iZotope has released Ozone Imager V2, an updated version of the freeware stereo widening tool in VST, VST3, AU, and AAX plugin formats for compatible DAW software on PC and Mac.
Ozone Imager V2 is iZotope’s freeware stereo widening and analysis utility. The first edition of Ozone Imager was released two years ago. It featured a minimal user interface and was optimized for a fast and efficient workflow. The plugin offered three stereo monitoring modes (Polar Sample, Polar Level, and Lissajous) and the ability to control the stereo width of the processed audio signal.
The newly released Ozone Imager V2 introduces updated visuals, a freely resizable interface, and a new Stereoize mode. It is a subtle but all-around useful improvement over the original plugin. The resizable interface is particularly useful if Ozone Imager V2 is used as a stereo analysis tool on a second monitor. Also, the plugin can now convert mono audio sources to stereo without reverb or doubling. The new Stereoize II mode is suitable for subtle stereo enhancements, unlike the old Stereoize I mode which delivers a more colorful phasing effect.
Ozone Imager V2 is worth checking out if you’re looking for a simple stereo widening plugin. The new Stereoize II mode offers a unique way to make audio tracks sound wider without introducing phasing issues. Also, the new metering options will help you identify if the mix is too wide, too narrow, or out of phase.The plugin is stable, well-designed, and easy on the CPU.
To download your free copy of Ozone Imager V2, visit the product page linked below and click the Download Now button. You will be asked to log in to your iZotope user account or register a new one. Upon registering, you will receive your personal Ozone Imager V2 license key. You can get up to 89% OFF various iZotope plugins and bundles via Plugin Boutique.
More info: Ozone Imager V2 (38.9 MB download size, EXE installer, 32-bit & 64-bit VST/VST3/AU/AAX plugin format for Windows & macOS)
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5 Comments
Roman
onHow does it compare to JST Sidewidener?
Ble3azy
onSidewidener has more control, and is truly mono compatible, it’s already one of the best. the other being voxengo’s equivalent; stereo touch. which is actually free, if you don’t want to jump through CM’s sign up hoops).
I think I can also detect this ozone one is slightly raising the output but 0.3db or so to fool you into the thinking it’s always an improved result.
Roman
onThanks. I’ll stick with Sidewidener ‘cos I own it :-)
Ble3azy
onIf you want true mono compatible width (still valuable in this age of phones, laptops, and clubs), there’s only 1 way in reality , that is to delay the source (within Haas range), and invert polarity on 1 side of that delay. There’s already a free plug by Voxengo called Stereo Touch. It also gives you more tonal control than the izotope one too.
Michal
onI tested Ozone Imager v1 against recently released v2. Unfortunately version 2 introduces unwanted lag in reaction time. Version 1 was able to follow signal more precisely. I mean e.g. when a drumloop was playing, it was possible to distinguish which sound was wider and which wasn’t. In version 2 this lag is annoying, because it forces user to guess, which sound in a signal chain is actually too wide. Stereoize and Width options are still very good in this VST. However I wanted to use this plugin strictly to analyze audio. Simply put – I prefer version 1.
By the way, if anyone was aware of the bug in version 1, it’s still present in version 2. I mean situation in which sequencer isn’t playing and no sound source is present. Ozone Imager will display a “ghost” signal, slightly panned to the right. To this day I still can’t figure out why this hasn’t been fixed.