iZotope's Neutron promises a leap forward in how we use software when mixing music and audio. There's been plenty of buzz about it since its announcement, but does it live up to expectations?  
Fig 1 iZotope’s Neutron plug-in

The Processors

Fig 2 The basic layout of Neutron, with the five main processor slots (upper left), the main work area (lower left), and the output section (right).

The Output Section

Fig 3 The output section in Neutron, with (top-to-bottom), the metering, output Limiter, and Neutrino options

The Intelligent Mixing Tools

Fig 4 The Neutrino feature in Neutron (bottom right); the separate free Neutrino plug-in (top right)

The Masking Meter

Fig 5 Neutron’s Masking Meter in action

The Track Assistant

Fig 6 Neutron’s Track Assistant analyzing a track

In Use

Wrap-Up

 

Joe is a musician, engineer, and producer in NYC. Over the years, as a small studio operator and freelance engineer, he's made recordings of all types from music & album production to v/o & post. He's also taught all aspects of recording and music technology at several NY audio schools, and has been writing articles for Recording magaz... Read More

Discussion

Jay Asher
Joe, would you recommend the Advanced version even if one is not doing surround?
Joe A
Hi Jay -

Apart from the Surround capability, the Advanced version includes the individual processor plug-ins. While I've been sticking with the full Channel Strip, to get the best sense of how the entire package works, I think most experienced mixers would want to frequently use specific Neutron processors alongside their other favorite plug-ins, so it'd make a lot of sense to have those available, especially for bigger mixes. My review -- and iZotope's marketing materials -- are naturally focused on the intelligent mix features, but the processors are so good even on their own, it'd be nice to have 'em available as separates..

Cheers,
Joe

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