iZotope Alloy VST Effects Plug-in Software

iZotope Alloy brings an integrated approach to the mastering market. What's new here is that hiding under Alloys hood are six different effects, which cover the most common applications in the studio.

The first module in the chain is the Equalizer equipped with eight eq bands. Each filter can have six characteristics, the EQ-Alloy offers everything from Low Shelf, High Shelf, Peak, Lowpass, Sharp Lowpass, Highpass and Sharp Highpass modes for each band.

Second in the chain is the Exciter, an effect that has recently fallen into oblivion. The Alloy Exciter has some specialties on board again. The width knob allows the stereo image editing, from maximum values up to stereo to mono. In addition, the Alloy also offers a multi-band exciter mode, one of the best features of the module. For visual control, it can again get a graphical representation which emphasizes the differences between the original signal and the processed material.

Third in the chain is the Transient module. Perfect for shaping drums and other percussive sounds with concise controls that let you boost or cut the attack and sustain portions of transients.

The Dynamics division consists of two modules: Dynamics 1 and Dynamics 2, each proposing a gate / expander and a compressor. There are two modes available, vintage and digital. Digital offers a linear, neutral way of working, while the vintage adds noticeable colouring to the sound. Both gate / expander and compressor offer threshold of parameters like attack, release and ratio.The De-Esser has got something Spartan in its parameters, and its mode of action should not be underestimated. The De-Esser works well in multi-band mode as well as in broadband mode, the mode of action is somewhat different. You choose the multi-band mode, only frequencies within a selected range will be lowered, however, the broadband mode reduces the level of the entire signal.

The limiter is the last module in the chain providing an option for the necessary modicum of loudness. It can work as a vintage-oriented soft-limiter or as a brick wall limiter. The stage tool is a really good addition, this can be inverted and can also be filtered with the  DC components.

System Requirements

• Windows (XP, x64, Vista, Windows 7)
• Mac OS X 10.4 or later