The ability to automate fader levels and mutes on a hardware mixer was considered cutting-edge
technology some years ago. All of that changed with the advent of digital audio workstation,
which allows us to automate almost any parameter we choose. Of course,
this is great, but all of this adaptability does not always speed up the production process.
Fortunately, a few forward-thinking plugin makers have combined that conceptual approach with some
analysis-based numerical crunching to create clever, 'intelligent' tools that go beyond
simple tone and dynamics processing. Some of these AI processors can mix and master a track,
and they can also give help and feedback, as well as boost efficiency by assisting us in
getting better results. Also, by exhibiting what is possible, they can help in the
expansion of our knowledge and comprehension. Let’s see 10 of the best AI plugins that will make
mixing much more fun. Please like this video and subscribe to this channel for
more content like this. 1. SoundRadix Auto Align
The first one we’ll be looking at is the SoundRadix Auto Align. AUTO-ALIGN
is a plug-in that automatically aligns microphones and corrects phase.
When recording an instrument with several microphones, sound tends to arrive at each
microphone at a little different time, causing certain frequencies to cancel each other out and
others to build up unnaturally. This phenomenon is known as comb-filter effect.
The AUTO-ALIGN plugin analyzes your multi-mic recording and detects and compensates for the
latency between the microphones sample-accurately, considerably minimizing the comb-filter effect
and dramatically boosting the final sound. Aligning microphones properly makes a huge
impact in low-end clarity and punch. Alignment takes only a few seconds using this plugin,
when earlier it took some effort to time-align and work out phase difficulties.
When using distant microphones or if some delay is intended to improve the feeling of space,
AUTO-ALIGN can time-place the microphones relative to the close-mic'd source to reduce
the comb-filter effect. 2. MasteringTheMix Reference
The Reference plugin is a audio comparison tool that combines audio reference with analysis.
Automatic track leveling and alignment are useful tools, but it's the dynamic and spectral analysis
that really take things to the next level. Reference is packed with powerful tools and
insights that will get you closer to the sound of your favorite music than ever before. It will help
you compare the original production you’re working on in your DAW to your chosen reference tracks.
If your mixes don't sound as professional as those of commercially successful songs,
this plugin will provide you with the tools and direction you need to fix this.
By default, Reference will automatically match the level of your songs.
This vital function will allow you to compare tracks without bias, since humans consider louder
songs to have more bass and clarity. As a result of using Reference, you'll be able to make better
and smarter mixing judgments. 3. Soundtheory Gullfoss
Gullfoss is an intelligent equalizer that listens to a signal and chooses how to
prepare the audio so that your brain can get the most out of it. Its real-time analysis uses
Soundtheory's computational auditory perception model to determine which audio
components compete for your attention. Gullfoss enables rapid and accurate solutions to problems
that are normally intractable or would necessitate substantial effort and knowledge to tackle.
Gullfoss is even capable of fixing balancing issues between different sound elements without
access to the individual tracks. The internal auditory model allows this awesome plugin to make
objective decisions about the perceived sound. As a result,
mixes processed with Gullfoss will generally translate more consistently between different
listening situations 4. Waves Vocal Rider
Automating fader levels can be time-consuming if you do a lot of vocal heavy productions.
Vocal Rider is a clever, time-saving plugin that automates the process. Its easy controls,
intuitive layout, and slick-looking interface make it a delight to use,
and its output can be written back as DAW automation for further tuning if needed.
This plugin automatically changes your vocal levels,
eliminating the need for you to draw each level change in your DAW or manually ride faders.
All you need to do is specify the target range of the vocal level in respect to the rest of the mix.
Then, Vocal Rider compensates for all deviations from the target,
intelligently raising or lowering the vocal gain, instantly. And unlike compression, Vocal Rider
adds absolutely no coloring to the vocal track. This plugin also has a Live component with an
innovative Spill control to differentiate the vocal from background instruments and noise
for improved tracking and performance. 5. SynchroArts VocALign
In modern music production, getting the most out of your vocals is critical, and because your time
is valuable, a smart plugin like VocAlign Ultra will give you the best results with the least
amount of work. VocAlign Ultra, which incorporates technology from Synchro Arts' flagship Revoice
Pro software, elevates plug-in-based vocal matching to a whole new level of control and
versatility. You will no longer need to spend time manually editing vocals because this plugin
will help you speed up your process. VocAlign Ultra routinely produces higher results
when aligning longer and more complicated parts of audio. Then, for maximum creative flexibility,
VocAlign Ultra has a new tightness control that lets you pick how much alignment to apply to your
signals. Also, the plugin can align pitch as well as adjust the timing of your performances
with great ease and speed. 6. Sonible Smart Limit
Smart Limit is an intelligent true peak limiter with guided loudness monitoring. The plug-in
provides real-time access to all important information about a track's loudness and
dynamics by assessing the signal's characteristics and the effects limiting can have on the sound.
Newly developed processing and genre-based profiles recommend limiter settings that preserve
detail while allowing the mix to breathe. Its extensive loudness monitoring feature
graphically guides users to the audio sweet spot for loudness and dynamics while satisfying
the safe zone requirement for a wide range of streaming services and loudness standards. Before
publishing, the quality check option identifies problematic parameters and gives interactive
recommendations on how to adjust them. 7. Sonible Smart EQ 3
Another plugin from Sonible on this list is the Smart EQ3. Whether you're working on a
single track or a mix, the Smart EQ3 plugin can help you achieve spectral balance in seconds.
The AI-powered equalization will remove unwanted resonances and notches, leaving you with a
well-balanced sound — and therefore a great foundation for subsequent creative steps.
Its clever cross-channel processing will let you construct a seamless arrangement of up to
six channels, with each track playing exactly the role you want it to.
The algorithms ensure that each track receives its designated place
inside your mix by assessing the spectral information of all the channels you've
added to your group. You only need to decide the musical hierarchy based on your concept.
It’s that simple. 8. iZotope Neoverb
iZotope Neoverb is the most intelligent reverb plug-in for music producers.
Save time and leave the trial and error behind and design unique spaces for vocals and instruments
in seconds, without muddying the mix. This intelligent plugin has a new real-time
Reverb Assistant that guides you in picking and combining reverbs based on your creative demands.
An AI-powered EQ section analyzes your audio and assists you in avoiding artifacts, mud,
and masking. Explore a comprehensive Advanced panel and hundreds of vocal and instrument
presets, then add your own creative touch. Whether you're a rookie producer refining your trade or an
experienced producer working on your current project, Neoverb will help you get a superb
reverb effect in less time. 9. iZotope Neutron2
Neutron 2 is another intelligent plugin by iZotope. It is a quality modular channel
strip plugin that’s been supercharged with a bunch of intelligent mixing tools. These include auto
settings based on track analysis, plus visual tools that address mix balance, EQ masking and
frequency content. Much of this is linked via inter-plugin communication. It’s an excellent,
multifaceted plugin for the serious mixer. 10. iZotope Ozone9
Most of iZotope's products in recent years have heavily relied on AI features and machine learning
to enhance productivity and accelerate the music-making process, and Ozone 9 is no exception
with its intelligent Master Assistant. It’s Mastering Assistant basically asks you
a few questions about your song or audio file that you're mastering with Ozone 9 and then
creates an intelligent mastering preset for your music. This enables you to optimize your
file for both the intended distribution format and total dynamic content.