iZotope Nectar 2 Help Documentation
Table of Contents
Introduction 4
What’s New in Nectar 2? 6
Authorization 7
Quickstart 12
Global Menu 16
Preset Manager 18
Overview Panel 19
Input and Output Gain 26
Input and Output Meters 28
Equalizer Module 30
Compressors Module 36
De-Esser Module 45
Gate Module 50
Saturation Module 57
Pitch Correction Module 61
Harmony Module 67
Reverb Module 74
FX Module 79
Delay Module 86
Limiter Module 90
Pitch Editor Plug-in 93
Breath Control Plug-in 107
Preset System 111
Spectrum 116
History Menu 118
CPU Optimization 120
Buffer Size Viewer 121
Automation 122
Setting up MIDI Control 123
Setting up ReWire Control 129
Delay Compensation 131
Keyboard and Mouse Support 132
Available Shortcut Keys (PC/MAC) 134
Options Menu 136
General Options 137
Spectrum Options 139
Input/Output Options 140
EQ/Harmony Options 141
Pitch Editor General Options 142
Pitch Editor Pitch Options 144
Breath Control General Options 145
iZotope Customer Support 147
Introduction
Nectar was created out of a desire to provide engineers, musicians, and
voice-over artists with a vocal mixing tool that could provide a great
sound with just a few clicks of the mouse.
Key Features
n Over 200 Vocal Presets in 12 Genres giving you instant access
to a wealth of vocal sounds
n 10 DSP modules relevant to vocal production including Equal-
izer, Compressor, De-Esser, Gate, Limiter, Saturation, Pitch Correction, Reverb, Delay, FX, and Harmony
n Freely adjustable signal path allowing you to rearrange the flow
of all DSP modules
n Simple preset system for saving your own adjustments and cre-
ating new sounds
n Innovative Metering which provides powerful feedback that can
assist you when making adjustments
What’s New in Nectar 2?
n
Harmony module that allows you to easily add harmonized
accompaniments to your vocal tracks or add your own custom
backing vocals with your MIDI controller
n
Reverb module accurately modeled after the renowned EMT
140 stereo plate reverb unit
n
FX module containing 7 new DSP effects including: Distortion,
Decimate (Downsampler), Phaser, Flanger, Chorus, Echo, and
Shred
n
Component plug-ins Pitch Editor and Breath Control*
n
Refreshed manual pitch editing including: refined note detection, Vibrato control, and ReWire Support*
n
Streamlined Overview Panel with the most relevant settings
for the modules of Nectar
n
Added five additional filter types to the EQ module including
Bass and Treble Baxandall filters and Vintage Pultec-style
shelf filters
n
Key Detection to assist you in setting the key of your song for
both real-time pitch correction and auto-harmonization
n
Enhanced metering including gain reduction traces and
threshold control meters in dynamics modules
n
Added integrated Meter Tap functionality for seamless routing
to Insight and Ozone 5’s Meter Bridge
n
Added Floor control to the Gate Module
*Only included in the Nectar 2 Vocal Production Suite
Authorization
Each purchased copy of Nectar contains a unique serial. After downloading
Nectar directly from iZotope or another re-seller the serial number will be emailed along with the link to download the product. The serial number should
resemble: SN-NECTAR2-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX
Launching the Authorization Wizard
The first time you open Nectar 2, the Authorization Wizard will appear. You can
choose to either authorize Nectar or use it in Trial mode for evaluation purposes. Please use your supplied Nectar serial number to fully authorize your
product.
Trial vs. Demo Mode
For the first 10 days after the first instantiation, Nectar 2 will run in Trial mode,
which offers full functionality. After 10 days, Nectar will revert to Demo mode. In
Demo mode, Nectar will periodically mute audio output.
