Meet your new master. iZotope is back with a smarter, more powerful version of its very popular Ozone plugin. Can you believe it? It’s finally here, and our sound design partner Robert Dudzic has everything you need to know to get your mixes sounding their best. Take it away, Robert…
iZotope Releases Ozone 12: Smarter Mastering with AI Power
iZotope has released Ozone 12, the newest version of its mastering software. This update brings powerful new tools and smarter workflows designed to give producers more control while still offering the speed and precision of AI assistance.
Key Enhancements
-Stem EQ – Apply EQ directly to vocals, bass, drums, and other elements within a finished stereo mix, without needing separate tracks.
-Bass Control – AI-powered tuning that keeps low-end tight and balanced across every playback system.
-Unlimiter – Restores dynamic range and transients that can be lost in over-compressed material.
-IRC-5 Maximizer – A new limiting algorithm that delivers more loudness and clarity without distortion or pumping.
-Master Assistant (Custom Flow) – A more advanced assistant that allows you to choose modules, set LUFS targets, and select genre-based presets while maintaining creative control.
Benefits for Radio Imaging Producers
Radio imaging producers often deal with highly compressed, punchy material like sweepers, jingles, and promos where clarity, loudness, and speed are critical. Ozone 12 is tailored to meet those needs:
-Fast fixes to finished audio: Stem EQ makes it possible to rebalance a voice, brighten a sweeper, or tighten bass even when you don’t have access to stems.
-Consistency on every platform: Bass Control ensures your imaging sounds powerful whether played on FM transmitters, streaming apps, or mobile devices.
-Revive over-processed files: The Unlimiter brings back life and energy to material that has been pushed too hard, common in imaging workflows.
-Stand out without distortion: The IRC-5 Maximizer lets your audio cut through the mix with volume and clarity, while avoiding harshness.
-Faster turnarounds: The customizable Master Assistant gives you broadcast-ready results quickly, perfect when deadlines are tight.
Summary
With tools like Stem EQ, Bass Control, Unlimiter, and the IRC-5 Maximizer, Ozone 12 provides radio imaging producers with the speed, flexibility, and polish needed to create bold, clean, and consistent audio. It’s designed to keep workflows fast while ensuring every piece of imaging has maximum impact on air.
Until next time, happy producing!—Robert
Robert Dudzic is a world-class sound designer and the creator and producer of SPLAT!’s Trynity HDFX. Each week here, he recommends software, apps, or plugins to amp up your audio production and radio imaging