Reason (software)|Reason]]) which imitate the appearance of real world recording equipment and [[effects units]].
+Tracktion's other innovations, later emulated by many other DAWs, were the development of "freeze", the ability to convert a MIDI instrument track to audio to free up RAM and CPU, and an inline MIDI editor that allowed MIDI to be edited in-track rather than in a separate window or dedicated editor. It was also the first DAW to adopt a fully vector-based, resizable interface.
-==Features in version 1.0==
-No preset sample rate limits (limited only by hardware); on-the-fly sample rate conversion; internal 32-bit floating point math; [[DirectSound]] and [[Audio Stream Input/Output|ASIO]]  support including multi-channel playback and recording at low latencies; [[WAV]], [[AIFF]] and [[Ogg-Vorbis]] audio file format support; Punch-in and input-level-triggered recording; looped MIDI recording; real-time monitoring; full parameter automation for panning, levels, and effects; support for the  plugin and [[Virtual Studio Technology|VST]] virtual instrument standards. [[QuickTime]] video support is included to aid in soundtrack creation.
-==Enhancements in version 2.0==
-Version 2.0 greatly enhanced stability; this version gained an improved MIDI editor with step entry; a software [[Sampler (musical instrument)|sampler]] virtual instrument; optional support for 64-bit math, to create greater digital [[headroom (audio signal processing)|headroom]] in the mix summing bus and thus avoid distortion; External MIDI sync, MIDI clock and MIDI Machine Control send and receive; per-track input auto-assignment; optional fullscreen input metering; a newly scalable window; and the ability to import files from Mackie [[hard disk recorders]]. Mackie has been drawing criticism in the support forums for its continued supply of version 2.0 with Tapco (a Mackie company) hardware, even though it is not supported with the Windows Vista operating system.
-==Enhancements in version 3.0==
-Major additions include more tools for loop-based composition, including a keyword-based loop browser, support for the popular Sony [[ACID Pro]], Propellerhead Software REX2 and [[Apple Inc.]] Apple Loops file formats, and an improved [[Audio timescale-pitch modification|timestretching]] algorithm useful for [[beat-matching]] and creating [[Mashup (music)|mashups]]. Core technical enhancements include support for multiple [[CPUs]] and [[multi-core]] processors; and support for control surfaces including the Mackie Control Universal, Frontier AlphaTrack, Mackie C4, and [[Novation Digital Music Systems]] ReMOTE SL series.
-Tracktion 3 was available in two upgrade and two full retail versions. Such had Mackie's Mastering Tools plugins included.
-* Basic Upgrade (updates the core application to T3, provides 'lite' training video; available only online from Mackie)
-* Project Studio (T3 core application, IK SampleTank SE lite sound set, Amplitube Uno, TK [[DrumCore]] Diet Edition, Garritan Personal Orchestra Lite Starter Edition, LinPlug FreeAlpha synth, LinPlug RMIV Lite drum machine, LinPlug Cronox3 Lite synth, Lite T3 SonicReality loops library, Quickstart training video)
-* Ultimate Bundle (T3 core application, IK SampleTank SE, Amplitube Duo, TK [[DrumCore]] 2GB Edition, Garritan Personal Orchestra Lite Full Edition, LinPlug Alpha3 synth, LinPlug RMIV Drum Addiction version, LinPlug Cronox3 full version, full T3 SonicReality loops library, 4hr Mastering Tracktion training video)
-* Ultimate Bundle Upgrade from any previous or lower version
-==Enhancements in version 4.0==
-Tracktion 4 (T4) features the same operational characteristics as the original program but with an entirely new audio engine. This progression is intended not only to make T4 compatible with all the latest operating systems, plug-in and controller technology, but also to create a modern platform for further development. TSC is dedicated to the continued evolution of the product.
-To be specific, T4 provides support for Mac OSX, Microsoft’s Windows, and Linux. Apple Audio Unit (AU) is supported to open a new world of effects and instruments for Tracktion users and the latest generation audio codec from Microsoft, Windows Media Audio (WMA) is also supported. Windows Audio Session API (WASAPI) is included for optimized audio data management between applications.