Authorizing Your Copy of Nectar Online
After opening Nectar and launching the Authorization Wizard, the following
steps will complete the authorization process online:
1. First, click on 'Authorize'.
2. Next, enter the serial number emailed to you. It should look like this:
SN-NECTAR-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX
3. You must also enter your name and a valid e-mail address.
Make note of the e-mail address you use to authorize your license.Your license and iZotope account will be linked directly to this e-mail address.
Note: Clicking the 'Advanced' button reveals a set of options that allow you to
store your Nectar authorization on a portable hard drive or flash drive. Click
here for more information on these options.
4. When you have confirmed that your serial number and e-mail information is
accurate, click once more on 'Authorize'.
5. Lastly, click on 'Submit' in order to send your authorization message to the
iZotope servers. If the authorization is accepted, click on the 'Finish' button to
complete the authorization.
Authorizing Your Copy of Nectar Offline
Some customers choose to keep their audio workstations offline, and a simple
offline authorization option has been included. After opening Nectar and launching the Authorization Wizard, the following steps will complete the authorization
process offline:
1. When first prompted to authorize Nectar, click on 'Authorize'
2. Next, click on the option for 'Offline Authorization' at the bottom of the authorization window, select "Authorize with iZotope challenge/response" and click
next.
3. You will be given a unique Challenge Code that is specific to your computer
only. Write down or make a copy of the exact Challenge Code. It will look like
this:
IZ-NECTAR2-XXXXXXXX-XXXX-XXXX
4. Next, using a system with internet access, login to your customer account at
the iZotope website: http://www.izotope.com/store/account.asp
5. Click the 'Activate Software with a Serial Number' button, enter your full
serial number and click 'Submit'.
6. Select the 'Challenge/Response' option and click on 'Submit'.
7. Read the License Agreement and click "Agree" if you find it agreeable.
8. Now enter your full Challenge Code copied in step 3.
9. After submitting your Challenge Code, you will receive a unique Response
Code. The response code will look like this: IZ-NECTAR2-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX
Write this response code or save a text file with the response code onto a flash
drive.
10. Type or paste the Response Code into the text field of Step 3 in the Offline
Authorization window.
11. Click ‘Next’ to authorize Nectar .
12. You should now receive a message that your authorization has been successful and may click Finish to begin using Nectar .
iLok Support
Nectar does support iLok. Our plug-ins will be able to detect iLok keys and
assets if you already use iLok and PACE software on your system. If you don't
already have PACE or iLok, we will not install any PACE or iLok software to
your system, and iLok authorizations will be unavailable.
Authorizing Nectar with iLok
1. When first prompted to authorize Nectar 2, click on 'Authorize'
2. Next, enter the serial number emailed to you. It should look like like this:
SN-NECTAR2-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX
3. You must also enter your name and a valid e-mail address.
Make note of the e-mail address you use to authorize your license. Your license
and iZotope account will be linked directly to this e-mail address.
4. Select 'Use iLok Authorization' and enter your iLok ID.
5. When you have confirmed that all your information is accurate, click once
more on 'Authorize'.
6. Lastly, click on 'Submit' in order to send your authorization message to the
iZotope servers
7. You will now be instructed to log in to your iLok account and transfer your
Nectar license to your iLok.
8. When you have completed this step and have your iLok connected to the
computer on which you want to use Nectar , click 'Next'.
9. You should now receive a message that your authorization has been successful and may click Finish to begin using Nectar .
Nectar 2 Vocal Production Suite
If you purchased Nectar 2 Vocal Production Suite, you will also receive the
Nectar 2 Pitch Editor and Nectar 2 Breath Control plug-ins. By authorizing your
main Nectar 2 plug-in your Pitch Editor and Breath Control plug-ins will also be
authorized.
Web Help
Should you encounter any problems during authorization please consult our
online portal with additional information:
https://www.izotope.com/support/portal/authorization.asp
Contact Support
Should you not be able to resolve your authorization issue please contact the
customer at support@izotope.com.
iZotope's highly trained support team is committed to responding to all requests
within one (1) business day and frequently respond faster. Please try to explain
your problem with as much detail and clarity as possible.
