Reverb by iZotope - Detailed Review
Audio Tools
Reverb by iZotope - Product Overview
iZotope’s Reverb Plugins Overview
iZotope’s reverb plugins, particularly those powered by AI and Exponential Audio technology, are designed to simplify and enhance the process of adding depth and space to audio mixes. Here’s a brief overview of their primary function, target audience, and key features:
Primary Function
The primary function of iZotope’s reverb plugins is to add realistic and immersive spatial effects to audio tracks, ensuring that the mix sounds clear, focused, and professional. These plugins are engineered to reduce muddiness and masking, common issues that arise when using reverb in music production and post-production.
Target Audience
These plugins are targeted at music producers, audio engineers, and post-production professionals who need to create high-quality mixes with precise control over reverb. They cater to a wide range of users, from those working on music projects to those involved in film, television, and other audio-related fields.
Key Features
Neoverb
- AI-Powered: Neoverb uses iZotope’s AI capabilities to listen to other channels in the mix and carve out space for the reverb to shine through, reducing masking and muddiness.
- Blend Pad: Allows users to combine different reverb environments easily, eliminating the need for complicated routing and multiple reverbs.
- Pre EQ and Reverb EQ: Intelligent EQ sections that identify and reduce muddy harmonics and frequency crowding, ensuring a cleaner reverb output.
- Reverb Assistant: Helps users create customized reverb presets by intelligently fitting the reverb into the mix and reducing problem areas.
Aurora
- Adaptive Unmasking: Dynamically reacts to incoming audio to carve a custom-fit space out of the reverb signal, keeping instruments and vocals clear and focused.
- World-Class Sound: Utilizes Exponential Audio’s distinguished reverb algorithms to impart a lush, immersive depth to the sound.
- Intuitive Controls: Simplified parameters allow for quick dialing in of both reverb and unmasking effects, providing balanced results.
- Customizable Sound: Includes pre-delay, decay controls, width adjustments, and on-board filters to fine-tune the reverb character.
Symphony and Stratus by Exponential Audio
- Multichannel Support: Offers support for up to 7.1 surround and 24-channel configurations, making them suitable for surround music and post-production projects.
- Rich Modulation and Dynamics: Provides rich modulation and dynamics effects, enhancing the overall reverb tone.
- Intelligent Controls: Features intelligent multichannel reverb controls and a large number of presets to help achieve the desired depth and dimension.
These features collectively make iZotope’s reverb plugins highly versatile and user-friendly, ensuring that producers and engineers can achieve professional-sounding mixes with ease.
Reverb by iZotope - User Interface and Experience
User Interface Overview
The user interface of iZotope’s Neoverb reverb plug-in is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly, making it accessible for both novice and experienced music producers and mix engineers.Interface Layout
Neoverb features a clean and organized interface. Here, you can find several key sections that simplify the process of adding and adjusting reverb to your tracks. The main components include:Reverb Assistant
This is a four-step assistant that analyzes your audio in real-time and adjusts Neoverb’s settings to provide a great starting point for your reverb. It allows you to choose the style (dramatic or realistic), size of the reverb, and the tone (clean, dark, bright, airy).Blend Pad
This visual interface lets you mix three different types of reverbs simultaneously, creating a unique reverb tail that fits your track. You can see and adjust the blend of these reverbs in a graphical format.EQ Section
This includes Intelligent Pre and Post EQs that suggest adjustments to shape and tame the reverb in the mix, preventing it from overwhelming the audio.Advanced Panel
For users who want more control, this panel provides access to advanced parameters, allowing you to fine-tune every aspect of the reverb sound.Ease of Use
Neoverb is engineered to be easy to use, even for those who are not experts in reverb settings. Here are some features that contribute to its ease of use:Reverb Assistant
Automates the initial setup, saving time and ensuring a good starting point.Blend Pad
Offers a visual and intuitive way to combine different reverb types.Intelligent EQs
Make suggestions to clean the input signal and prevent the reverb from muddying the mix.User Experience
The overall user experience with Neoverb is streamlined and efficient:Resizable Window
