iZotope FXEQ is a new multi-FX plugin that can apply effects on specific chosen frequency regions, unlocking more creative flexibility.
Classic multi-FX plugins bundle many effects in one package, with the possibility to combine them flexibly, which you can then apply to your sounds or tracks. In most cases, these multi-FX plugins apply these effects across the entire spectrum.
There are exceptions, such as the Unfiltered Audio Triad, where you can distribute them using a three-band frequency splitter. iZotope now goes a step further with the new FXEQ and allows you to use individual effects on specific frequencies only.
iZotope FXEQ
FXEQ is a new multi-FX processor for macOS and Windows. iZotope FXEQ is the latest addition to its purpose-built Catalyst Series, including Aurora, Velvet, and more.
The plugin consists of five effect processor blocks, each with various algorithms and tweakable with two knobs. It starts with the saturate section that includes eight saturation modes, including overdrive and distortion to give your sounds weight, bite, and fizz.
Then, you have a reverb with three algorithms for adding space and color to your tracks. Next to this is a delay with four types, perfect for adding dimension and stereo vibes.
Modulate gives you all kinds of modulation effects, including chorus, flanger, phaser, and unique double modes to create layered character. The last in the row is Lo-Fi, which hosts four Lo-Fi modes to give you sounds a vintage, gritty vibes.
Effects Meet EQs
The special feature of the new iZotope FXEQ is not the curated selection of algorithms, but rather the innovative routing options.
Unlike traditional multi-FX, each effect of the chain has a dedicated 6-band EQ, allowing you to assign them to specific frequencies. There are also four selectable filter shapes to choose from.
This method unlocks new creative flexibility and routing options that you have rarely or never seen in a multi-FX plugin. Do you want distortion in the low end and delay and reverb in the high end? This is possible here.
This unique feature allows you to blend the effects perfectly into your sounds or tracks without getting muddy. Thanks to the color-coding of the EQs, you can always see where the effects are sitting on your signal.
Additionally, you can find a built-in zero-latency limiter to prevent clipping.
First Impression
An exciting new approach to using a multi-FX. The FX selection could have been a bit more extensive, but the possibilities for distributing them on an EQ are quite something.
iZotope FXEQ is available now for $49 (MSRP) and runs as a VST, VST3, AU, and AAX plugin on macOS (native Apple Silicon + Intel) and Windows.
You can crossgrade for a limited time from any iZotope product for $39. Any other Catalyst series plugin (Velvet, Aurora, Cascadia, and Plasma) is also now just $39 on sale.
More information here: iZotope
Available at my partner
This eq-thing could be achieved with some clever routing and fx-plugs in a DAW right?
difficult as you have for each effect a dedicated EQ that you set to a specific range and on this you apply the effect.
absolutely! especially in a DAW with very flexible routing (such as Reaper). the whole design is just a pre-emphasis EQ filter before the effects.
where it shines though, is that it handles all of the routing internally “behind the scenes” and gives you a single GUI to access everything at once.
just my thoughts/opinions
But in that moment you want/ you have to dive deeper you miss the lack of options. I stick with my dedicated tools and the „mix“ knob. (Echoboy has Filter and EQ in it)