Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1538091
12 FA L L 2 0 2 5 I C A S Q U A R T E R L Y layout. Within the main window of WildTrax are multiple smaller panels— each with their own purpose. Metadata, Input Matrix, Sound Report, Tracks, Files, and Spectrum Analyzer are all windows that do exactly as described. Each panel can be opened or closed, as well as sized individually so that you can build a workspace that you like. Some users may not need to see the Spectrum Analyzer, for instance, or wish to close the Tracks window once inputs are routed. The Tracks panel shows all your tracks with nicely colored meters that have numbered level indicators. You can control the smoothness of the audio level and choose to view meters vertically or horizontally. Within the Tracks panel is the arm-enable button and the ability to name each track. The smooth metering of WildTrax is really pleasant to look at, especially when you have a lot of tracks. There are many different digital audio protocols such as Dante, AVB, and MADI and numerous audio interfaces that you can use today. WildTrax will take audio from any of those sources and, using Core Audio, can work with multiple sources at once. This allows it to be integrated into any workflow that you have for your show. You can use it in broadcast environments using MADI, live music shows using Dante, or even just your simple podcast with a two-channel audio interface. I tested it with Dante Virtual Soundcard, sending about 40 channels into it. The software has an intuitive and familiar routing matrix. Simply check the box when your input on the top matches your destination track on the left as you move your mouse through the matrix. You will also route your timecode to a track in this panel and, in Preferences, tell the software which track you have routed your timecode to. Metadata entry is extensive within WildTrax. The software embeds all the critical information such as scene, take, notes, and track assignments into your audio files. You can change this information as you are recording, or you can go back to previous takes and change anything you need. You can generate your sound reports from within the software with a single click. In addition to the notes that you can add for each take, you can also add markers that are timecode-stamped and then add a custom note to each of those markers for future reference. In the Files panel, you can assign multiple recording destinations— whether its multiple folder destinations on an internal hard drive or multiple external drives. Basically, you can record to whatever type of drive your computer is connected to. The software has all the usual features that you would need in a production recording environment such as false take, pre-roll, and automatic take reset upon a new scene, but one of my favorite features is the glowing red border that happens in record. It's reassuring to just take a quick glance over to your computer and see the red border and know that you're rolling. Overall, I'm really excited about having a new, modern software that will continue to be developed specifically for our use in production environments. Computers are getting smaller and cheaper and are becoming commonplace on production sound carts. Additionally, other production environments such as a music tour or broadcast truck have computers on every corner. Even if you prefer a hardware recorder, it's incredibly easy to build a small backup recording rig with a computer and WildTrax. WildTrax is a subscription-based software, but offers a free, two- channel demo version that allows you to sync via timecode and will work with any interface. It also allows for metadata entry and sound reports. Features increase with the Basic version, which offers the same features as the Demo version but with up to eight inputs. Essential and Pro tiers add full UI customization in addition to 32 tracks for Essential and 512 for Pro. Of note, a smartphone companion app will be coming soon. Pricing for paid tiers starts at $10 per month and can be rented monthly without any long-term commitments required. If you're looking for more track counts in a flexible, feature-heavy software, you may wish to consider WildTrax. For more information or to download a free demo, visit HalterTechnical.com The glowing red border lets you know you are recording.