|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 385
Journeyman
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 385 |
Hi:
I am about to buy Ozone 5 and am excited. I see that there are a lot of options for FX, aside from the many mastering presets and options. All the basic FX are there (EQ, reverb, compression, exciter, dynamics) -- but not a lot of the less-often used FX (flange, delay, chorus, etc.).
I have looked around the forum and elsewhere to see if folks are using these FX in Ozone as basic FX when they mix, and I can't see any discussion. The question is: Would there be any downside to using Ozone most of the time for it's basic FX while mixing? Would the size of the VST program, inserted on several tracks, eat up resources more than, say, basic PG or Classic FX? Could I see Ozone 5 as a sort of Swiss army knife for FX?
Thanks for any suggestions... I know some of you guys are very experienced in Ozone4 and 5.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,646
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,646 |
I only use Ozone for the final step, mastering. However, I did experiment with loading multiple copies during beta testing of the new VST feature by putting effects on several tracks, and it did work fine. My PC is nothing remarkable either, a Core 2 Duo.
Ozone in general uses remarkably little CPU% but as it does so many functions, I'm guessing that single effects in general probably use less. This would need to be tested, though.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,034
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,034 |
Brad When you get Ozone, put an instance of the plug-in on the 'Audio' section of the mixer and play with some of the presets. You will be amazed how the music is lifted up somehow and really gets a sonic boost - and that is before you start putting individual instances on the separate instruments. Kevin 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Quote:
Ozone in general uses remarkably little CPU% but as it does so many functions, I'm guessing that single effects in general probably use less. This would need to be tested, though.
Plugins are more about RAM than CPU, so if you've got enough RAM to support whatever you are running, should be good to go.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,646
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,646 |
Quote:
Quote:
Ozone in general uses remarkably little CPU% but as it does so many functions, I'm guessing that single effects in general probably use less. This would need to be tested, though.
Plugins are more about RAM than CPU, so if you've got enough RAM to support whatever you are running, should be good to go.
--Mac
I'm sure that statement is true about most plugins, but I don't think it applies well to Ozone. Ozone can be a stand-alone program as well as a plug-in. The Ozone FAQ support section offers many tips about reducing CPU usage, and says nothing at all about RAM. Watching the CPU usage has been very important in my many years of using Ozone, and each of their modules relies heavily on processing power. Here are a few samples from the Ozone FAQ:
For better live playback, there are some adjustments you can make lower Ozone's CPU and latency needs. These settings have been designed for greater fidelity in mastering and mixdowns. Because you may want to hear these high-performance effects during playback, we've made it possible to adjust the latency and CPU they use. If you enter Ozone's Options screen, and examine the "EQ/Reverb/XOver" panel, you will be able to change the buffer sizes used by each of these effects. In general, lowering these buffer sizes will lower the latency required for the effect, but cause a slight jump in CPU needs. Raising buffer sizes will do just the opposite: raise latency needs, but lower CPU cost. It's worth exploring these ranges to find values that work best on your system.
_____________________
If you don't need stereo output when previewing, try enabling "Process as Mono" in your plug-in Options screen, under the General tab. This can cut CPU usage by up to 50%.
_____________________
Using fewer bands for multiband effects can save significant CPU. To change the number of bands, right-click (or control-click, on OS X) on the band's mini-spectrum.
_____________________
Problem:
My host application drops out, or experiences "Sync," "Time-out," or "Time-inactive" errors when using my plug-in.
Solution:
When you change a plug-in's settings or presets, this can sometimes change the amount of CPU resources or latency needed by the plug-in. If a host's I/O buffers and latency are set too low, these sudden changes in the plug-in can sometimes cause "sync" problems, playback dropouts, and other timing issues. To help with this problem please try increasing your host's latency allowances and I/O buffer sizes.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 385
Journeyman
|
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 385 |
Thanks, guys... helpful comments, all (I am still hoping for RHARV to check in, since I know he is well-acquainted with Ozone).
So, as suggested, I went ahead and loaded up a fairly complex RB sequence, putting Ozone on 4-5 FX Inserts, then on Aux1 Insert, then on the Output Master audio. The CPU usage, with each addition, mounted up, eventually to over 90, where I started getting dropouts. Below about 85%, things seemed fine.
So then I started taking out Ozone iterations, and substituting PG FX for Ozone presets. Clearly, with each substitution, the CPU usage fell progressively, which indicates to me (I am not a puter guy) that Ozone Presets use a lot of resources. Maybe the individual Ozone FX use less if you don't use the Presets, as suggested by Matt, which I will have to check later.
Incidentally, I am running a Core 2 Quad CPU, @2.40, with 4.0 GB RAM, 64-bit OS.
Looks like this Ozone 5 is gonna be fun, used judiciously.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,663
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,663 |
Yes, I believe disabling some effects inside Ozone will lighten CPU load, and it is a pretty decent size program to run multiple instances of. It can be done, but with trade-offs.
Also if I use Ozone presets on tracks I find getting a final mix more difficult; making each track sound great doess not equate to a good mix. The end goal is all tracks sounding good together.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109 |
Ozone 5 is on my wish list. If anybody sees a special killer sale on it, please let me know. I usually find out about sales after paying full price the day before.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,663
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,663 |
The only killer deals I saw were for registered owners .. I suppose it'll stay that way for a while. Ozone 5 is still pretty 'new'. Ozone 4 is probably on sale somewhere.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,646
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,646 |
I don't recall ever seeing Ozone on sale, going back to Ozone 3 when I first bought it.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109 |
I recently downloaded the test version of nectar, and they sent me a 10% coupon toward any product for trying it. But that only takes their price down to the street price of $199 that everybody else already offers.
Guitarcenter has a 12% online coupon which would take the price from $199 to $175.. which is a fair reduction from the list price if bought directly from Ozone.
I guess the way to get a discount on a new product is through STORE incentives. Now is the time for after-Christmas sales when nobody is buying anything without a special price.
but... if anybody sees a killer price on Ozone 4, that would work for me. I'll be looking too, but the web is a big place...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Peter Gannon Talks Band-in-a-Box with zplane
zplane recently interviewed Peter Gannon, the founder and creator of Band-in-a-Box, about the software's early days, what sets it apart from AI, how zplane's audio algorithms are used in Band-in-a-Box, and more!
Special thanks to the team at zplane for their continued support.
Check out the full interview here: https://products.zplane.de/blog/peter-gannon-interview-pg-music
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can transcribe an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
Holiday Weekend Hours
It's Victoria Day Long Weekend in Canada. Our Customer Service hours are:
Saturday, May 16: Closed
Sunday, May 17: Closed
Monday, May 18: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Regular hours resume Tuesday, May 19th!
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!
Don't wait - order today!
Check out all the new features in the redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.
Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.
If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!
202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!
Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,549
Posts806,427
Members40,149
| |
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean