If you want a quick round-up of some of the hottest new software releases for use in music and post-production then at Production Expert we've created this summary. We tell you what the brand says and what we think, we also include links to help you find out more.
This week we take a look at:
Nectar 3 Elements By iZotope
What Does iZotope Say About Nectar 3 Elements?
iZotope say Nectar Elements is a chain for every vocal. Get everything you need for pro vocals in seconds with six under-the-hood audio processors and intuitive controls. Nectar Elements intelligently combines our latest audio processing for compression, de-essing, tonal and subtractive EQ, pitch correction, and reverb into one easy-to-understand interface.
What We Think About Nectar 3 Elements By iZotope
It can be quite difficult to review plug-ins that are based on machine learning algorithms. The qualities of conventional non AI plug-ins lay in both user experience/operation of the UI and the results of the processing. AI Plug-ins, such as this latest version of Nectar 3 Elements, all do a lot of the heavy lifting for us in the background which disconnects us somewhat from the overall plug-in experience. The results of this new offering from iZotope though are quite impressive. - Dan Cooper
Watch: Is iZotope's New Nectar Elements Machine Learning Vocal Assistant Any Good? Our Test. In this article we tell you everything you need to know about Nectar 3 Elements along with a test video and supporting audio examples.
Pros:
- Output level compensation makes it easy to hear the control changes
- Effortless to use
Cons:
- Pitch correction is fixed to the chromatic scale and can sound a bit forced at times
Learn More About Nectar 3 Elements By iZotope
To learn more about Nectar 3 Elements by visiting the iZotope website
Townhouse Studios Bus Compressor By Brainworx
What Does Brainworx Say About Townhouse Studios Bus Compressor
Built in 1978 by the legendary Townhouse studio engineers, this unique compressor was created using console components supplied by Solid State Logic. The original hardware has now been perfectly recreated by Brainworx. The bx_townhouse Buss Compressor offers smooth, cohesive compression and adds a warm low end to your mixes.
Brainworx have included extra features that add to the power of this classic processor. A mix control allows you to create parallel compression effects. In addition to this a high pass sidechain filter eliminates pumping effects and offers precise control of the compression produced.
What We Think About Townhouse Studios Bus Compressor By Brainworx
What is different about this plug-in is its sound, it is very similar to an SSL compressor but it is definitely not the same. I've already mentioned the low midrange push it introduces. I've also noticed that it can narrow the stereo image a little when pushed. Perhaps this is where some of the perceived punch comes from. Download a demo and audition the sides channel through bx_solo. I think you'll hear the level drop under compression. - Julian Rodgers
Read my full verdict of the Townhouse Studios Bus Compressor
Pros:
- Characterful but capable of transparent operation, like a good bus compressor should.
- Familiar SSL control set.
- Faithful to the original hardware but wth useful additional controls like mix and sc filter
Cons:
- At typical levels I found even with the threshold all the way up I was still in compression. You can back off using the headroom control but this setting doesn't persist between settings A, B , C and D. Not a big deal but I'd like to be able to set the default headroom a little colder.
Learn More About Townhouse Studios Bus Compressor By Brainworx
Learn more about the bx_Townhouse Studios Bus Compressor plug-in by visiting Plugin Alliance