Year/Date of Issue: 09/13/2023
Version: 4.5.0
Developer: iZotope
Developer website: iZotope
Format: VST3, AAX
Bit depth: 64bit
Tablet: cured (R2R)
System requirements: Windows 10, 11
Description:
Manufacturer of professional audio software iZotope presents the fourth version of the Neutron plugin, which combines modern developments and achievements of the manufacturer in the field of audio processing.
Neutron 4 offers updated Sculptor, Exciter and Transient Shaper modules with additional features and updates.
The AI-powered Mix Assistant analyzes audio to create a reference starting point and is now complemented by an Assistant View where the user can adjust the AI’s performance.
upload references and compare the processed and original sound.
Add. information :
According to the developers, Neutron 4 brings together a complete set of tools needed for professional music mixing. The main task of the plugin is to intelligently assist the producer, coupled with increasing the efficiency of the workflow.
The plugin combines eight modules and a smart assistant based on artificial intelligence. The latter analyzes the signal and suggests appropriate module settings to achieve high-quality and clear sound.
Compared to the previous version, the fourth edition of the plugin received a number of artificial intelligence improvements and a reference library. The tool also received a new interface, added an Unmask module and an updated compressor with two operating modes.
The AI-powered Mix Assistant is now complemented by Assistant View. The screen is positioned as “a smart control center for quickly achieving the desired result.” With its help, users can control the work of AI, add references and compare the original and processed signals.
The assistant also received Intent Controls to improve the sound character of the signal. The controls allow you to change the amount of punch and distortion in the signal before moving on to a detailed view of modules and settings. The developers note that Intent Controls is a “faster, simpler and more flexible Mix Assistant.”
iZotope Neutron 4 allows you to work with references and compare signals in real time. The plugin now includes a Target Library, consisting of presets and stems for various musical instruments. Users can quickly compare their signal to a library reference, and use presets to fine-tune the AI’s performance.
According to the developers, presets in the Target Library adjust the work of the Mix Assistant and indicate to the AI what result it should strive for. The catalog contains sets of settings and parameters for drums, bass, guitars, vocals and other instruments, while users can create their own templates.
Frequency masking, hum, and muddiness are some of the main problems in mixes. To make it easier to combat frequency masking, the developers added the Unmask module to the plugin, which “compares two tracks and creates space between them.” The module is able to balance the sound of bass and kick drums, help place vocals in the mix and adjust the volume of other elements of the arrangement.
The company advises using the module on individual DAW tracks, buses and sends, and then transferring the suggested volume settings to the project channels. It is noted that when used correctly, the module is able to correct the muddiness and boominess of the sound in a few clicks.
A new operating mode, Trash Mode, has appeared inside the exciter module. When this mode is activated, the plugin applies extreme exciter settings to pump up the signal with distortion. Users can customize the mode using the Tone Slider and Distort sliders, as well as the Tame button. The latter allows you to control the dynamics of the signal.
In the compressor module, along with the already existing Modern Mode and Vintage Mode, a Punch Mode has appeared. With it, the compressor compresses the signal more actively, saturating or significantly compressing any signals. All changes are displayed in the plugin interface, so users can visually assess the extent of processing.
It is noted that the compressor also now has an Oscilloscope View information display mode for clearer visualization of changes. The mode is compatible with sidechaining and displays in detail how the signal changes when other sounds arrive.
Among other changes, there is an updated plugin interface. The design of all elements has become simpler and more visual, and an additional panel has appeared in the interface for accessing a number of functions.
According to the creators, the changes also affected the plugin code, making it work faster.
What’s new:
Version 4.5.0 released September 8, 2023
Bug Fixes & Improvements
– FIXED unresponsive UI in Cubase 12 on Windows
– FIXED incorrect labeling in auth wizard dialog when trial has expired
– CHANGED minimum supported macOS version to macOS Big Sur
Installation:
Install Neutron 4
Install Meter Tap 3 (if not installed)