The interface is resizable, ensuring it fits comfortably into any workflow and screen setup, which is particularly useful for modern music producers.Presets
Neoverb includes over 100 presets created by professional sound designers, covering various applications such as vocals, guitars, and experimental spaces. This helps users quickly find a suitable reverb setting without starting from scratch.Input Smoothing and Modulation
Features like Input Smoothing and a Modulation panel help maintain even dynamics and avoid artifacts in the reverb tail, while also offering subtle modulation or a classic chorus effect.Conclusion
In summary, Neoverb’s user interface is designed to be intuitive, with features that make it easy to use and customize reverb settings quickly and effectively. The combination of automated assistants, visual controls, and advanced panels ensures a smooth and efficient user experience. Reverb by iZotope - Key Features and Functionality
iZotope’s Neoverb
Neoverb is a sophisticated reverb plug-in that integrates AI technology to streamline the process of adding reverberation to audio tracks. Here are the key features and how they work:
Reverb Assistant
The Reverb Assistant is a central feature of Neoverb, using AI to analyze the audio input and provide a personalized starting point for reverb settings in real-time. This assistant guides users through a simple four-step process to adjust Neoverb’s settings, allowing them to quickly find the right reverb for any track without extensive menu navigation.
Blend Pad
The Blend Pad allows users to visualize and mix up to three different types of reverbs simultaneously. This feature enables the creation of unique reverb tails that fit the specific needs of the track. Users can blend these reverbs manually or let the Reverb Assistant choose the combinations for them.
AI-Powered EQ Section
Neoverb includes Intelligent Pre and Post EQs that use AI to listen to the audio and make suggestions to shape and tame the reverb in the mix. This helps clean the input signal, preventing the reverb tail from overwhelming the mix and reducing artifacts, mud, and masking.
Advanced Panel
The Advanced Panel provides deeper control over the reverb settings for users who want to fine-tune their sound. Settings adjusted by the Reverb Assistant can be saved as unique presets for later use, allowing for a high degree of customization.
Input Smoothing
This feature helps keep dynamics even and avoids artifacts in the reverb tail by reducing sharp, percussive transients with a single control. This ensures a smoother reverb sound without unwanted distortions.
Modulation (Mod)
The modulation panel offers two modes: subtle modulation to avoid buildup and a classic chorus for a more pronounced mixing effect. This allows for additional control over the reverb tail, enabling users to achieve the desired mixing effect.
Resizable Interface
Neoverb’s window is resizable, ensuring it fits into any workflow and screen setup, making it versatile for modern music producers.
Presets
Neoverb includes over 100 presets created by iZotope’s team of professional sound designers. These presets cover a wide range of applications, including vocals, guitars, and experimental spaces, providing quick access to various reverb settings.
AI Integration
The AI integration in Neoverb is primarily through the Reverb Assistant and the AI-powered EQ section. These features analyze the audio input in real-time to suggest optimal reverb settings and EQ adjustments, helping users achieve a great reverb sound quickly and efficiently. The AI also helps in unmasking the reverb, ensuring it stands out or blends into the mix without causing muddiness or artifacts.
These features collectively make Neoverb a powerful and intuitive tool for music producers and mix engineers, allowing them to design unique spaces for vocals and instruments with minimal effort and maximum creative control.
Reverb by iZotope - Performance and Accuracy
Performance
iZotope’s Neoverb is praised for its ease of use and efficiency. It is powered by Exponential Audio’s renowned reverb engines, which are known for their high-quality algorithms and realistic room sounds. The plugin features a Reverb Assistant that guides users in selecting and blending reverbs based on the input signal, saving time and reducing trial and error.
Neoverb’s Blend Pad allows users to manually blend up to three different reverbs or let the assistant choose them, creating a unique space that fits the track. The AI-powered EQ section is particularly useful, as it listens to the audio and suggests adjustments to avoid artifacts, mud, and masking. This feature ensures that the reverb stands out or blends into the mix without compromising the overall sound quality.
