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Review: iZotope Alloy 2 Words: Glenn Jackson iZotope's Alloy 2 plug-in is the software company's second attempt to make a one-stop shop for single-channel processing (the original version of Alloy was released back in 2010). Combining a parametric equalizer, transient designer, harmonic exciter, two dynamics modules, a de-esser, and a limiter into one plug-in, Alloy 2 covers almost all signal processing needs in one convenient package that strikes an effective balance between ease of use and audio quality. After installing Alloy 2 (a considerably painless process that requires no USB dongle or any such nonsense), the power of the plug-in is instantly usable via an array of global presets that serve as great starting points for sonic tweaking. Depending on the preset, different components are enabled, but most utilize the EQ, at least one dynamics processor, and either the transient designer or harmonic exciter to some degree. The presets are conveniently organized by instrument—bass, drums, guitar, keys, and even special effects and utility categories—and from there, each has detailed descriptions to start users on the right foot. Considering how many moving parts this plug-in utilizes, the global presets become immensely helpful with not only learning how best to fit all of the components together, but also figuring out how each one can be individually utilized to reap desired results.