Trash
by iZotope · Distortion · Multiband waveshaper
vst3s Score 8.1/10 · rated #8 of 10 distortion
The successor to Trash 2. Draw custom waveshaping curves, split the signal into bands, and add filtering and convolution to reshape a sound completely.
It is a favorite for bass design and aggressive vocal effects.
Best for: Sound Design, Bass, Drums, Vocals. Genres: Electronic & EDM, Hip-Hop & Trap.
Keywords: bass, vocals, convolution, impulse-response based, multi-band, drums, experimental, mixing, sound design, aggressive, auto-gain, classic, creative, oversampling, piano, randomize, tube.
What it does
Trash is iZotope's 2024 reworking of its classic Trash 2, redesigned as a single-window plugin.
- Trash module: over 60 distortion types (such as Rusty Bits, Cactus, Noise Art and Distropia), with an XY pad that blends up to four settings, Drive modulation and a Tilt control.
- Convolve module: more than 600 impulse responses, from reverse reverbs to piano bodies and plexiglass tubes, and you can load your own audio.
- Multiband: split the signal into low, mid and high bands and distort them separately.
- Movement and extras: an envelope follower, a self-oscillating Scream low-pass filter, Swap to reorder the chain, Randomise, Auto Gain, a limiter and 4x oversampling.
When to use it
Trash is the most immediate of the sound-design distortions here. Its XY blending of distortion and convolution is quick and fun, but it has less depth than Output Thermal, Minimal Audio Rift or Arturia Dist COLDFIRE, and it dropped several Trash 2 features (drawn waveshapes, delay, dynamics, dual filters, side-chain). For mixing-grade saturation, FabFilter Saturn 2 is the better tool.
- Best for: quick character on bass, drums and vocals, and strange textures from the convolution library.
- Genres: electronic, hip-hop, trap and experimental.
- Look elsewhere if: you liked Trash 2's custom curves and deep routing, or you want detailed modulation (Rift, COLDFIRE).
What producers say
Reviews were mixed: the interface and XY pad are liked, but many expected more from the successor to Trash 2.
- MusicTech (2024) liked the fluid single-page interface but called it a downgrade from Trash 2 for sound designers and hoped for a "Trash Pro".
- MusicRadar (Si Truss, 2024) called it a decent plugin with a "joy to use" interface, but said Thermal, COLDFIRE and Saturn 2 offer more creative depth.
- Gripes: features removed from Trash 2, basic modulation, a low-pass-only filter, odd Auto Gain behaviour and a Scream filter that can sound unpleasant.
Where to buy
- Best Service: $93.13
- Sweetwater: $99
- PluginFox: $99
- AudioDeluxe: $99
- Plugin Boutique: $99
Tutorials and reviews
- Re-introducing iZotope Trash | What's new in our iconic distortion plugin (iZotope)
- How to use the new iZotope Trash | Creative distortion plugin
- iZotope Trash: The Bass Distortion Secret Weapon
- iZotope TRASH 3: Plugin features overview
- All New TRASH Plugin from iZotope by Native Instruments [demo]
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