iZotope Nectar 3 Plus

Verdict
For Sounds superb from top to bottom
Intuitive, focused range of modules
Vocal Assistant is miraculous
Dynamic EQ modes work brilliantly
Against Upgrade is expensive
Whether your vocals are sung or spoken,
Nectar will help you get them sounding like
a million dollars
9/10
> reviews / vocal plugins roundup
80 / COMPUTER MUSIC / August 2022
iZotope
Nectar 3 Plus $129 - $249
Nectar has become a go-to plugin for
the pro producer looking to easily get
vocals of all kinds sounding their best. It
uses an array of reorderable modules to
apply voice-optimised dynamics
shaping, EQ, pitch correction,
harmonisation, de-essing, distortion and
efects to your audio.
One of the many highlights is a
machine learning-driven system for
automatically setting the plugin up
based on analysis of the input signal.
Called Vocal Assistant, it creates a
custom preset to make your vocal
sound objectively ‘better’ and more mix-
ready. Select Assist mode, point the
algorithm in the right direction by
choosing Vintage, Modern or Dialogue
as the source ‘Vibes’, and Light,
Moderate or Aggressive as the
processing ‘Intensity’. The input signal is
analysed for a few seconds, while the
modules are set up in the background
to correct for dynamic luctuations,
resonant peaks, sibilance, and even
adjust pitch correction and reverb mix.
In Unmask mode, Vocal Assistant
clears space for the vocal by applying
equalisation to any other track that’s
ighting with it for space. The results are
invariably well judged and efective,
giving the vocals a perceived lift that’s
almost always beneicial. This feature
has also been enhanced for Nectar 3
Plus, the latest incarnation of Nectar.
Nectar 3 sounds incredible and lows
beautifully. Highly recommended.
izotope.com
TYPE: Full vocal editing suite of modules | PRICING: Nectar Elements £129 (contains Vocal Assistant and enough modules to carry out most vocal processes); Nectar 3 Plus
$249 (adds Melodyne 5 essential and extra Unmask features) | KEY FEATURES: Vocal Assistant: Get polished vocals with AI; automatically set reverb, compression EQ, and
more; automatic De-esser cleans up your sibilance | SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS: AAU, AAX, VST2, VST3 (64-bit only for Nectar 3 Plus; 32- and 64-bit for Nectar Elements); Mac:
macOS High Sierra (10.13.6) – macOS Big Sur (11.6.x; Windows: Windows 10
CMU310.rev_vocal_plugins_roundup.indd 80CMU310.rev_vocal_plugins_roundup.indd 80 27/05/2022 10:2627/05/2022 10:26