Mackie has announced Tracktion 2, the first major update to their critically acclaimed recording and MIDI production software.

The new update, dubbed T2, is a major step forward, adding numerous new capabilities, while still maintaining the core feature set that has made the original Tracktion a runaway success. The program’s clutter-free, single-screen design and intuitive user interface still offers unparalleled productivity, combining multitrack digital audio, MIDI programming and automated mixdown into a simple yet powerful package. T2 continues to offer full VST instrument and plugin support, import and export compatibility with all major audio file formats, and cross-platform Mac and PC compatibility.

The new T2, which will soon be available in a boxed version through major music retailers, introduces an enhanced, more powerful MIDI editor, more comprehensive keyboard control and the ability to map hardware MIDI controllers to filter parameters. T2 also brings a new high-definition 64-bit mix engine, improved external synchronization support, eight auxiliary sends and returns, and full integration for Mackie Control Universal and C4 controllers.

A host of professional enhancements are also onboard, including support for recording/importing industry-standard Broadcast .WAV files, making it easier than ever to import audio from other applications, as well as direct import support for Mackie’s own HDR, MDR and SDR hard disk recorders. And while T2 still sports the same familiar look, its user interface incorporates a number of updates, including new user-configurable color schemes, flexible display options, improved metering, and a fully scalable graphical interface.

Among the most exciting news for the T2 update is the inclusion of a full suite of high-quality plug-ins from some of the industry’s most respected names. The collection, spanning several additional CD-ROM’s packaged in the boxed retail version, includes a full range of high-end effects processors from Acuma Labs, mda and Raw Materials Software, as well as IK Multimedia’s popular AmpliTube LE guitar amp modeler. T2’s bundled virtual instruments include IK Multimedia’s Sampletank SE and the RM IV drum machine to name just a few. Also included is a massive assortment of loops and samples, bundled exclusively with T2 and available nowhere else.

A downloadable demo version of the application will be made available through http://www.mackie.com.