iZotope Ozone 9 - Everything You Need To Know

Ozone 9 was released today with a bunch of new features, is it worth the upgrade from Ozone 8?
In this video, I share my initial thoughts on iZotope Ozone 9 after testing it out.
I tested the CPU efficiency, looked at the new GUI and checked out the new modules - 'Low-End Focus' and 'Master Rebalance'.
I also discuss many of the new features and how I think they could be used along with my hopes for the future :)
Time Stamps:
0:40 - Overview
1:40 - Efficiency Improvements
2:35 - GUI Updates
3:50 - Workflow Tools
4:40 - Master Rebalance - A truly interesting new module
7:20 - Low-End Focus
9:20 - Master Assistant Update
10:25 - AI Discussion
10:50 - Tonal Balance 2!!! (My favourite plugin)
The song being used is a remix of "Conditions" by The Workday Release and Solo Ray
CPU test
I tested using the same mastering chain with both versions in FL and Studio One.
Both times Ozone 8 averaged 33% and 30% CPU usage respectively.
Whereas Ozone 9 averaged 26% and 22% CPU usage.
I checked the CPU usage on my task manager to ensure it was accurate.
This is an improvement of around 20-25% on my system - Not a scientific test, but a real-world test!

[@inthemix]

This is the first video I have ever worn a t-shirt in...

[@hii1661]

In The Mix tryna shows us them gains

[@inthemix]

@@hii1661 HA!

[@AmaanKhanMusic]

Can you make a video on how and why to Mono mix your tracks ? Please !

[@dethswurl117]

Lookin' fresh 😎

[@daylow6901]

I literally went through your videos again

[@inthemix]

Ozone 9 was released today with a bunch of new features, is it worth the upgrade from Ozone 8? In this video, I share my initial thoughts on iZotope Ozone 9 after testing it out. I tested the CPU efficiency, looked at the new GUI and checked out the new modules - 'Low-End Focus' and 'Master Rebalance'. I also discuss many of the new features and how I think they could be used along with my hopes for the future :) Time Stamps: 0:40 - Overview 1:40 - Efficiency Improvements 2:35 - GUI Updates 3:50 - Workflow Tools 4:40 - Master Rebalance - A truly interesting new module 7:20 - Low-End Focus 9:20 - Master Assistant Update 10:25 - AI Discussion 10:50 - Tonal Balance 2!!! (My favourite plugin)

[@Table-Top]

Thanks Michael. Another good video. I have Ozone 8. From what I've seen there's just not quite enough in 9 to warrant a $99 splashout for upgrade. If a coupon comes into my Izotope account and I can get it for $50, then maybe.

[@guyneh0801]

through splice's rent to own plans it's really good to upgrade beacuse you just add 1 year of payments to the plan and you get the upgrade and once you finish the payments you get both versions

[@eldoselyar8348]

would you do more monitor giveaways in the future MIchael? lol

[@meyo1482]

Just want to say that your channel has helped me a lot with my music production, you’re one of the reasons why I started releasing songs!😁

[@TenthElementGraphics]

You're like the Bob Ross of audio mixing channels. Your voice is super relaxing and calm.

[@theexile1155]

You were predestined to be different(Romans 8:29), he who has an ear to hear, let him hear(Mark 4:9). HALLELUYAH!(PRAISE YE YAH!)

[@AlloyedFrequencies]

@@theexile1155 wat?

[@chrisibbetson]

Excellent video as usual. Clear and concise. Great on the CPU usage! :-)

[@TechTraction]

Great overview. The use-case coverage for specific features within Ozone was very helpful and now I'm sold and plan to pick up a copy for myself very soon. Thanks

[@zafmo9829]

Having the ability to increase vocals like that..is priceless stuff. Anyone who knows about mastering should be very excited for such a feature

[@vladeisch]

Dude, ngl you’re one of my favorite producers here on YT and how you can show so much about bedroom music production

[@wyattalexander4041]

So glad you did a video on this !! 🙏👌🏻

[@Mcsteveberry]

i love izotope for samples, but the fabfilter eq/compressor is boss

[@djblazeofficial]

Mcsteveberry agree

[@jankerscher]

Awesome vid man! Very nice and sympathetic presentation! Well done! Helped me out a good bit! :)

[@gphiproductions]

Good info! Thanks for making this review! 👊🏽

[@RealHomeRecording]

Excellent video, good sir! A nice overview of the new stuff.