Quickstart
Nectar’s Presets are designed to give you a quick starting point for your own projects.
Every vocalist is different so no one preset will always work well for your audio.
However we have attempted to provide a wide range of Presets that will help
you find a good starting point for your own material.
Step 1: Select your Genre and Preset
The Preset Manager tells Nectar what style of vocals you're trying to produce
and automatically sets the appropriate values for all the controls to achieve that
sound. Click the Preset Display at the bottom of the Nectar interface to open the
Preset Manager. We’ve organized presets into genre categories that will let you
search easily for presets for every purpose. Because every vocal track is different, we’ve aimed to give you a lot of starting points so that you can choose
the best one for your project.
Step 2: Setting Your Input Level
Setting your input level is important when selecting a preset as it will sound
drastically different if your input level is too loud or quiet. In order to ensure that
you have a good neutral levels as a starting point, we recommend setting
Nectar’s input level so that the input meter is peaking within the recommended
range bracket.
Learn more about the Input and Output Gain of Nectar here.
Step 3: Adjust Presets to Taste
When you’ve found a Preset that has what your track needs, further adjust the
controls to your liking to define your own unique sound. The Overview Panel
view gives you instant access to the most relevant controls of Nectar’s
modules. Quickly adjust the settings of a given module to tailor the sound or
quickly enable or disable modules.
Step 4: Dig Deeper
Once you’ve found an appropriate Preset and adjusted some module settings to
your taste from the Overview Panel, have a look at the individual modules in the
Advanced View. In each module’s Advanced view you have access to deeper
settings for a more customized sound as well as metering which can assist you
when making adjustments.
Global Menu
Overview/Advanced View
Clicking the Overview/Advanced button toggles between Nectar 2’s Overview
Panel and Advanced View which allows you to dig deeper into each module.
Tracking/Mixing Mode
Tracking Mode forces Nectar 2 to process with low latency, which assists in
using Nectar 2 while tracking (recording) vocals. Tracking Mode performs less
transparent dynamics processing and is lower quality. Mixing Mode performs
high quality processing, but incurs more latency.
Note: Modules affected by Tracking Mode are Gate, De-Esser, Compressors,
Limiter, Pitch Correction, and Harmony.
Options
Clicking the Options button loads the Options Menu from which you can authorize your copy of Nectar, access additional resources for working with Nectar,
adjust visual settings, and more. Learn more about Nectar’s Options here.
History
Clicking the History button opens the History menu which allows you to recall
and compare settings and adjustments. Learn more about the History menu
here.
Reset
Clicking the Reset button clears the current working settings and loads the currently selected module’s or Overview panel to it’s default state. A single-click
often resets the most commonly adjusted settings, while a double-click will
restore all settings to their factory default.
Help
You may click the Help button at any time to launch this Help Documentation.
Bypass Button
Clicking the Bypass button in the lower right of the interface will bypass Nectar’s
processing in your DAW allowing you to compare your vocal track with and
without Nectar.
Preset Manager
Nectar's Genres and Presets are designed to allow you to take full advantage of
the underlying signal processing in the most concise and creative way possible.
Click on the Preset Manager at the bottom of Nectar's interface in order to select
your desired Genre and Preset from the preset menu that appears.
When a Genre and Preset is chosen, Nectar will automatically load settings in
Nectar’s modules to allow you to recreate that style on your vocal track.
Note: You can also use the arrow keys on your keyboard to scroll Up and Down
between Presets and Genres. This can be especially helpful to audition the direction different presets will take your vocals.
Learn more about Nectar’s Preset System here.
Overview Panel
Nectar 2’s Overview Panel gives you instant access to the most relevant settings of many of Nectar’s modules. Use the Overview Panel for a quick glance
at a preset’s settings or for quick tweaking of modules to adjust them to suit your
vocals.
