iZotope Ozone 12 Review – New Features & More

Today, one of the most anticipated releases in vocal mixing and mastering is on the table: iZotope Ozone 12.

For over two decades, Ozone has been the go-to mastering suite for producers at every level, from bedroom setups to major studios. With each release, iZotope has pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in the final stage of music production, and Ozone 12 is no exception. This update doesn’t just polish, it reinvents how we think about mastering.

Packed with 20 pro modules (including 3 brand-new ones), Ozone 12 blends cutting-edge machine learning with intuitive tools that feel almost magical, yet never take control away from the user. It’s hands-on, one of my favorite AI plugins out there.

Whether you’re tightening a low end that just won’t sit, restoring dynamics to an over-squashed track, or fine-tuning stems without a mix session, this version opens up options we didn’t have before. 

Simply put, Ozone 12 is designed to give creators the power to do the impossible, without compromising creativity. So here are the details and updated on this new baby!

New and Updated Features

Ozone 12 is packed with both brand-new tools and improved favorites, giving me more ways than ever to shape my masters. I love how the suite combines all-in-one convenience with deep, precise control over every aspect of my tracks.

• Full Mastering Suite

Ozone 12 now includes 21 plugins: the mothership plugin plus 20 component plugins. I often use the components individually for surgical edits, but having them all in one chain makes full mastering sessions fast and intuitive.

• Bass Control

This new module makes it easier than ever to add punch, weight, and balance to the low end. I’ve tightened weak kicks and balanced sub-heavy mixes, and it translates perfectly to any listening environment.

• Unlimiter

Acting like an “undo” button for over-compressed audio, Unlimiter uses machine learning to restore lost dynamics. I find it invaluable for reviving tracks that felt squashed without adding artifacts.

• Custom Master Assistant Flow

This lets me pick modules, genre targets, and loudness levels for a fully personalized mastering chain. I love that I stay in control while letting AI handle the repetitive tasks.

• Stem EQ

I can finally EQ vocals, bass, drums, and instruments separately on a stereo file. It saves me hours of mix recall, and the workflow feels almost magical.

• Stabilizer Module

With 25 new genre targets, I can sculpt adaptive EQ curves that keep my masters balanced across styles. It’s subtle but incredibly effective.

• IRC 5 Maximizer Mode

The new algorithm delivers loud, clear masters without pumping or distortion. I’ve pushed tracks harder than ever, and the results stay clean and powerful.

• Stem Focus Improvements

Neural nets now give cleaner separation with fewer artifacts, making stem processing smoother than in Ozone 11.

• New Look and Feel

The refreshed GUI makes navigating Ozone intuitive and visually pleasing. I actually enjoy exploring every module now.

Interface and Workflow

Ozone 12 doesn’t just sound incredible—it’s genuinely a pleasure to navigate. From the moment I open the mothership plugin, I feel in control without being overwhelmed. The interface is sleek, modern, and highly readable, and the refreshed color palette makes long mastering sessions less tiring on the eyes. I appreciate that every module is immediately accessible, so I don’t have to hunt through menus to get started.

Interface

I love how clean and intuitive the GUI feels. Each module, from Bass Control to Stem EQ and IRC 5 Maximizer, is clearly labeled, and visual feedback shows levels, signal flow, and module order in real time. 

I’ve spent hours experimenting with Stem EQ, watching each frequency adjustment impact vocals, drums, and instruments independently, which is almost like seeing the mix breathe. 

The Custom Assistant flow also stands out, allowing me to set up a personalized mastering chain effortlessly. It almost feels like the plugin is anticipating my intentions, which makes the process smoother and more creative. Even modules I haven’t used much in the past, like Stabilizer and Clarity, feel approachable thanks to the thoughtful layout.

Workflow

In practice, Ozone 12 fits perfectly into my mastering workflow. I typically begin with Master Assistant to lay down a solid starting point, then fine-tune modules to taste. Switching between IRC 5 Maximizer and Unlimiter feels seamless, I can sculpt loudness and dynamics without constantly toggling back to the mix. 

Stem EQ has been a lifesaver for fixing tricky elements in a stereo file without reopening the project, saving me hours of work. I also enjoy layering subtle adjustments with the Impact and Clarity modules; they let me enhance microdynamics and high-end detail without making the track sound harsh. 

The workflow encourages experimentation: I often try combinations I wouldn’t normally consider because the interface makes exploring so easy. Overall, everything is responsive, fast, and even a bit fun, I genuinely look forward to mastering sessions with Ozone 12.

First Impressions and Sound

The first time I loaded a track into Ozone 12, I was blown away by how much control I had over the sound. Every module feels purposeful, and I can hear improvements immediately. 

Bass Control has become my go-to for locking in the low end. Whether I’m tightening a kick, adding subtle weight to a bassline, or balancing energy across the mix, it makes everything hit hard in any listening environment. I love how it saves me from guesswork and ensures my tracks translate everywhere, from my car to a club system.

Unlimiter is like an undo button for over-compressed audio. I’ve restored punch and dynamics on tracks that felt lifeless, and the machine learning tech brings back transients transparently. It’s amazing to revive a track without making it sound harsh or artificial. It’s sure I will use it pretty often, as it adds those greatly nuanced transients, even if they are not there in the mix.

Stem EQ feels almost magical. Thin vocals or overpowering drums are no longer problems, even on a stereo bounce, I can EQ vocals, drums, bass, and instruments separately. I’ve used it to fix tricky stems without reopening a mix session, and it’s a real time-saver. I really love how this module affects the sound, making it my favorite EQ in the plugin.

The Custom Master Assistant flow gives me AI power without giving up creative control. I can choose modules, pick genre targets, and set LUFS levels to craft a chain that matches my vision. It’s like having a personal mastering assistant that follows my rules.

Finally, the IRC 5 Maximizer mode lets me push tracks harder than ever without compromising clarity. I love how I can hit high loudness while keeping the mix clean, no pumping, no distortion, just polished, professional-sounding masters.

I think you can use Ozone 12 as a smart metering and analysis plugin, which can show you what your mix actually lacks and how to improve it. You can fix those either with the modules offered in the plugin or use other third-party plugins to get the job done. Either way, Ozone 12 is a super cool unit to have in your arsenal.

I can honestly say, for anyone serious about mastering, Ozone 12 feels like it opens doors I didn’t even know existed, making every track sound bigger, cleaner, and more professional.

Compatbility

Versions

Conclusion

Ozone 12 is a powerhouse mastering suite that truly pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in modern music production. I’ve loved exploring its new modules, from Bass Control to Stem EQ, and the Custom Master Assistant flow makes high-quality mastering feel fast and intuitive without taking away creative control.

Whether I’m restoring dynamics with Unlimiter, balancing complex mixes, or pushing tracks louder with IRC 5 Maximizer, or polishing the track with Stem EQ, Ozone 12 consistently delivers professional results. It’s versatile enough to handle any genre, and its updated interface makes long sessions more enjoyable and less taxing.

For anyone serious about mastering, whether in the studio or on the go, Ozone 12 offers everything you need in one comprehensive suite. You can explore it further and grab it from the official iZotope website. Also check out our honest review on the iZotope FXEQ.

Berk Oztuna

Berk Öztuna, a musician from Istanbul, is skilled in handpan, percussion, and guitar, performing and recording his own compositions globally. With expertise in music production and audio technology, he integrates virtual instruments and sound design tools seamlessly into his work. He also writes insightful articles on music production and gear for platforms like Plugin Noise and shares his music on Spotify and Instagram.

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