Accuracy
The accuracy of Neoverb is enhanced by its advanced features such as Auto Cut and Unmasking. These features adjust both the pre- and post-reverb EQ to resolve masking issues between the wet and dry sound or between the reverb and other audio tracks. This ensures that the reverb integrates seamlessly into the mix without overpowering other elements.
The Reverb Assistant in Neoverb is highly effective in setting up reverbs quickly and accurately. It analyzes the input signal and fine-tunes the parameters to provide a well-balanced reverb sound. While the assistant’s results are generally good, users can still adjust the settings manually using the graphic interface, which offers a high degree of flexibility.
Limitations and Areas for Improvement
While Neoverb and other iZotope reverb plugins are highly regarded, there are a few areas to consider:
Manual Adjustments
Although the Reverb Assistant is very helpful, some users may find that they need to make additional manual adjustments to the EQ settings, especially in cases where the assistant does not fully address masking issues.
Learning Curve
While Neoverb is generally easy to use, the Advanced panel and the various features might require some time to fully grasp, especially for new producers. However, the intuitive workflow and extensive presets help mitigate this.
Compatibility
Users need to ensure that Neoverb is compatible with their DAW and other plugins they are using. iZotope plugins generally support all common platforms, but compatibility should always be checked.
Additional Considerations
Other iZotope reverb plugins, such as Aurora, also offer intelligent and dynamic unmasking features that help keep the sound clean and focused. These plugins react to the audio input and apply spectral ducking to prevent frequency build-up, which can further enhance the accuracy and performance of the reverb.
In summary, iZotope’s reverb plugins, particularly Neoverb, offer exceptional performance and accuracy, making them valuable tools for music producers. Their AI-driven features and intuitive interfaces streamline the process of adding high-quality reverb to mixes, although some users may need to make occasional manual adjustments for optimal results.
Reverb by iZotope - Pricing and Plans
Pricing Structure for iZotope’s Neoverb
Individual Purchase
Music Production Suite
Subscription Plans
Free Trial
Free Presets
For the most accurate and up-to-date pricing information, it is best to visit the official iZotope website or check their current offers and subscriptions.
Reverb by iZotope - Integration and Compatibility
Integration and Compatibility of iZotope’s Neoverb
Compatibility with DAWs
iZotope’s Neoverb is compatible with a wide range of digital audio workstations (DAWs). It supports popular DAWs such as Logic Pro, Ableton Live 9.7 – 11, Cubase 9.5 – 10.5, Pro Tools 12 – 2022, FL Studio 20, Studio One 5, REAPER 6, Reason, and Bitwig Studio 4, among others.
Plugin Formats
Neoverb is available in various plugin formats, including AAX, AU, VST3, and VST2, ensuring it can be used across different DAWs that support these formats. All plugin formats are 64-bit only.
Operating Systems
The plugin is compatible with both macOS and Windows operating systems. On macOS, it supports versions from Catalina (10.15.7) to Ventura (13.4.x), including both Intel Macs and Apple silicon Macs (Apple M-series chips) in Rosetta 2 and native modes. On Windows, it supports Windows 10 through Windows 11.
Integration with Other iZotope Tools
Neoverb can be used in conjunction with other iZotope products as part of the Music Production Suite. This suite includes a collection of tools that can be integrated seamlessly into your workflow, enhancing your overall music production process.
AI-Driven Features
Neoverb’s AI-powered features, such as the Reverb Assistant and AI-powered EQ section, help in integrating the reverb effect smoothly into your mix. These features automate the process of selecting and blending reverbs, and adjusting EQ settings to avoid artifacts and masking, making it easier to integrate with other tracks and elements in your mix.
Additional Tools like Aurora
For those looking for alternative or complementary reverb solutions, iZotope also offers Aurora, another smart reverb plugin. Aurora integrates similarly with various DAWs and offers features like automatic unmasking of the reverb to ensure a clear and present dry track, further enhancing the overall mix.
Conclusion
In summary, iZotope’s Neoverb and other AI-driven reverb tools are well-integrated with a broad range of DAWs and operating systems, making them versatile and user-friendly additions to any music production setup.
