Recording - March 2013 - 61

selection tabs. Most changes in the module functions are the
result of improvements in the processing algorithms that allow a
more distinct and pleasing ‘Alloy’ sound.
This is what I found most impressive. Alloy 2, as a channel
strip, has its own unique character and makes no attempt to emulate current or classical channel-strip sound character. Not only
is the Alloy 2 sound unique, it is wonderful in a mix.
What’s new in the modules
themselves?
The eq module is probably the
most extensively reworked. It offers
several new filter types, including:
Baxandall filters (for gentle bass and
treble eq); Pultec-style vintage low
and high shelf filters; vintage bell filters; and Flat and Brickwall filters. In
addition to the filters, Alloy 2 offers
improved controls, including the
selection of a Soft Saturation effect.
This eq can produce some lovely
subtle changes and is much more
advanced than anything I’ve seen
accompanying a DAW.
According to iZotope, the
Transient Shaper has been completely redesigned. I compared the new version to the original on
both percussive attacks and releases and string plucks. The Alloy
2 shaper has changed, and its control now allows very musical
sharpening and editing.
The saturation algorithms employed in the Exciter give it remarkable character. When I think ‘exciter’, for some reason I think
‘grungy’—probably due to years of dealing with primitive hardware

exciter designs from various companies—but Alloy 2’s exciter is anything but. This may be the most musically transparent harmonic
manipulator I have ever heard. Within hours of using Alloy 2, I found
myself becoming addicted to the treatments possible with combined
use of the Transient Shaper and Exciter on synth and guitar leads.
The dual dynamics processors offer about as much processing
power as one could hope for. Filtering (with resonance control) of up
to three bands allows precise control
of which frequencies are affected,
and the nearly limitless sidechaining
options allow enormous expressive
control. Also, the two processors function both in parallel and serially. The
parallel option allows combined compression effects that are much more
subtle than when using only one compressor. Upward compression and
wet/dry mix have also been added.
Finally, the limiter in Alloy 2 now
allows independent limiting of left
and right stereo channels. This
enables much more transparent limiting of wide stereo images than
does limiting with a dual-input
mono-channel limiter.
Conclusion
iZotope has done an outstanding job in improving an
already exceptional product. I loved Alloy when I first used it
two years ago, and the improvements in Alloy 2 are almost
beyond accolade. I love this channel strip!
Price: $199 • More from: iZotope, www.izotope.com

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Recording - March 2013

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