Choosing a Preset
Start by selecting a Genre and Preset by clicking the large display at the bottom
of Nectar’s interface. From here, you can adjust your settings to taste.
Module Controls
Nectar’s Overview Panel View presents you with the most relevant controls for
each of Nectar’s modules. You can engage or bypass processing in the different modules by using the power buttons in the upper left corner of each block
in the Overview Panel.
Equalizer
Within the EQ section of the Overview Panel you have the ability to interact with
all enabled nodes from the EQ module. Adjust any of Nectar's EQ nodes in
order to shape your vocals to fit your mix. Click and drag to alter the frequency
and gain of any node and use the node brackets or the mouse-wheel to adjust
the Q of that particular node. The Equalizer section also features a spectrum
analyzer. Learn more about interacting with these EQ nodes in the EQ Module
section here.
Compressor
The Overview Panel allows you to instantly adjust the most commonly adjusted
settings within the Compressor module. Learn more about the settings
described below in the Compressor Module section here.
Threshold Controls
Controls for both the compressor’s thresholds are displayed alongside an input
and gain reduction meter. The threshold control sets the level at which the compressor will begin to affect the incoming signal.
Parallel Mode
These modes determine whether Nectar uses just one compressor and the dry
signal routed in parallel or two independent compressors routed in parallel.
Mix Control
The mix control determines how much signal is sent to the first compressor
versus the second compressor or the dry signal (depending on the Parallel
Mode you have selected). In the first Parallel mode (one compressor in parallel
with the dry, uncompressed signal), a setting of 100% blends no dry signal with
the compressed signal and a setting of 0% completely bypasses the
compressor. In the second parallel mode (two compressors) a setting of 100%
routes all of the signal to the first compressor and a setting of 0% routes all of
the signal to the second compressor.
Gate
You can raise the Threshold of Nectar's Gate in order to reduce the gain of any
low level signals in your audio like room tone. It takes program material below
the threshold and reduces it by a factor determined by the ratio. Learn more
about the settings described below in the Gate Module section here.
Threshold Slider (dB)
The Threshold slider sets the level where the Gate processing takes place. As
the threshold is increased, more of the signal will be reduced.
De-Esser
Nectar’s De-Esser is a powerful tool for controlling sibilance on vocal takes. By
applying the same amount of Ess reduction regardless of the incoming audio
level, Nectar’s De-Esser allows you to transparently reduce sibilance, no matter
how dynamic your vocal take is. Learn more about the settings described below
in the De-Esser Module section here.
Ess Slider
The Ess slider controls the amount of gain reduction that is applied to the incoming vocal take by setting a threshold at which detected sibilance is attenuated.
This gain reduction is applied quickly and transparently to the entire incoming
vocal take instead of simply reducing the gain of a particular set of frequencies,
allowing for much more natural sibilant reduction.
Saturation
Nectar’s Saturation module can add rich harmonics to your vocals, recreating
the sounds of tube circuits and tape recordings. Breathe new life into a vocal
recording giving it instant sparkle or a subtle gritty edge. Learn more about the
settings described below in the Saturation Module section here.
Amount Slider
The amount slider controls the amount of drive in the saturation or how pronounced the added harmonics will be.
Mix Slider
The Mix slider allows you to blend dry (unsaturated) signal with wet (saturated)
signal to get the perfect amount of warmth while retaining the qualities of the original recording. A setting of 100% will be purely saturated without any blended
dry signal while a setting of 0% will add no saturated signal at all.
Harmony
Nectar 2’s Harmony module allows you to quickly add harmonized vocal accompaniments to your vocal tracks without multiple performers or tracking passes.
In addition, the Harmony module functions as a Doubler allowing you to add up
to four voices to recordings. Learn more about the settings described below and
the Harmony module here.
Gain Slider
The Gain slider determines the levels of the added voices produced by the Harmony module in relation to the original lead voice.