[@lilkevonthebeat6603]

Thank you for being informative and straightforward. May you reach 1m Subscribers fam

[@MrStrizzy12]

I appreciate the clear and concise explanations on how, why, and where you would use certain modules. Great video!

[@inthemix]

Thank you so much :)

[@lovesurfbunny]

I miss so much your videos, now I'm happy, amazing tips, excellent video as usual, liked :)

[@inthemix]

I was on holiday, just got back 2 days ago and dealing with the jet lag but I'm back!

[@lovesurfbunny]

@@inthemix Thank you so much for the reply. I didn't know, I'm sorry. I hope you get some rest and recover quickly. And that the holiday was very good. Thank you for having the kindness to upload another great video.

[@zerotheox]

Thank you for the extremely informative and intelligent review. I loved it!

[@theworkdayrelease]

🤘🏼🤓 what a remix! Great walkthrough Michael!

[@inthemix]

Incredible production!

[@tonecray7182]

Your videos are great brother ! Keep up the great work! 🔊💯

[@swookiemonster]

Thanks for the walk through!

[@5AMOfficial]

Absolutely brilliant idea in embedding them into the DAW's that we use. that would definitely make workflow much faster! Fantastic video as always and a great amount of concise information at the same time! Thank you Michael!

[@orelanic4178]

Very good video, no nonsense with clear info

[@onsonginternational5391]

Cool well explained overview.

[@briankingart]

Good episode M. Hope you get over your holiday cold soon...

[@boweimusic6554]

Is it worth upgrading to Ozone 9 Advanced with about $220? (I have Ozone 8 standard and that's the upgrade price)

[@greatestsawes9712]

Thanks for the great review... 👏👏👏👏👏

[@iamcyberface]

DUDE YOU MADE ME HAPPY TALKING ABOUT THE CPU USAGE

[@onairmastering]

Thank you! love your videos.

[@biekanez1]

Great review my friend!😎👍👊

[@officialjuicy]

Very helpful!

[@siphomthiyane7126]

Mane I am glad you reviewed this plug in

[@luigidaniellmusic]

great review !!!!

[@3RDEYELOVE]

Wow, the focus control is pretty crazy🔥

[@Nedvio]

Ozone 9 Standard price at the moment is 199$. I've got Ozone 8 Standard. Upgrade is for 99$. Okay... Should have just waited for version 9...

[@DonnaMarieSongsOfficial]

Thanks for the video, unbiased and very helpful

[@linfr8066]

Fab video once again🎶🎶👍🏼

[@SoundmanCH]

Excellent overview, thank you! I really like your idea about integrating this type of mixing and mastering tooling directly into the DAW, preferably into the DAW of your choice. There are enough excellent DAWs available already, so I hope the industry could agree on a deep, highly efficient integration standard beyond VSTs and ARA to achieve that. I also like that you stated that there is no immediate need to upgrade from Ozone 8 to 9. We can’t criticize iZotope for introducing new innovative functionality into their tool set, they obviously will survive only if they can generate revenue. The problem is that all software vendors do this, leaving us consumers in the constant dilemma to decide where to invest money for the new versions that just came out. It’s like a broken window in a house. You want to fix it ASAP, have all your stuff up to date and enjoy it. I guess this is what makes an experienced music producer: Focus on the stuff you really need, which is most important for your workflow. Really learn the stuff you own, and take out the maximum of it. In this regard I am happy to have invested in iZotope tools, it supports my learning experience best.

[@MukeshRathore]

awesome review

[@osamamatar4]

Thank you so much for this video. what do you think of iZotope Neutron 3? do you recommend it?

[@TheCrystalyne]

great video, thanks

[@rizkyahmadzainofficial4134]

Amazing brother😍😍😍

[@cameroncollins4423]

thanks for this super dope!

[@codrutcroitoru]

Do you load ozone 9 as a insert on the audio track(on the mix), or on the master bus ?

[@ThomsenTower]

Thanks for this video. Regarding your speculation at the end, I have a slightly different angle. I suspect Izotope will at some point release their own DAW. Their plugins are not only covering all bases of the mixing, mastering and even restoration stages, but they are also “talking “ to each other more. Nectar, Neutron and Ozone are increasingly linked. To the point it is becoming harder to take advantage of their mixing and mastering assistants if you use third party plugins. I think such a DAW, with so much AI and interconnectivity may become hated by professionals and pro users, but could be a big hit with the growing number of home producers. Sounds crazy?