Reverb by iZotope - Customer Support and Resources
Contacting Customer Support
For any inquiries, issues, or support needs, you can contact iZotope’s customer support department directly. Here are the recommended contact methods:
- For sales inquiries or product returns, you can email
sales@izotope.comand provide details about your purchase. - For general technical support, you can email
support@izotope.com. It is important to explain your problem with as much detail and clarity as possible, including your system specs and the build/version of the product you are using.
Support Resources
iZotope offers several resources to help you resolve issues and get the most out of their products:
- Product Knowledgebase: You can search the Product Knowledgebase on the iZotope support page to see if the solution to your problem has already been published. This is a valuable resource for finding answers to common questions and troubleshooting tips.
- Support Pages: The iZotope website has dedicated support pages that provide detailed information and guides for their products. For example, the support pages for Nectar include comprehensive documentation and troubleshooting guides.
- International Distributors: If you purchased your iZotope product through a certified distributor, you can also contact them for support. iZotope support can help you locate your local distributor if needed.
Additional Help
- Email Confirmation: After submitting a support request, you should receive a confirmation email from iZotope support. If you don’t receive this email, check your spam folder and ensure that emails from
support@izotope.comare not blocked. - Community Forums: While not directly mentioned on the reverb plugins page, community forums like those on Native Instruments can sometimes provide user-generated solutions and advice from other users who may have encountered similar issues.
By utilizing these resources, you can effectively address any questions or issues you have with iZotope’s reverb plugins and other audio tools.
Reverb by iZotope - Pros and Cons
Advantages
User-Friendly and Time-Saving
Neoverb is quick and easy to use, especially with its Reverb Assistant feature. This assistant automatically sets up the reverb based on the attributes you select, saving you a significant amount of time.
Versatile Reverb Options
The plugin allows you to blend up to three different reverb engines, including early reflections, and various types of reverb tails. This flexibility enables you to create unique and customized reverb sounds for your tracks.
AI-Powered EQ and Unmasking
Neoverb features AI-powered EQ that analyzes your audio to prevent masking and muddiness. The Unmasking technology helps the reverb stand out or blend seamlessly into the mix, ensuring your sound remains clear and focused.
Integration with Other iZotope Plugins
Neoverb can respond to audio from other compatible iZotope plugins like Neutron 3, Nectar 3, VocalSynth 2, and Relay, making it a seamless addition to your existing workflow.
High-Quality Sound
Powered by Exponential Audio’s renowned reverb engines, Neoverb delivers high-quality, realistic room sounds that range from tight room ambience to huge halls.
Disadvantages
No Significant Cons
There are no obvious cons mentioned in the available resources. The results from Neoverb are highly user-adjustable, allowing you to fine-tune the settings to your liking, which mitigates any potential drawbacks.
Reverb by iZotope - Comparison with Competitors
AI-Driven Reverb Plugins Comparison
When considering AI-driven reverb plugins, iZotope’s Neoverb stands out with several unique features, but it also has some compelling competitors in the market. Here’s a comparison of Neoverb with some of its notable alternatives:
iZotope Neoverb
- Neoverb is distinguished by its Reverb Assistant, which automatically sets up the reverb based on the user’s description of the desired sound. It adjusts parameters like reverb style, pre-delay, and more, making it easier to achieve the perfect reverb sound.
- It allows blending up to three different reverbs using an XYZ matrix, providing a high degree of customization and flexibility.
- Neoverb also features an AI-powered EQ section that helps avoid artifacts, mud, and masking, ensuring the reverb integrates well with the mix.
Adaptiverb by Zynaptiq
- Adaptiverb is another AI-powered reverb that stands out for its adaptive technology, which blends the reverb signal organically with the original sound without compromising clarity. It uses a resynthesis engine rather than traditional room reflections, giving it a unique sound character.
- It offers an intuitive control panel with X/Y levels for mix and sustain, as well as circular sliders for richness and harmonic filtering. This makes it highly versatile for sound design, film music, and creating unusual atmospheres.
