Jan,

I will recommend the FinalMix plugin that is bundled with Tracktion DAW software. There are legal copies of Tracktion 2 software for sale on the internet for $29. FinalMix, if purchased separately for Mackie's db8 Digital Mixers, is a $339 plugin.

It is the same code and algorithms and GUI. Highly user friendly (Probably about 100 presets ranging from individual instrument treatment, to final mix treatments), but also highly configurable and tweakable if you find presets that work well for you.

What is doesn't do is function as a mastering tool for an entire CD project - that is still up to the user.

Also, it is a native plugin to Tracktion - you cannot unbundle it and use it as a VST or DX or other plugin in a different host DAW software.

But it is a GREAT final mix mastering plugin. The DAW that comes along for free is pretty cool as well.

Unfortunately, by all appearances and indications, Mackie seem to have abandoned the Tracktion DAW product line as it pertains to future development. There is quite a bit of speculation as to why this is (Tracktion 3 is very buggy compared to Tracktion 2 - perhaps they just can't maintain the necessary support staff, etc.) which has me saddened. But Tracktion 2 is rock-steady for the purposes I need it for. One of them is a very quick and easy way to audition different mastering treatments to my final mixes with FinalMix.

I've learned a great deal from using those presets as well.

If you have difficulty finding Tracktion 2, then Tracktion 3 is also very affordable - sometimes coming bundled with certain Mackie mixer gear (all of their USB mixers for example). Most places are blowing it out for $49 right now.

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