iZotope by Native Instruments has taken the beloved Trash (3) multiband distortion plugin into the modern with new features, a free version, and on iPad.
In October 2022, iZotope by Native Instruments announced the discontinuation of the popular plugins Iris 2 (spectral synth), BreakTweaker (glitch drum machine), and Trash 2. There was no replacement at the time. I enjoyed using the plugins, especially Iris 2, to generate soundscapes.
Trash 2 was a unique distortion great for unusual, aggressive and crazy distortions. Today, I can announce it’s trash time again. The plugin is back in a new version with new features, and other surprises. Actually it’s Trash 3 but iZotope’s marketing department prefers it without the number.
iZotope Trash (3)
Trash is back. It has the best-known features and content of the Trash 2 version. There are also some cool new features, a new modern look, and attention, an iPad AUv3 version.
Once installed, two big news await you. First, the new modern GUI looks better and more intuitive than Trash 2. But a key feature is missing. You cannot resize the plugin in the release version. I hope the iZotope team will add this functionality in an update.
The second big news is that Trash (3) is now a free distortion plugin that can be used without a time limit. However, the features are limited. In the so-called Trash Lite mode, you get the trash module, a randomizer, and an autogain/limiter—so a teaser of what the plugin is capable of.
If you unlock the full version ($29 for Trash 2 users), you get the full familiar dose of Trash.
Modern Trash (3)
Like Trash 2, the core of the third generation consists of a trash and a convolve module—the heart of the distortion processor that again operates in multiband. So you can have different trash/convolve combinations across the low, mid, and high-frequency bands.
Trash module is the distortion part of the plugin and offers various controls (drive, tilt, mix) and over 60 different types. From subtle, softer to aggressive ones. On the other side, you have a convolution processor aka convolve module (mix, width, stereoize) with over 600 built-in IRs.
It also hosts the option to create your own ones with any audio file your want. There are a variety of different IRs that you can use creatively to morph and filter your signals.
A feature highlight of Trash (3) is an X/Y pad in each module, allowing you to morph/blend between four distortion algorithms and four impulse responses. Each pad also features a dice roll button for instant new results.
While Trash 2’s option to load your own waveshapes is unavailable in Trash (3), you can use the X/Y pad to achieve new waveshapes.
Then, the iZotope developers added modulation to the third-gen Trash engine. Unfortunately, there is no LFO or step sequencer, but there is a new envelope follower.
With the modulation amount, attack, and release controls, you can add movement to your distortion timbres by animating the morphing pad or the new filter.
Talking about the filter. Trash (3) offers a so-called scream filter. Without marketing words, it’s a Korg MS-20-modeled filter that adds even more spice and character to your distortion. You can control it manually with the cutoff, scream (resonance), and heat controls or animated using the envelope follower.
Further, it shops with a smart autogain and limiter that takes care of your output levels. As a tip: always leave the limiter on, otherwise I can’t guarantee for your loudspeakers.
iPad Version
The news that Trash has also made it onto the iPad is very surprising. iZotope markets the release as “compatible with Logic Pro for iPad. However, the AUv3 plugin also works in Cubasis, AUM, and other apps. And also, the iPad version offers the free version with the option to unlock the full version.
First Impression
Last week, I took part of a press briefing where the developers showcased us the new version and later I also got access to explore it. So far, it’s a solid update with neat new features. It’s great to have it back on the system in a more modern, up-to-date version.
The new timbre morphing function is fun, especially when combined with modulation. The new filter is lovely and dirty and brings a good amount of character into the effects. Also, I really like the decision to go on iPad. I hope iZotope will maintain the app better than NI with Maschine.
However, I would have liked a little more courage for more crazy stuff, especially in the Trash 3 plugin, which is iZotope’s most experimental plugin to date. Even more modulation, one or two more FX engines… I also hope that GUI scaling will be added in a future update.
Nevertheless, it’s good to have Trash back. Now, you can officially trash your music again. But in a good sense.
Availability
iZotope Trash (3) is available now for an introductory price of $79 instead of $99 through April 16, 2024. Existing Trash 2 users can upgrade for $29 for a limited time. If you buy at Plugin Boutique, you get Minimal Audio Hybrid Filter for free in the month of March.
Trash Lite is available for free download. It runs as a VST3, AU, and AAX plugin on macOS (native Apple Silicon + Intel) and Windows. Trash for iPad is a free download from the Apple AppStore. Via the in-app purchase of $19,99/22,99€/£19,99, you can unlock the full version.
More information here: iZotope
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