Valhalla Room and Other Traditional Reverbs
- While not AI-powered, Valhalla Room and other traditional reverb plugins offer high-quality algorithms and realistic room sounds. These plugins require more manual adjustment but can provide a more hands-on approach for those who prefer to fine-tune their reverb settings manually.
Unique Features and Alternatives
Automation and Ease of Use
- Neoverb’s Reverb Assistant is a significant time-saver, especially for beginners or those looking to quickly find the right reverb sound. Adaptiverb, on the other hand, requires more manual adjustment but offers a unique sound that might appeal to those seeking something different.
Customization
- Both Neoverb and Adaptiverb offer extensive customization options. Neoverb’s XYZ matrix for blending reverbs and its AI-powered EQ make it highly flexible. Adaptiverb’s control panel and resynthesis engine provide a unique approach to reverb sound design.
Sound Quality
- All these plugins are known for their high-quality sound. Neoverb benefits from Exponential Audio’s reverb engines, which are inspired by classic studio hardware. Adaptiverb’s resynthesis engine gives it a distinct, often synthesizer-like quality.
In summary, if you are looking for an AI-driven reverb plugin that automates the process and offers a blend of different reverb types, iZotope Neoverb is an excellent choice. However, if you prefer a more unique, adaptive reverb sound with a lot of control over the sound design, Adaptiverb by Zynaptiq might be the better alternative. For those who prefer a more traditional approach, plugins like Valhalla Room could still be a viable option.
Reverb by iZotope - Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions about iZotope’s Reverb Plug-Ins
What is Neoverb and how does it work?
Neoverb is an intelligent reverb plug-in from iZotope that combines Exponential Audio technology with an AI-powered workflow. It features a Reverb Assistant that helps users quickly find the right reverb settings for their tracks in real-time. This assistant can adjust settings and combine up to three different reverb engines to create a unique sound. Additionally, Neoverb includes an AI-powered EQ section to shape and tame the reverb in the mix.What are the key features of Neoverb?
Neoverb includes several key features such as the Reverb Assistant, a Blend Pad for mixing different types of reverbs, Intelligent Pre and Post EQs, an Advanced Panel for deeper control, Input Smoothing to reduce sharp transients, and a Modulation panel for additional effects. It also comes with over 100 presets for various applications like vocals, guitars, and experimental spaces.How does Aurora Reverb differ from Neoverb?
Aurora Reverb is iZotope’s latest reverb plug-in, introduced as part of the Catalyst Series. Unlike Neoverb, Aurora uses adaptive unmasking technology to ensure that the dry signal remains clear and present in the mix. It automatically carves out space for the reverb, eliminating the need for complex routing or multiple plugins. Aurora also offers customizable sound with Pre-Delay/Decay controls, width adjustments, and on-board filters.What types of reverb engines are used in iZotope’s reverb plug-ins?
iZotope’s reverb plug-ins, such as Neoverb, utilize Exponential Audio technology, which is known for its high-quality algorithmic reverb engines. These engines simulate various acoustic environments and can be combined to create unique reverb sounds. The plug-ins may also incorporate convolution reverb, but the primary focus is on algorithmic reverbs.What are the system requirements for iZotope’s reverb plug-ins?
iZotope’s reverb plug-ins, including Neoverb and Aurora, are compatible with macOS Catalina (10.15.7) and later versions, as well as Windows 10 and Windows 11. They support 64-bit plug-in formats such as AU, AAX, VST2, and VST3. Supported DAWs include Logic Pro, Ableton Live, Pro Tools, FL Studio, Cubase, and others.How do I use the Reverb Assistant in Neoverb?
The Reverb Assistant in Neoverb is a four-step process that helps you quickly find a great reverb for your track. You start by selecting the type of instrument or vocal you are working with, then choose the desired reverb style, and finally adjust the reverb level and tone to your liking. This assistant works in real-time, allowing you to see the changes immediately.Can I customize the reverb sound in Aurora Reverb?
