Achieve genre-specific energy balance with iZotope’s Tonal Balance Control 2
Compare your track against genre-specific targets, custom tracks or a whole folder of the latter.
Image: iZotope
iZotope has launched Tonal Balance Control 2, the latest edition of its EQ analysis plug-in. In this version, the plug-in receives genre-specific targets, compatibility to control Ozone 9 and Neutron 3, and improved fluid metering to visualise subtle frequency details.
Tonal Balance Control 2 measures the energy distribution of a track against an analysis-informed reference. A reference could be one of 13 targets based on genre-specific trends, a custom uploaded reference track, or even an entire folder of the latter.
Upon loading a genre-specific reference, the plug-in conveys a visual target zone for four EQ bands: low, low-mid, high-mid and high. Producers can then compare their track against a sweet spot, approximated from the EQ trends of popular mastered tracks within that genre.
The idea is that visualising this comparison will help producers “overcome [the] listening environment”, per iZotope, leading to a mix that translates better across all mediums.
Broad mode – which represents the frequency spectrum in four bands – is apt for making wider brush strokes, while Fine mode is equipped to focus on more precise frequency details. Combined with improved fluid metering capabilities, Fine mode lets producers zoom in on a specific area of the spectrum, and hone in on minute problem areas that could be a mix’s Achilles heel. That the plug-in also scales with window resizing is a nice touch.
The full strength of Tonal Balance Control 2 is revealed when used in tandem with compatible iZotope software such as Ozone 9 or Neutron 3 – as all EQ changes can then be made directly through the plug-in itself.
Additionally, Tonal Balance Control 2 comes packaged with Relay, a gain control plug-in which can be inserted in a track’s bus – and manipulated through Visual Mixer, Nectar and Neutron 3.
The good news for owners of Ozone 9 Advanced and Neutron 3 Advanced is that since its launch, you now already own Tonal Balance 2 and can access it via iZotope’s product portal. Otherwise, it’s available standalone for $199.
Learn more about Tonal Balance Control 2 at izotope.com
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