[@inthemix]

Honestly I can see that happening. When you look at the range of plugins they make - iris - one of the best samplers on Earth. Neutron - Everything Mixing Ozone - Everything mastering Nectar - Everything Vocals RX7 - Insane audio repair It can't be long before they bundle this all together in a daw?

[@axelpeters]

I think they have added some nice features, but the price of updating is too expensive for so few new features. I think such a few options would have been better as an Ozone 8 update than a new Ozone 9. But hey, they want to make some money :) Anyway, thank you for the amazing overview, as Always!

[@axelpeters]

Frank Lee I agree. Like, don’t get me wrong, I love Izotope products. I have been using Neutron 3 Advanced and Ozone 8 advanced for 6 months know. And before that I used Ozone 8 Standard/Elements for about another 6 months. It’s awesome stuff to work with. But adding these small new features and asking so much money for it is a bit over the top if you ask me. And I don’t know about other people but I know since a couple days, that Ozone 9 was coming. I have seen no warning like a month a go that a new Ozone was coming. So for all the people that bought Ozone 8 a month ago. They have been fucked over by buying Ozone 8 for the price that they can now buy Ozone 9. And they even made Ozone 8 free for a couple days. So some people have spend $220 on something they could have gotten for free...

[@nextelmods127]

i got it for cheap hit my ig onetwoseven

[@Eichelprinzessin]

i got Oz 9 for 22 euros on ebay :O

[@Eichelprinzessin]

advanced edition

[@aabidfaiyaz]

@@axelpeters I got it for free and I feel quit lucky buz in pretty new to all this but for far I'm loving the free ozone 8

[@Kineticartist]

bought ozone 8 advanced 2 months ago august 18 ago and its $149 usd to upgrade guess im waiting for Ozone X

[@KevonMayers]

Kineticartist email them and they'll give you a loyalty discount

[@DoctorJRx]

I just upgraded to ozone 8 advance !!!!

[@mwijageerick4593]

thaks for informing us

[@shaunmaq5923]

Thank You very much Sir ...as for tonal balanceI was blind now I see ...Amaaaaazing Grace . Loooooooool ...

[@thecook2503]

Hi, thank you for this, I have question so the standard version cannot work as a standalone??

[@spacemanonearth]

Good to hear CPU low is that much lower. And the scalable interface is a great new feature that was overdue. Must admit really like iZotope products anyway.

[@kvstles]

I feel like ozone 8 just came out not to long ago and now ozone 9 is out?

[@teodormiciol3612]

KVSTLES ozone 8 came out 2 years ago... I think it’s a good time for ozone 9 to come! :)

[@gvue4396]

This means ozone 10 is gonna come out in 2 years?

[@johnnyroberts8641]

@@gvue4396 Some business models follow a linear release schedule...Some business models do NOT follow a linear release schedule. Therefore, you might be right, but you might be wrong. I know this for a fact, and this is the kind of answer you get when you ask KZbinrs questions

[@OfficialStevenCravis]

Reference from Ozone 8 almost always has a -0.3 limit. Does anyone understand how to target a reference as streaming? Would it be to just accept the -0.3 and then change the limit to -1.0 before other adjustments and -14 or -16 LUFS targeting?

[@iamfemidigital]

New to this channel but I must say the review was on point - i enjoyed it. I would like to know what file is the industry standard for mastering - .als (Live) or .wav?. Thanks.

[@guitarrens4912]

Great! Thnx!

[@danielrhoads8676]

Hey you got the DT 1770s i'm wearing them right now haha. My favorite headphone investment. Cool video i might upgrade this next week.

[@Hellaow]

Hey! Thank you for sharing!! I'm facing a bug in the FL 20 demo that makes me don't want to buy the full software. I'll explain: When you loop recording audio, the very end of audio got a little blank gap. I'v tried in many friend's FL and the bug still remain, I'v evenly checked the manual about Incorrect Playback Position / Jittery Playback, and tried all possibilities, the bug still remain. I was wondering if you was touched by this and how can artists uses FL on live with that little blank gap at the end of audio loop recording. I can't find any on the web. I didn't get that on any other daw, so to me FL seems just a toy.. Can you give me a tip to avoid that blank gap??

[@TWEAXMusic]

I'm especially happy with that resize feature 🎉🎉

[@inthemix]

me too :)

[@susiejuarez8392]

You must have a big ahh computer or laptop

[@rickardhellstrom4539]

Which IRC type in the Maximizer do you think sound best? Should one use a different type if doing cinematic music vs hard rock (I write both types of music)

[@thewest6128]

My biggest con to Ozone product is the usage of cpu and the latency, but soundwise they are not bad.

