RECORDING November 2024 - 16

Toontrack EZmix 3
The Effects Rack
The all-new effects rack now allows users to load up to five
signal chains in one instance of the plugin to mix and match and
create new presets. Users can also store four different instances
of EZmix within the plugin itself to make effortless A/B preset
comparisons.
EZmix 3 includes a host of new presets, and users are also provided
with the full preset content from EZmix and EZmix 2. Thus,
you'll immediately have more than 900 preset signal chains for
nearly all types of instruments and channels.
Controls
Each preset has its own dedicated macro controls for the processes
and effects, including a wet/dry mix level. Users of EZmix
and EZmix 2 will welcome the fact that the EZmix 3 presets now
provide even more control over effect parameters-up to 10 macro
controls are now provided for all new presets.
Each effect control can also be automated in your DAW, and
to ensure proper gain staging, EZmix 3 includes individual signal
chain input and output level controls as well as global input and
output controls, which are prominently displayed at the top and
bottom of the rack.
AI-Assisted Presets
Speaking of new presets, EZmix 3 uses artificial intelligence to
enhance the mixing process.
The AI presets in EZmix currently include guitar, bass and mastering
options. Simply click the Analyze Track button and play the
loudest portion of the audio track you'd like EZmix 3 to process.
EZmix 3 will analyze the source audio and provide you with results
that you can tailor to your liking or process further with single
effects. I do hope Toontrack adds AI options for vocals, drums
and perhaps keyboards in the future.
AI Amp Models
Guitar and bass players will welcome the new amp and cabinet
signal chain models. A number of lead and rhythm guitar
tones and amp models are provided, as well as acoustic and bass
presets. As mentioned, the EZmix 3 AI can analyze your direct
instrument tracks and tailor a pre-EQ option that will best suit the
next stage of processing.
Expansion Packs
The EZmix 3 core library is extensive, but if you're wanting even
more options, Toontrack offers 66 EZmix packs featuring signal
chains from industry-leading professionals and more. Any previously
purchased packs automatically show up in your preset
library, and Toontrack is even offering a special priced EZmix 3
bundle with your choice of any six EZmix packs.
16 RECORDING November 2024
Mixing Made EZ
Downloading, installing and licensing EZmix 3 is simple using the
Toontrack Product Manager. I opened several projects and ran the
EZmix 3 plugin on a variety of instruments and mixes. It was super
easy to call up a signal chain for individual instruments that put me
right in the ballpark that I could quickly tweak from there.
I found it particularly useful for drums, bass and lead vocal. No
matter the instrument, I often found myself going down the rabbit
hole pursuing subsequent associated presets from the Similarity
Map that often lead me to places and results I hadn't considered.
The AI-Assisted Mastering is also really useful. I had the plugin
analyze several stereo mixes of varying genres. In each case, the
process was quick, and the presets offered a good starting point.
The ability to store four different instance settings within the plugin
made it inordinately simple to audition different mastering options.
An EZ Decision
If you're a user of any Toontrack product, you're aware that
their goal is simple: provide quality tools for musicians that inspire
musical creativity. EZmix 3 certainly achieves that goal.
EZmix 3 is quite a step up from previous versions. The expanded
preset library, enhanced user controls and AI-assisted
processing make it a useful tool for beginners and professionals
who want to achieve quality mixes while maintaining focus on
the creative process.
John Czerwinski (CZ) is a composer, arranger, piano player and
producer in Columbia, SC.
Price: EZmix 3 $149; EZmix 3 Bundle $249
More From: toontrack.com
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RECORDING November 2024

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