9.0Essential
Ozone 12 Advanced is iZotope's AI-assisted mastering suite with 20 modules, including Stem EQ, Bass Control, Unlimiter, and IRC 5 Maximizer.
Plugin comparison
iZotope Ozone 12 Advanced vs sonible smart:limit
Specs, price and the Dubspot Score, side by side — with our verdict on which effect to buy.
Independent score / workflow fit / buying signal
Contenders
The side-by-side
8.7Great
sonible smart:limit is an AI true-peak limiter with Instant Impact Prediction, publishing targets, Quality Check, and sound-shaping (Style, Saturation, Balance, Bass).
Score verdict
Which should you buy?
On the Dubspot Score, iZotope Ozone 12 Advanced comes out ahead (9.0). That said, the right pick depends on your workflow and budget — read both reviews before deciding.
Technical matrix
Specs compared
| Signal | iZotope Ozone 12 Advanced | sonible smart:limit |
|---|---|---|
| Price | €549 | €129 |
| Dubspot Score | 9.0 | 8.7 |
| Formats | VST3, AU, AAX | VST, VST3, AU, AAX |
| Edition | Ozone 12 Advanced | — |
| Modules | 20 editable mastering modules + component plugins | — |
| New in 12 | Stem EQ, Bass Control, Unlimiter, IRC 5, Custom Assistant flow | — |
| Formats | VST3, AU, AAX (64-bit; VST2 discontinued) | VST, VST3, AU, AAX |
| Platforms | macOS 14.7+ / 15.7+ / 26.1+; Windows 10 22H2 / Windows 11 24H2 | — |
| Trial | 10-day free trial | Time-limited full trial from sonible (confirm current demo length) |
| Type | — | Intelligent true-peak limiter with loudness guidance |
| Key tech | — | Content-aware analysis, automatic parametrization, Instant Impact Prediction |
| Monitoring | — | Integrated / short-term / momentary LUFS; Loudness Range; dynamics (peak-to-loudness based); True Peak (dBTP) via high-res oversampling; gain reduction |
| Guidance | — | Publishing targets, loudness & dynamics grid, Quality Check |
| Sound shaping | — | Style (soft↔hard), Saturation, Balance (spectral polish), Bass Control |
| Manual controls | — | Full manual access to limiter parameters (incl. attack/release) with or without auto setup |
| Channel layouts | — | Mono, stereo, Dolby Surround 5.1 (per sonible specs) |
| Sample rates | — | 44.1 kHz to 192 kHz |
| Authorization | — | Machine-based (2 systems typical) or iLok transfer via sonible account |
| List price | — | €129 (sales and bundles common—smart:essentials with smart:EQ / smart:comp) |
See the full plugin database for more comparisons.