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The TrackShaper is a “mix with a knob” utility i designed for those times when you are in a hurry…
So, the new TrackShaper is out, and I think it’s time to dive a little deeper into why it exists, how it works, and what makes it unique in the world of audio processing tools.
At its core, TrackShaper is a streamlined, intelligent plugin that repackages the technology found in our powerful ChannelStrip MK2. Inside TrackShaper, you’ll find the same high-quality EQ and compression algorithms that made ChannelStrip MK2 a go-to choice for many producers. However, the major difference lies in how these algorithms are controlled: instead of offering dozens of parameters to tweak manually, TrackShaper uses dynamic, context-aware settings based on the type of track you’re working on, the input gain, and a single effect amount knob.
The idea behind TrackShaper was to make mixing faster, easier, and more musical, especially for producers who don’t want to get lost in technical details. We wanted to create a tool that could deliver great-sounding results quickly, while still being flexible enough for experimentation. Think of it as a smart assistant for your mix—one that understands the material it’s working with and adapts itself accordingly.
When you load up TrackShaper, the first thing you’ll do is select the track type—for example, kick drum, snare, vocals, bass, or guitar. Based on this choice, the plugin automatically loads a default EQ curve and a compression profile tailored to that instrument. These starting points have been carefully designed and tested to suit each type of source material, giving you a great sonic foundation right from the start.
Next, you can adjust the “Effect Amount” knob. This single control does a lot of heavy lifting behind the scenes. As you turn it up, TrackShaper increases the intensity of both EQ and compression in a coordinated way. The EQ curve becomes more pronounced, with boosts and cuts increasing in depth, while the compression becomes more aggressive, with changes in attack and release times to match the vibe you’re going for.
For instance, when working on a kick drum, setting the effect amount to a low value gives you a subtle enhancement—maybe a small low-end boost and gentle compression. But if you crank the knob up to 100, the plugin can apply EQ boosts and cuts of up to ±9dB in some algorithms and compression levels reaching up to 20dB of gain reduction. This allows you to shape your tracks dramatically, all with a single, intuitive control.
One of the most important things to keep in mind is that TrackShaper responds dynamically to the input level. Since the compression behavior depends on the incoming signal, setting the input gain correctly is essential to get the best results.
To help with this, the plugin includes input and output level meters, each equipped with a helpful green dot indicator. As your signal approaches +0VU, the green dot lights up progressively, showing you that you’re in the optimal range for processing. This makes it easy to dial in just the right level before the signal hits the processing stage.
If you don’t want to manage gain staging manually, TrackShaper includes an auto-gain option that adjusts the input and output levels automatically to maintain proper headroom and optimal signal level. This feature ensures consistent processing and can save time, especially during fast-paced sessions. That said, for more creative experimentation, you can also set the input gain very high or low on purpose—this will affect the compression behavior and allow you to explore different tonal outcomes.
Although we’re not calling it full-blown artificial intelligence, TrackShaper does include a form of intelligent behavior. The plugin reacts to your settings, track type, and input signal in a way that mimics the decision-making process of a seasoned mix engineer. It adapts its internal parameters to create musically pleasing results, so you spend less time tweaking and more time creating.
This makes it an excellent tool not only for beginners, who may not be comfortable adjusting dozens of parameters, but also for professionals who want a fast, reliable solution that still delivers high-end sound.
We built TrackShaper with user feedback and real-world mixing scenarios in mind. It’s meant to be a musical tool, not a technical obstacle. That’s why your opinion is incredibly important to us. We’re always looking to improve, and your input helps shape future versions of the plugin.
So go ahead—try the demo, use it on your favorite tracks, and see how it fits into your workflow. Whether you’re using it on drums, vocals, or entire mixes, we believe you’ll find TrackShaper to be a powerful and intuitive addition to your plugin collection.
And don’t hesitate to reach out. Whether it’s a quick comment, a suggestion, or even a feature request, feel free to write us back or reply to this post. We’re always listening—and improving.
