iZotope Neutron 4

current mixing workflow. Not every
time does it do a better job than a
human with several plugins on-hand,
but often it’s all you need for the solid
separation of two parts.
The overhauled Exciter
In an impressive feat, multiple
upgrades have been made to the
Exciter module, all eminently
useable. The original X/Y pad, which
blended between four distortion
types, has been boosted with a
second mode: Trash. This takes four
new distortion types out of iZotope’s
Trash 2 distortion plugin, giving you
the option to blend between Clipper,
Overdrive, Scream and Scratch types,
representing a versatile selection of
signal mashers.
A Tone control has been added,
providing a better way to take the
edge off distortion than the high-shelf
filter (which still remains). This
control lets you weight any distortion
type to put the emphasis towards
lower or higher frequencies. In use,
it’s very handy, letting you back off an
overzealous high-end or deliberately
add more weight and punch to the
lows. Considering that the whole
Exciter module is multiband-capable,
though, Tone can feel like a slicker
and simpler response to a question
iZotope had already answered.
The Exciter’s Tame button delivers
another way to dial things back, but
this time with the intention of
preserving dynamics. In use, the
result is often a crisper sound that,
while still nice and fuzzed up, retains
its musical and rhythmic edge.
With Tame and also Tone, it’s
possible to push the distortion
algorithms harder than before to
introduce an intense character, safe
in the knowledge that you can keep
things musical, intelligible, and most
of all, classy.
selection of dynamics effects, and
one that’s just as competent as the
next compressor or transient shaper.
Neutron star
These new features bring a few new
tricks to Neutron, and most will be a
little more appreciated by those
looking for simpler takes on
complicated concepts, rather than
those who want to fully micromanage
their signal processing. In particular,
Unmask is a joy for quick mixing, and
the Exciter now feels like a
comprehensive distortion toolbox.
Neutron v3 users should seriously
consider the upgrade, and the
package is still a solid – if expensive
– choice for novice mix engineers.
FM VERDICT
9.2
Neutron can find a use at
the heart of anyone’s mixing
setup – from beginners to
pro producers
The Compressor module has also
been boosted with a new mode.
Punch mode eschews traditional
controls like Threshold and Ratio in
favour of a modern approach to
dynamics, with a general ‘amount’
control (bipolar to increase or
decrease dynamic range), and Attack
and Sustain controls for a more
transient-shaping approach.
The Punch compressor achieves
exactly what it sets out to – it’s a
quick, easy-to-use set of controls for
adjusting a signal’s dynamic range,
and sculpting the onset and body of
the signal. As a first port of call or a
quick-and-dirty solution for these
jobs, Punch mode is all you need.
Consider it another tool in your
THE ALTERNATIVES
IK Multimedia
MixBox €199
A suite of processors
to load inside a
virtual rack. No AI
functionality, but
more analogue-style
action, and a
cheaper price tag
ikmultimedia.com
FabFilter Total
Bundle £999
Bleeding-edge but
highly, highly
creative and
professional mixing
tools. The price is
higher, but then so is
the quality and the
user experience
fabfilter.com
Sonible Smart:
range From €129
With AI-assistive
tools for mixing
– EQ, compression,
limiting and even
reverb – Sonible are
worth a second look
sonible.com
THE ASSISTANT DID IT
You can use the Assistant View to analyse tracks and
instantiate modules. Using Tone Match, you can set your
target curve to one of the references in the Target
Library, or add your own audio to build a new reference
curve. Due to the macro-led nature of Assistant View,
every analysis results in the addition of a Sculptor or
Compressor set to Punch mode, and an Exciter in the
Detailed View, alongside any other needed modules.
ASSISTANT VIEW: The Assistant
View is a brand new way to mix
in Neutron 4, after the AI has
done its thing
PUNCH MODE: The new Punch
mode over in the Compressor
module acts like a modern
dynamics processor
TONE MATCH: Get audio signals
in-line with the frequency
response of the ‘ideal’ archetype
of each instrument
86
Reviews | iZotope Neutron 4
FMU387.rev_izotope.indd 86FMU387.rev_izotope.indd 86 08/08/2022 10:2308/08/2022 10:23