Ozone Imager V2
Key Features
- Width control for widening or narrowing stereo material
- Stereoize I and Stereoize II modes for mono-to-stereo enhancement
- Integrated vectorscope and correlation monitoring
- Polar Sample, Polar Level, and Lissajous visualization views
- Resizable interface for clearer stereo inspection
- Useful on individual tracks such as synths, pianos, vocals, and cymbals
- Mono-compatibility checks for safer spatial processing
Description
Ozone Imager 2 is iZotope’s stereo-width processor for widening, narrowing, and stereoizing individual tracks or mix elements. Its compact control set is aimed at fast spatial decisions, while the vectorscope and correlation views help you watch what those changes are doing to the left and right channels.
The Width control can spread a narrow stereo source or pull a bass, kick, or other element toward the center. Stereoize turns a mono source into a stereo-like signal without relying on reverb or doubling, with Stereoize I described as a more colorful phasing effect and Stereoize II intended for subtler enhancement.
Three vectorscope views—Polar Sample, Polar Level, and Lissajous—provide different ways to inspect stereo behavior. The correlation meter is useful for checking whether a widening move is likely to create mono-compatibility problems, and the resizable interface gives you more room to read the display.
This is a focused imaging tool rather than a multiband mastering processor. Use it on synths, pianos, cymbals, backing vocals, or other elements that need space, and keep low-frequency material under close correlation checks; a third-party tutorial demonstrates the width, Stereoize, and correlation workflow while the current iZotope page positions the Imager as a compact taste of the broader Ozone suite.
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Tips
- Use the Vectorscope to monitor and adjust the stereo image of your mix.
- Apply Stereoize Mode to mono tracks to create a wider stereo effect.
- Adjust the width control to either widen or narrow specific elements in your mix.
- Utilize the Correlation Meter to ensure mono compatibility and avoid phase issues.
- Experiment with different vectorscope views to get the best visual feedback for your adjustments.
- Use the Stereoize algorithms to add subtle or intense stereo width to your tracks.
- Resize the plugin window to get a clearer view of the stereo image and make precise adjustments.
- Apply stereo widening to high-frequency elements like cymbals and synths while keeping low-frequency elements like bass and kick drums more centered.
- Regularly A/B your mix with and without the plugin to ensure the desired effect is achieved without over-processing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Stereoize do?
Stereoize creates a stereo-like result from a mono source without requiring reverb or doubled takes. Stereoize I is the more colorful option, while Stereoize II is intended for subtler enhancement.
How can I check for phase problems?
Use the vectorscope and correlation meter while adjusting Width or Stereoize, then audition the result in mono. If the correlation drops or important elements disappear in mono, reduce the widening amount.
Is Ozone Imager 2 a multiband imager?
The standalone Imager is a focused width and Stereoize processor with visual metering. It does not provide the multiband control set of a full mastering suite, so use separate processing when frequency-dependent width is required.
Which sources are good candidates for widening?
Higher-frequency material such as synths, cymbals, effects, and backing vocals can often take more width than bass or kick. Keep the low end centered or narrow when mono translation matters.