Pan Slider
The Pan slider affects the stereo width of the added voices produced by the Harmony module. Lower settings make the location of added voices more narrow
while higher settings spread the stereo location of the added voices.
Pitch
Nectar’s Overview Panel features a meter that reflects the amount of pitch correction processing taking place in real time. This meter is enabled only when
you’re using the real-time Pitch Correction module. Learn more about the Pitch
Correction module here.
Reverb
Nectar’s Plate Reverb module allows you to instantly add a warm depth to your
vocal tracks reminiscent of timeless recordings. Learn more about the settings
described below in the Reverb Module section here.
Decay
The Decay control corresponds to the physical damper present in the EMT 140.
While not an explicit control of reverb time as often seen in digital reverbs the
control will affect the overall decay of the reverb.
Wet
The Wet control affects how much wet (reverberated) signal will be blended with
the dry (not reverberated) signal. A setting of 0% will add no reverb while a setting of 100% will add reverb to all of the incoming audio.
Delay
Nectar's Delay module can help to create transparent or colorful delayed copies
of your original vocal track. Learn more about the settings described below in
the Delay Module section here.
Time
Determines the amount of time that will pass before each successive repeat of
your incoming dry vocal.
Wet
The Wet control affects how much wet (delayed) signal will be blended with the
dry (not delayed) signal. A setting of 0% will add no delay while a setting of
100% will add delay to all of the incoming audio.
FX
Nectar's FX module allows you to create both otherworldly and subtle vocal
sounds with distortion, modulation, and time-based effects. Learn more about
the settings described below in the FX module section here.
Dry
The Dry control affects how much dry (unaffected) signal will be blended with
the wet (affected) signal.
Wet
The Wet control affects how much wet (affected) signal will be blended with the
dry (not affected) signal.
Input and Output Gain
The panel on the right side of the interface is the main input/output section for
Nectar. This is used for setting and monitoring gain levels going in and out of
the Nectar plug-in.
Setting Input and Output Gain
You can adjust the input or output gain by sliding the silver faders with your
mouse, either by clicking and dragging or using the wheel of a wheel mouse.
Double-click to Reset Faders
Double-clicking on either input fader will reset the Input faders to 0 dB. Doubleclicking on either output fader will reset the Output faders to 0 dB.
Input and Output Meters
Nectar ’s level meters display the input and output level for the left and right
channels as your audio enters and exits Nectar. You can set options for the
Input/Output meters by opening the ‘I/O’ tab of the Options menu.
Peak
The Peak meter is a fast meter that measures the instantaneous maximum
sample value of your signal. If you are tracking the peaks for possible clipping,
the Peak meter is an appropriate choice.
RMS
RMS (Root Mean Square) is a software-based implementation of an analog
style level meter. The RMS meter displays the average level calculated over a
short window of time. The result is a meter that is appropriate if you are interested in tracking the overall loudness.
RMS + Peak
This is a combined RMS and Peak meter. This meter displays a lower bar representing the average level (RMS) and a higher bar representing peak level.
There is also a moving line above the bar representing the most recent peak
level or peak hold.
Peak Hold
By default, the meters will temporarily hold the peak values of your incoming
audio.
Clipping
Above the meter is a red LED that serves as a clipping indicator. If the level
exceeds 0 dB at any point, this LED will light up and remain lit until you doubleclick anywhere on the LED itself.
Equalizer Module
Nectar’s versatile EQ allows you to add warmth and character with analog
matched filters. Nectar 2 adds a range of new filter shapes, including Baxandall
Treble and Bass, which allow you make more complex boosts and cuts with
less EQ nodes.
Frequency and Gain
The grey circles mark each of the eight EQ nodes. You can adjust an EQ band
by clicking on a node and dragging the crosshairs to change the frequency and
gain of the band. You can also use the arrow keys to adjust a selected band, or
the Shift key in combination with the arrow keys to adjust in larger increments.
Loading...