iZotope Ozone 12 – a routine replace, or one thing extra thrilling?

Imagine it or not, iZotope’s Ozone is now 24 years outdated and, in that point, has revolutionised the method of mastering, making pro-level instruments out there to anybody with a few hundred {dollars}. The corporate has simply launched model 12, and has given MusicTech an early copy to dig into Ozone 12’s new capabilities, from enhanced AI instruments to Stem EQ.

We’ll be publishing a full evaluate quickly, however right here’s all the pieces it’s essential know proper now in regards to the new suite. We’re trying out Ozone 12 Superior, which is the fully-featured bundle and prices $499, however the Normal model ($219) additionally will get a lot of the new options, whereas Components ($55) will get the brand new Grasp Assistant, which is the large information right here.

Ozone’s Grasp Assistant

Grasp Assistant is tremendously expanded from Ozone 11; it will probably nonetheless take heed to your observe and use AI to counsel a sympathetic mastering remedy, however now there’s an entire new set of choices too.

Change to the Grasp Assistant’s Customized mode, and you may get rather more granular as an alternative of letting the software program make all of your decisions. For a begin, there’s a brand new record of genre-specific goal kinds, together with a number of sub-genres of EDM (the place there was fewer), to tailor the processing to your observe. Then there’s the choice to allow or disable the totally different processing modules – love the imaging however not the EQ? It’s simple to simply use some modules on this mode now. Then there’s an Depth slider so you possibly can apply variable quantities of the mastering processing.

Customized mode is a brand new addition that’s supreme for producers who don’t like the concept of trusting an entire grasp remedy to the software program however who additionally need some steerage and to avoid wasting time. It’s a midway home and a helpful choice to have alongside totally automated or totally handbook setups. It’s price repeating that even essentially the most inexpensive model has this new characteristic should you’re on a finances.

Three new modules

Stem EQ, discovered within the Superior model, builds on the Stem Focus mode and makes use of AI to separate 4 stems: vocals, drums, bass and devices, one thing we’re seeing throughout many professional audio packages today.

Right here, you possibly can apply EQ individually to any of those stems even when working with a mixed-down stereo file. The concept is that you simply don’t want to return and do tedious combine edits and re-exports to attain this. In some circumstances, you won’t even have that possibility, so it’s tremendous helpful to have the ability to simply go in and tame the bass a bit, for instance, or pull up some mids to brighten the vocals, with out having to unpick all the pieces first.

The second new module is Bass Management (Normal and Superior), which makes use of machine studying to “streamline” bass frequencies, iZotope says. It supplies you with a devoted waveform view of your low finish, with gentle/heavy stability and punch controls, in addition to a Maintain Energy management. Briefly, the characteristic helps to make your bass hit tougher with out changing into overwhelming. It’s neither EQ nor compression, so it’s able to tightening up the underside finish in a means that’s not potential with extra typical instruments.

Thirdly, and included with the Superior model, there’s the Unlimiter, one other machine learning-powered module that iZotope claims is the one device of its form available on the market. We’re all conversant in the over-limiting that characterised the loudness wars, sucking life and dynamic vary out of masters. This device analyses your over-limited observe and has a easy Quantity knob you should utilize to “reverse” the results of limiting, opening up dynamic vary and bringing a extra pure character again to the observe.

This module is kind of magic, and whereas I doubt we’ll be informed precisely the way it does what it does, it’s remarkably efficient. It would develop into a useful device for re-mastering older materials the place stems aren’t out there, correcting errors, and even simply sweetening up tracks you’ve taken a bit too far.

Lastly, the Maximizer part will get a brand new IRC 5 limiting algorithm, which iZotope says delivers readability and loudness with out the standard related pumping or distortion. Digging round on this part of the software program is maybe a pursuit of extra skilled customers, however when doing an A/B comparability of the brand new algorithm, it’s noticeably clearer and cleaner within the outcomes it produces.

Ozone 12 — promising replace or AI slop?

Whereas Ozone was already just about essentially the most fully-featured software program mastering suite available on the market, the options that iZotope has added in model 12 makes it a major replace for producers of all talent ranges.

The brand new options span a variety of use circumstances from audio restore and AI-powered help to extra forensic management of frequencies in a means that isn’t potential with normal EQ, compression and comparable instruments. This all elevates mastering right into a extra technically superior course of – be aware the prevalence of machine studying — however the software program stays accessible and doesn’t blind you with science.

The Normal model is the one most individuals will go for, and should you’re already a buyer, discounted improve pricing is accessible by way of your account. You’ll solely get the total device set with the Superior model, which is the most costly, however there’s additionally a 10-day free trial, so you possibly can strive it out for your self.

For brand new prospects, MSRP costs are as follows:

• Ozone 12 Components: $55 USD
• Ozone 12 Normal: $219 USD
• Ozone 12 Superior: $499 USD
• Music Manufacturing Suite: $799 USD

Be taught extra at izotope.com.

Enjoying in bands within the 90s led Hollin into the world of manufacturing, becoming a member of MusicTech on problem 2 in 2003. With a number of internationally printed books on composition and software program he’s an knowledgeable in Apple and shopper tech, having written for many main Mac publications for a few years. He’s additionally a business photographer with work showing within the nationwide press.