iZotope’s powerful mix-referencing plug-in has just reached its third major version, and now boasts a new capture process that’s compatible with popular streaming services such as Spotify, YouTube and Apple Music.
Designed to help users find out how their mixes stack up against commercial releases, Tonal Balance Control 3 introduces a new standalone desktop app that can be used to capture a reference track from any online audio source. A new Leveled View display in the plug-in then shows which elements of the user’s mix are lacking or over-emphasised when compared to the reference material. The information extends beyond frequency content, and a set of three new meters (Vocal Balance, Dynamics and Stereo Width) provide a detailed overview of how the mix compares to the reference track.
The plug-in also features a Target menu that offers a variety of genre presets, as well as allowing users to create their own custom curves — any custom Targets that were created in previous versions can be imported into the new version. Another new addition is the Target Blender function, which makes it possible to morph between two genre presets to arrive at a new, combined Target setting.
Although it’s a handy tool in itself, Tonal Balance Control 3 has been designed to ‘team up’ with iZotope’s Ozone and Neutron plug-ins, and those who have those products installed can adjust their settings directly from TBC’s interface. However, to make the plug-in more versatile when used on its own, the company have introduced a built-in EQ that allows users to make adjustments to their mix without needing to set up any other processors.
Key Features
- Reference Any Song: Capture targets with the standalone desktop app and visualise the balance of any audio source online, such as Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube.
- Target Library: Explore dozens of new genre targets built from analysing hundreds of pro tracks. Search and favourite your targets for easy access.
- Ozone & Neutron Integration: Use captured reference targets in Ozone’s Master Assistant or Neutron’s Mix Assistant to match your track or mix element, or connect to Ozone and Neutron EQs directly within TBC.
- Desktop App & Plug-in: Tonal Balance Control 3 comes with a desktop app for capturing references, and a plug-in for metering your mix-in-progress and referencing DAW audio for consistent masters across an album.
- Powerful New Meters: Compare the vocal balance, dynamics and stereo width of your references with three new dedicated meters, alongside low-end crest factor for getting the bass right.
- Built-in Hybrid EQ: Make instant adjustments directly on the spectrum with a built-in EQ and dynamic nodes.
- Quick Import From TBC2: Have favourite targets saved in Tonal Balance Control 2? Import them directly into your Target Library in just a few clicks.
iZotope Mix & Master Spotlight
Tonal Balance Control 3 has been released alongside iZotope’s Mix & Master Spotlight, a new promotion that provides an opportunity to get up to 30% off products like Ozone 12 and other flagship bundles like Music Production Suite 8. Designed to help both new and existing customers, this spotlight event runs from today (18 March 2026) through 15 April 2026.
Compatibility
Tonal Balance Control 3 is supported on PCs running Windows 10 or above, and Macs running macOS 14.7 and higher. VST3, AU and AAX plug-in versions are available.
Pricing & Availability
Tonal Balance Control 3 is available now, priced at $129£119 / €139. Upgrades from any previous version are available for $99£95 / €109. GBP prices include VAT.
