iZotope Trash v1.3.0 [WiN-MAC]

• Product: Trash
• Publisher: iZotope
• Version: 1.3.0
• Format: VST3, AAX, AU
• Requirements: Windows 10 or later, macOS 12.7 or later (Apple Silicon or Intel Core processor)
• Source: izotope.com/en/products/trash

The reimagined Trash succeeds as an accessible creative tool but represents a philosophical shift from its predecessor’s depth toward immediate inspiration. While the XY pad and convolution library offer compelling possibilities, the removal of advanced features may disappoint longtime users. It provides excellent value for experimentation-focused producers.

A Legend Reimagined: An Honest Review of the New iZotope Trash

As a producer who has relied on the legendary iZotope Trash 2 for years, I approached this new, reimagined version with a mix of excitement and skepticism. The original was a deep, surgical tool for sonic destruction. This 2024 reboot promised a more accessible, creative, and streamlined experience. The big question is: is this a worthy successor or a departure from what made the original so beloved?

My goal here is to give you my honest, first-hand account of this new plugin, explore its creative potential, and help you understand who this new Trash is truly for.

Key Takeaway

The reimagined iZotope Trash is a brilliantly intuitive and inspiring creative distortion tool that excels at generating unique textures with its XY pad and massive convolution library. However, it represents a significant philosophical shift from its predecessor, sacrificing the deep technical editing of Trash 2 for a more accessible, streamlined workflow. It’s a fantastic plugin for modern producers, but a different beast entirely from the original.

First Impressions: The Creative Core

From the moment I opened the new Trash, the design philosophy was clear: speed and experimentation. The single-page, modern GUI is a far cry from the multi-page complexity of Trash 2. The entire experience is built around two main modules: Trash and Convolve.

• The Trash Module & XY Pad: This is where the magic starts. You can load up to four of the 60+ distortion algorithms into the corners of an XY pad and seamlessly morph between them. In my testing with drums, synths, and vocals, this became an incredibly fun and intuitive way to create evolving, complex saturation. The dice roll icon instantly randomizes the selections, providing a constant source of inspiration.
• The Convolve Module: This module is a sound designer’s dream. It comes loaded with over 600 creative impulse responses, from realistic spaces like piano cabinets to abstract textures like “plexiglass tubes”. The ability to load your own audio files as custom IRs is where it truly shines. I was able to create unique rhythmic textures by convolving a drum loop with my own foley recordings, a process that was both fast and creatively rewarding.

Surgical Sound Design: Multiband Processing

One of the most powerful features retained in this new version is the three-band processing. I was able to split the signal into low, mid, and high frequencies and apply different Trash and Convolve settings to each. This is fantastic for surgical sound design. For example, I could add a warm, gritty distortion to the midrange of a bass guitar while keeping the sub-frequencies clean, and then add a subtle, airy convolution to the highs—all within one plugin. You can even swap the module order (Trash into Convolve, or vice-versa) independently for each band, opening up even more complex routing possibilities.

The Big Question: Trash vs. Trash 2

It’s impossible to review this plugin without comparing it to its predecessor. This is not an upgrade; it’s a completely different tool.

Feature	Trash 2 (2012-2022)	Trash (2024)
Distortion Types	Multiple categories	60+ algorithms in an XY pad
Interface Complexity	Multi-page, deep editing	Single-page, streamlined
Convolution	Basic impulse responses	600+ creative IRs + custom loader
Modulation	Extensive LFO/envelope system	Basic envelope follower
Filter Section	Dedicated multiband EQ	Simplified “Scream” filter
Delay Module	6 delay types	Removed
Dynamics Processing	Full compressor/gate	Removed (basic limiter/autogain only)

While the new Trash excels in speed and creative randomization, it has removed the dedicated Delay, Dynamics (compressor/gate), and advanced Filter/EQ modules that were staples for many Trash 2 power users.

My Recommendation: Who Is This New Trash For?

This is the most important question. I would highly recommend the new Trash for:

• Electronic Producers who need quick, creative distortion and unique textures without getting bogged down in deep parameter tweaking.
• Sound Designers who will love the massive convolution library and custom IR loading capabilities.
• iPad Musicians, as this is the first iZotope plugin available for iPad, and the feature parity is excellent.
• Beginners who will find the intuitive XY pad interface much more approachable than the complexity of Trash 2.

I would not recommend this for longtime Trash 2 power users who are looking for a direct upgrade with all the old features intact.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Final Verdict

The reimagined iZotope Trash is a brilliantly fun and inspiring creative tool. Its XY pad system and deep convolution library offer a playground of sonic possibilities that can lead to truly unique results with incredible speed.

However, it achieves this accessibility by shedding the deep, surgical features that made its predecessor a legend. While this will undoubtedly disappoint longtime users, the new Trash successfully carves out its own identity as a modern, experimentation-focused plugin. For producers who value inspiration and speed over complexity, it offers excellent value and a guaranteed good time.