[@DJAry]

​I hv projects that I used ozone 8 on the master. Now, I only hv ozone 9 installed and it doesn't open those old projects. Is there any way to solve this?? 🤔🤔🤔

[@adublbeatz8656]

I don't think we are that many years away from seeing tools like that bedded into a DAW. Now, I am saying that, but I think it's just more about maximizing and sharing the profit, than it is about just doing it. Just my humble opinion. Another great review/tutorial. Thanks!! I am just now getting into this plug in, and thinking about purchasing iZotope Bundle.

[@aqtaii]

Dude i fucking love your videos

[@greatestsawes9712]

Question: Please, when you have an instrumental and put in the vocals, do u export the instrumental and master, before remastering with the vocals? (after the mix of course) Or, u master both at once, ie once only? Thanks for a response...

[@GumzOnTheTrack]

You should never ever master an instrumental. Just level it, eq and mix. Then, when you'll sell your instrumental (hope for you), let the buyer manage to get his track mastered. Unless you're able to master a song, let the good sound engineers do their work!

[@GSL.LEYREADY]

Thanks for the review, very informative. Also what song were you using for the demos, sounds really nice?

[@inthemix]

A remix of "conditions" by the workday release and Solo Ray, coming soon :)

[@ourladypeace3]

Oh so this is why Ozone 8 Elements became free

[@nyonmusic]

Can you get it still for free? Can't find it.

[@ziadrahibi626]

@@nyonmusic nope

[@nanogon7767]

It’s only free until Oct 2

[@nyonmusic]

@@ziadrahibi626 .____.

[@danji9485]

riiiiiiiiiip

[@krisshextmp]

Thank you soo much

[@tabodee]

Great demonstration! Very detailed. So this was the Advanced version of 9?

[@JimmyWestra]

i saved match eq several 20 presets and it did not save any of my saved and renamed presets. why?????

[@avxlooo]

Its kinda weird how I rewatched this video and I happen to luv this remix Wonder how or where I can find it😄😊

[@mentorlatifi6221]

Thnx ...you'r doing a god job !

[@Uranicmusic]

Awesome video! Sadly, Ozone is very expensive so I can't afford it.

[@dhiyngcpsr1287]

Thank you

[@Truthlight403]

Would you guys suggest this over T-racks 5?

[@vincentpaula3184]

Looks like adding reverb is gone? Coming from version 4

[@tonyhudspeth3861]

hi ! quick question can this vst handle automation ?

[@basloubert]

Ozone is a great mastering tool. What annoyed me in Ozone 8, is the fixed size of the interface. Great to see that iZotope has done something about that! So CPU load was decreased, what about the RAM? I know Ozone 8 uses quite some of the RAM as well. Anyway, I might take the opportunity to upgrade to 9, at Black Friday or so. On these type of sales days, considerable discounts are applying on their products!

[@Thrasherous]

it is worth at 150 usd with the black friday upgrade from elements to advanced?

[@yoboi2.044]

I think this is mostly useful for the ones who are looking for quick master .. also nectar 3 for quick mix .. but for the ones who really wants to have control over all the frequencies and are really serious with their track should stick to adding individual plugins for each action .. they might use some of the features of isotope as when required but as you said this is mostly for some quick stuffs like sending client a quick review how it would sound if Vocsls were increased .. !!

[@tenpoundsterlingtn7756]

dang, I might just upgrade from Ozone 7 soon.

[@UpxAllxNightt]

Would you mind doing videos on more of their products? Specifically Nectar,Neutron,Rx7,Vocal Synth lol. I love your vids and i need help with these plugins.

[@sharscottyy]

You Are A Genius GOD BLESS YOUR TALENT [MIAMI)

[@mehdimb676]

Just got Ozone 8...

[@andyfs3480]

Same here

[@TimmyCashBeats]

There is a grace period, just email izotope

[@mehdimb676]

@@TimmyCashBeats oh nice

[@juanreales986]

Awesome !

[@goldblatalex7516]

is it okay to put Ozone 9 elements on the master track on the mixer when i am producing my music whille i mixing , or its should work on the final WAV/MP3 file when i want to make the mastering process

[@churlesjenkins4338]

You can do it either way. If you do it during the mix you dont have to do it during the mastering. Lots of people just prefer to do mastering by dragging in the wav audio file into a new project because its a lot neater without having the whole project open with all of your plugins and automations. It's a little more organized that way.

[@G_handle]

Did you ever do your Full Ozone 9 video?

