iZotope RX 12 review: stem editing and upgrade value

iZotope RX 12 gets a practical upgrade review focused on Scene Rebalance, individual stem editing and the rebuilt De-bleed module. The presenter says an older RX version already covered his needs, so the question is whether these additions justify updating.

Scene Rebalance separates voice, music and effects from an imported video. On a basic Apple M1 machine, previews and processing take some time. The presenter then uses Stem Split to edit the separated layers, applies EQ to the music and reduces an unwanted sound in the effects stem before exporting the combined mix as a WAV file.

A Music Rebalance example cuts low frequencies from an isolated bass part. The presenter notes that separated audio can sound odd on its own. For mastering, he would use this to demonstrate a proposed mix correction to a client, while preferring changes in the original session when available.

The De-bleed test uses a snare recording with troublesome spill. He settles on 40% and says it preserves the attack better than he sometimes hears with Black Salt Audio Silencer. Stronger processing produces an MP3-like sound he dislikes. He also notes real-time plugin support for De-bleed and Music Rebalance, though he does not demonstrate those workflows. His upgrade verdict is favorable for his own work; SpectraLayers remains an alternative he wants to examine further.