Yes, Aurora Reverb allows for customization. You can fine-tune the reverb character using Pre-Delay/Decay controls, adjust the width, and use on-board high-pass and low-pass filters to ensure the reverb sits perfectly in the mix. This flexibility helps you achieve a clean and professional reverb sound that complements your mix.Are there any presets available for iZotope’s reverb plug-ins?
Yes, both Neoverb and Aurora Reverb come with a variety of presets. Neoverb includes over 100 presets created by professional sound designers, covering vocals, guitars, and other applications. Aurora Reverb also offers presets that help you quickly achieve a clean and immersive reverb sound.How do the EQ sections in iZotope’s reverb plug-ins work?
The EQ sections in iZotope’s reverb plug-ins, particularly in Neoverb, are AI-powered and designed to help you shape and tame the reverb in the mix. These EQs listen to your audio and make suggestions to avoid artifacts, mud, and masking, ensuring that the reverb enhances your mix without overwhelming it.Are iZotope’s reverb plug-ins compatible with different DAWs?
Yes, iZotope’s reverb plug-ins are compatible with a wide range of DAWs, including Logic Pro, Ableton Live, Pro Tools, FL Studio, Cubase, Studio One, REAPER, and others. They support various plug-in formats such as AU, AAX, VST2, and VST3.Can I resize the window of iZotope’s reverb plug-ins?
Yes, the windows of iZotope’s reverb plug-ins, such as Neoverb, are resizable. This feature ensures that the plug-in fits comfortably in any workflow and screen setup, meeting the demands of modern music producers. Reverb by iZotope - Conclusion and Recommendation
Final Assessment of iZotope’s Reverb Plug-ins
iZotope’s range of reverb plug-ins, particularly Neoverb, stands out in the audio tools AI-driven product category for its innovative features and user-friendly interface.
Key Features and Benefits
- Neoverb: This plug-in combines Exponential Audio technology with AI-powered workflow, making it easier for music producers and mix engineers to find the right reverb settings quickly. The Reverb Assistant feature adjusts settings in real-time, and the Blend Pad allows users to mix three different types of reverbs. Additionally, Intelligent Pre and Post EQs help shape and tame the reverb in the mix, ensuring it doesn’t overwhelm the track.
- AI-Powered Workflow: Neoverb’s AI capabilities enable it to listen to other channels in the mix and carve out space for the reverb to shine through, making it highly efficient and effective.
- User-Friendly Interface: The plug-in features a resizable window, over 100 inspiring presets, and an Advanced Panel for fine-tuning settings. This makes it accessible for both beginners and experienced producers.
- Other Reverb Plug-ins: iZotope also offers other reverb plug-ins like Stratus and Symphony, which are particularly useful for post-production and surround sound environments. These plug-ins provide advanced control over reverb parameters, including channel-specific delay and gain controls, and support up to 7.1 surround formats.
Who Would Benefit Most
- Music Producers and Mix Engineers: Neoverb is ideal for those who need to quickly and efficiently find the right reverb settings for their tracks. Its AI-powered features and intuitive interface make it a valuable tool for both beginners and experienced professionals.
- Post-Production Engineers: Stratus and Symphony are highly beneficial for those working in post-production, especially in surround sound environments. These plug-ins offer detailed control over reverb parameters, making them perfect for creating realistic and immersive soundscapes.
Overall Recommendation
iZotope’s reverb plug-ins, especially Neoverb, are highly recommended for anyone looking to enhance their audio productions with high-quality, AI-driven reverb tools. The combination of industry-leading Exponential Audio technology and iZotope’s intuitive workflow makes these plug-ins indispensable for achieving professional-grade reverb effects without spending excessive time tweaking settings.
For music producers, Neoverb’s ease of use and advanced features like Reverb Assistant and Blend Pad make it a must-have. For post-production engineers, Stratus and Symphony offer the precision and control needed to create immersive surround environments.
Overall, iZotope’s reverb plug-ins are a solid choice for anyone seeking to add depth and dimension to their audio projects efficiently and effectively.