Plugin comparison
Specs, price and the Dubspot Score, side by side — with our verdict on which effect to buy.
Independent score / workflow fit / buying signal
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Contenders
Ozone 12 Advanced is iZotope's AI-assisted mastering suite with 20 modules, including Stem EQ, Bass Control, Unlimiter, and IRC 5 Maximizer.
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
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
| 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.