iZotope Nectar 3 Explained
Eli Krantzberg shows you everything you need to know to get going with iZotope Nectar 3, including using it creatively in your productions with this in-depth video tutorial series.
Videos
• Welcome to Nectar 3 (04:56) - See how the new interface is laid out, and take a quick tour around the main elements of the GUI.
• Auto Level Mode (04:46) - See how the new ALM feature is used to dynamically adjust the input gain +/- 3dB in order to ensure it is hitting the target level, and how to set the brickwall limiter on the output.
• Vocal Assistant (07:31) - Hear how the Assist and Unmask machine learning algorithms work in a mix. The Assist module creates optimal processing settings for the lead vocal. The Unmask algorithm is used to establish some corrective EQ on a guitar bus that helps the vocal sit on top better.
• The Pitch Module (05:58) - Learn how to use this module to effectively and creatively tune vocals by adjusting the incoming notes to conform to a specified key and scale.
• The Gate Module (06:31) - Explore the parameters of the gate module as they are used to eliminate headphone bleed on a lead vocal; and on unwanted background noise in a voice over recording.
• Working with the EQ Module (06:05) - Explore the powerful EQ window and learn about the different filter shapes and shortcuts available.
• Dynamic Processing Modes (06:58) - Learn how to use Nectar 3's dynamic gain mode to dynamically adjust the gain of an EQ band based on the level of the input signal, and dynamic frequency mode to dynamically update the frequency of an EQ band in response to harmonic frequency content changes over time.
• Creating Harmony Parts (07:14) - See how the Nectar 3 Harmony module is used to intelligently generate harmony notes based on applying the key and scale settings to the incoming melody.
• MIDI Controlled Harmony Parts (06:13) - Learn how to set up Pro Tools and Logic Pro X to use live MIDI input as the basis for generating harmony parts in Nectar 3's Harmony module.
• The De-esser Module (04:09) - Discover how this module is used to control vocal sibilance. Follow along as the Listen mode is used to tweak the detection range, the threshold value is set to control the amount of sibilance reduction, and some post EQ is added.
• The Delay Module (07:54) - Hear how delays are used not just to generate repeats, but to thicken and add a sense of space to a vocal. The five unique saturation models and the LFO based pitch modulation are put to work adding warmth and depth to the vocal.
• The Dimension Module (07:01) - Explore three unique modulation effects that duplicate the input signal, and then modify the duplicate with different methods of altering the pitch or time via built in LFO modulation.
• The Compressor Module (06:48) - Compression is used to maintain consistent levels and shape the tone and character of a vocal track. Hear how the four algorithms, along with the other auto gain and controls, are used to impart a smooth and even sounding quality to the vocals.
• The Saturation Module (04:16) - Nectar 3's saturation module, with seven different models, is capable of producing anything from subtle warmth to intense vocal distortion. Hear the various models in action, at different positions in the module chain.
• The Reverb Module (05:32) - Hear how the Nectar 3 EMT 140ST based plate reverb algorithm is used on a vocal duet. The built-in post EQ filtering allows us to emphasize the sweet spot of the reverb while minimizing potential harshness and muddiness in the upper and lower ranges of the frequency spectrum.
• RX 7 Breath Control (04:00) - Explore this useful and intuitive tool included with Nectar 3, that is used to reduce breaths between vocal phrases.
• Melodyne Essential Quick Start Pt. 1 (07:16) - Learn the basics of transferring audio and navigating around the Melodyne Essential interface.
• Melodyne Essential Quick Start Pt. 2 (05:47) - Discover how the basic pitch and time macros work, and explore ways to manually alter the pitch, timing, and transitions between individual notes.
• Breaking All the Rules! (09:04) - Explore a very unconventional approach to creating an effects return with Nectar 3.
• Nectar 3 in Action (04:34) - Listen to a final playback of the song Take You Back by A Friend Called Fire, featuring several instances of Nectar 3, Relay, and Breath Control.