-==Enhancements in version 5.0==
-Tracktion 5 has hundreds of new features, including ARA integration for Celemony Software’s Melodyne, rapid audio comping, track presets and much more. T5’s revolutionary ‘Edit Clip’ format allows users to embed multi-track material as if it were a single audio clip; while allowing the source material to be edited.It also includes a greatly enhanced set of MIDI capabilities. The piano-roll editor has also been overhauled to include a raft of new features such as “Per-note Automation” and rapid “MIDI Learn” for easy integration with hardware controllers. There is even support for next-generation instruments such as [[ROLI]]’s Seaboard with MDC (multi-dimensional control).
-==Enhancements in version 6.0==
-Trackion 6 is similar to Tracktion 5, but with these new features:
-* Unified, tagged search engine
-* Track tagging
-* Discreet automation tracks
-* One click rack side chaining
-* Live audio recording waveform overview
-* Record Punch mode
-* zPlane Elastique Pro time-stretching algorithm
-* Tape 'start/stop' fade handles
-* Automation mapping on tempo changes
-* 'Super Comping' - Create a swipe comp across multiple tracks for super quick editing
-* Step Clip enhancements including velocity
-* Integrated market place to purchase new plugins
-==Enhancements in version 7.0==
-Trackion 7 is similar to Tracktion 6, but with these new features:
-* Blue Steel UI
-* Clip Layer Effects
-* Integrated Setup Assistant
-* Multi-Browser Sync
-* Slimline Transport Bar
-* Animated Panels
-* Visual Plugin Selector
-* Grouped Clips
-* Linced Clips
-* Automation Patterns
-* LFO Generators
-* Edit Previews
-* Quick Zoom
 ==Open source library==
-The underlying [[C++]] code that was developed to create Tracktion's graphic and audio capabilities was later split-out into an open-source library, [[JUCE]], which is still maintained and developed by Julian Storer / ROLI Limited.
+The underlying [[C++]] code developed to create Tracktion's graphic and audio capabilities was later released as an open-source library, [[JUCE]].
 ==See also==
 *[[Comparison of multitrack recording software]]
 *[[List of music software]]
+==References==
+{{Reflist}}
 ==External links==
-*[http://www.tracktion.com Official Product Page]
+*{{Official website|https://www.tracktion.com/}}
-*[http://www.groove3.com/str/Tracktion-5-Explained.html Tracktion Tutorials]
-*[http://www.kvraudio.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=22 Tracktion discussion forum at KVRAudio.com]
-*[http://www.juce.com JUCE Open-Source C++ Libraries]
 {{Audio editors}}
+{{Digital audio workstations}}
+[[Category:Audio editing software for Linux]]
+[[Category:Audio software|Linux]]
+[[Category:Classic Mac OS software]]
+[[Category:Digital audio editors for Linux]]
 [[Category:Digital audio workstation software]]
-[[Category:Classic Mac OS software]]
+[[Category:Linux software]]
 [[Category:MacOS audio editors]]
-[[Category:Windows multimedia software]]
 [[Category:Proprietary commercial software for Linux]]
+[[Category:Windows multimedia software]]

v t e Audio editing software
Free and open-source	Ardour Audacity Ecasound Gnome Wave Cleaner Jokosher LMMS MusE Qtractor Rosegarden SoX Sweep Traverso WaveSurfer
Proprietary	Ableton Live Acid Pro Acoustica Adobe Audition Anvil Studio AudioDesk Bitwig Studio Cakewalk by BandLab CapCut DC-Art Digital Performer FL Studio FL Studio Mobile GarageBand GoldWave Harrison Mixbus KRISTAL Audio Engine Logic Pro Magix Samplitude Making Waves Mixcraft MuLab MultitrackStudio n-Track Studio Pro Tools Reason ReCycle Renoise SAWStudio Sound Forge SpectraLayers Steinberg Cubase Steinberg Nuendo Steinberg WaveLab Studio One Synapse Orion Total Recorder Tracktion Waveform Vegas Pro WavePad Z-Maestro Zynewave Podium
Defunct	Adobe Soundbooth BIAS Peak Ensoniq Paris Logic Express Logic Studio Record SoundDroid SoundEdit Soundscape Digital Technology Soundscape R.Ed Soundtrack Pro TC Works Spark
See also	Comparison of digital audio editors Comparison of free software for audio List of music software List of Linux audio software Comparison of MIDI editors and sequencers
Comparison Category