[@mvdbeatz4718]

Is it only the stand-alone plugin? or can you use the individual plugins as well?

[@inthemix]

All the plugins open in standalone so you can use any module on any track :)

[@woodsiee]

thanks for the vid. two questions: 1. the resize: if i see it right it still wont resize the fonts. (same as in neutron). so although they took ages it still wont help with high dpi modern displays. correct? 2. will the master assistant listen now to the whole track, or still only some seconds like in ozone 8 ? cheers

[@inthemix]

Very good questions 1) Unfortunately not - This was disappointing but I might send them an email asking for this in an update! 2) Only a few seconds

[@woodsiee]

@@inthemix thanks for the clarification!

[@MrMissingReel]

@@inthemix Yeah....or for a 150 $ upgrade price in Ozone 10! Pass....

[@silaee]

Ha, I got ozone 8 for free cause they gave it out like 2 days ago,I'm so happy that ozone 9 isn't a huge game changer.

[@j.lindback]

You probably got Ozone 8 Elements, which they gave out for free. It only has the EQ and the Maximizer (without the most advanced modes). It's a great program, but I wouldn't want to be without things like the dynamic EQ, or the IRC III or IV in Maximizer.

[@silaee]

@@j.lindback no, I got the whole thing, not elements.

[@Bigricky06]

@@silaee how did you get it? Because everywhere was advertising the elements version.

[@silaee]

@@Bigricky06 That sucks, it was just on there website

[@beats-by-skrill8925]

@@silaee Yea I saw it on there website. It wad the Ozone 8 Elements my guy. Lol

[@anitaabbi4984]

Gave you the 1000th like

[@hiran2038]

Him : Ozone 9 opens in just a few seconds. Me who has been waiting for the past 2 yrs for ozone 9 to open.

[@call-me-dezz]

Can you please do an episode on Tonal Balance Control? I have it, but just need a few tips on how to keep the bands in order, consistently. They tend to stay controlled for a while, and then jumping out.

[@ChrisBessy]

I hope they have fixed the problem with the precision of the mouse when we have a 4K screen with Windows in 150% ... (in the external program)

[@inthemix]

Hmmm...the plugin doesn't seem to scale the size of text and menus even though the interface is no scalable. I think that this will have to be coming in a free update because it real is expected these day as more people use higher and higher resolution screens. Thanks for pointing out the issue to me (I use a 2K screen and no issues for me yet)

[@tredfxman]

Imagine that Mastering Unison hes talking about in the end to happen in Bitwig... And the ultimate would be all of Fabfilters tools for mixing while Izotopes tools for Mastering, Perhaps a bit of Waves inside Bitwig 3 & future version in a perfection DAW Harmony, and with Logic's look & Timing & Rendering! 👍 😇 👍

[@Smittefar1]

I know I am late to the game, but thanks for this. I get a good BF price for upgrading from Ozone 8 std to Ozone 9 Advanced. I think the updates to the UI, getting to use the modules as individual plugins in combination with Tonal Balance 2 will be enough for me. Again, thanks for a clear and helpful walkthrough

[@inthemix]

You’re welcome, I’m glad to have helped :)

[@ravneetpal4926]

Hi brother, you are too good i have subscribed and seen many of your FL stuido tutorials. Have you composed any full song or sound track ? I would really love to hear your work.

[@tomthexton7813]

Is this the standard or advanced version??

[@iainmackenzieUK]

Thanks for the timely vid. I have a question: As someone who is still trying to develop good mixing skills, is it worth also learning how to master? Seems in some ways like I am years from being ready to dive into mastering, but would something like Ozone 8 or 9 help me to make better mixes, if I understand the mastering process better?? Cheers Iain

[@gabrieldoudna6570]

if you're still learning to mix, don't touch the master chain. get the best possible mix before bothering with anything like ozone

[@iainmackenzieUK]

@@gabrieldoudna6570 Hi Gabriel; Yes I see that. But also, I hear professional engineers saying its good to have an eye on the mastering whilst even recording / mixing. Just wondering f some mastering awareness/ skills would be helpful, and if so, which ones??

[@gabrieldoudna6570]

@@iainmackenzieUK ehh... eq it a little bit, compress it a little bit, play with the stereo image, and then just make sure it's not clipping

[@Bro-qr9fz]

Brother ♥️ Can you make a complete tutorial of mixing vocal and mastering from beginning to the end with all your easy tricks and tips including the pitch correction in newtone please ♥️😍

[@apineraka6585]

Ozone 9 ready standalone or vst only?