I used the upward compression function in series with the downward compression setup (two Ionizers on different inserts for the same stereo track) to get an in-your-face, tight sound reminiscent of an Aphex Compellor. Awesome!

In fact, I had no trouble chaining three iterations of Ionizer in series and could have probably used more. For comparison purposes, Ionizer appears to be far less processor-hungry than the Waves Renaissance EQ.

Ionizer also provides splitband upward expansion. This is useful for restoring dynamics to an overzealously compressed track or master. If any peaks survived the compression, Ionizer's upward expansion will make them louder again. Depending on the spectral content of the mix, Ionizer can sometimes boost the kick and snare drum more or less independent of one another or by different amounts. This is something that would be virtually impossible to do with a single-band upward expander.

Finally, we have Ionizer's frequency morph function. Morph analyzes the averaged spectral balance of one section of audio and applies a static EQ curve to another section to make it match. During the initial analysis of spectral content, energy is averaged every 12 µsec. There is no limit to the buffer size, so you can run an entire song through the morph process.

I've seen a similar process hailed elsewhere as a shortcut to make any mix sound like any other mix, but I don't buy it. Every mix has uniquely interacting elements that cause infinite, dynamic variations of frequency masking. Applying an averaged EQ curve based on another entirely different piece of music cannot possibly work out of context. Good engineering is far more subtle than that.

The process does wonders for less complex audio, however. Where voice-over tracks have been recorded on different days and don't exactly match each other, the morph function can be a major time—and neck—saver. Variations in bass proximity effect and level are instantly and effortlessly equalized. For ADR work or constructing composite lead vocals, this function is worth the price of admission alone.

Conclusions
At a bargain-basement price of $499 list, Ionizer is a necessity for anyone working with the MAS platform. Powerful and incredibly flexible, Ionizer is, in effect, an entire suite of plug-ins for the price of one. The EQ, compression and limiting functions are downright superb. Many users will also put the noise reduction and frequency morphing setups to good use. Ionizer does what no other MAS plug-in can do and does it exceedingly well.

Arboretum Systems, 75 Aura Vista, Pacifica, CA 94044; 650-738-4750; fax 650-738-5699; http://www.arboretum.com.

Michael Cooper is the owner of Michael Cooper Recording, located outside the small resort town of Sisters at the base of the Oregon Cascades.

[ 2 ] PREVIOUS PAGE

Reprinted with permission from Mix Magazine's May 2000 issue.
Copyright © 2000 by Intertec Publishing.