My Top 4 Custom Macros for Izotope RX

We all know the struggle. You're in the zone, editing dialogue in iZotope RX, and suddenly your creative flow gets snagged by repetitive tasks. Maybe you're constantly switching between horizontal and vertical interpolation in Spectral Repair, or meticulously adjusting Before/After Weighting for each repair.  

This is where Soundflow comes in as your audio post-production hero. By creating custom macros, you can streamline your workflow and reclaim those precious moments of creative focus.

Here are 4 essential Soundflow macros designed to supercharge your surgical dialogue editing with RX:

Mastering Spectral Repair: Attenuate with the Perfect Direction

Remember how I preached about Spectral Repair being your most-used RX module? As a dialogue editor, eliminating unwanted sounds is crucial. 

But here's the catch: Spectral Repair's settings heavily influence its effectiveness. One key parameter you'll find yourself constantly adjusting is the Direction of Interpolation. While 2D repairs might be rare, toggling between horizontal and vertical interpolation is an everyday occurrence.

This is where Soundflow swoops in to save the day. 

Head over to the Soundflow Store and download the official iZotope RX package. Once installed, navigate to the Soundflow Folder in the Editor tab under Packages.  Dive into the iZotope RX commands folder and locate the subfolder named "Module Utilities." There, you'll find the golden ticket: "Set Spectral Repair Settings."

Under Factory Presets, you'll see the "Default Preset." Click it, then select "Edit a Copy." 

A duplicate named "Default Preset Copy" appears under the "My Presets" folder. Rename it to something clear, like "Attenuate - Horizontal." 

Now, adjust only the following parameters:

• Spectral Repair Tab: Attenuate

• Bands: 128

• Direction of Interpolation: Horizontal

Leave everything else untouched. This macro specifically targets the parameters you set, ensuring it doesn't alter any other Spectral Repair settings.  

If you accidentally tweak a parameter you don't want the macro to touch, simply hover over the downward arrow next to "Parameter names," click it, and select "Reset."

Now, select "New Trigger" and choose iZotope RX from the "When these apps are focused" dropdown menu. Assign your shortcut key; "h" works well for horizontal.

Feeling the power? Now duplicate the macro and rename it "Attenuate - Vertical." Here, change the settings to:

• Bands: 4096

• Direction: Vertical

For this trigger key, swap it to "v" for vertical.

Spectral Repair: Before/After Weighting at Your Fingertips

Let's take Spectral Repair mastery to another level. Another setting you'll likely adjust frequently is the Before/After Weighting. This dictates the information Spectral Repair analyzes for the repair itself. While you can manually adjust this each time, a custom macro makes the process lightning fast.

In Soundflow, revisit the "Set Spectral Settings" command. Create a new copy from the default preset and name it "Attenuate - Before Weighting." The only parameter you'll touch here is:

• Spectral Repair Tab: Attenuate

• Before/After Weighting: -1

Next, apply the key trigger for iZotope RX only. I use the number "1" for this macro.

Duplicate this macro again and rename it "Attenuate - Center Weighting." Change the Before/After Weighting to 0 and set the Key Trigger to "2."  

Follow these same steps for creating an "After Weighting" macro, setting the parameter to 1 and the Key Trigger to "3."

Now, with a simple keystroke, you can instantly switch between weighting preferences, streamlining your workflow.

Render Your RX Chain in a Flash

Here's a head-scratcher: why isn't rendering your module chain a default function in RX?  

Fear not, Soundflow is here to bridge that gap.  

Create a new command in Soundflow and name it something descriptive, like "RX Chain Render."

Next, add the action "Click UI Element." Select "Pick" and then click on the actual render button within your RX module chain. Finally, set the key trigger for iZotope RX only.  

I prefer "opt + C" for this function.

Toggle Output Ambience Only with Ease

Another time-saving macro you'll appreciate is one for toggling Output Ambience Only.  In Soundflow, create a new command and name it something clear, like "Toggle RX Ambience Match Output Only."

Using the "Click UI Element" action, select the "Output Ambience Match Output Only" button within iZotope RX.  

Finally, set the Key Trigger mapped to a convenient combination, like "ctrl + shift + A" for easy access.

There you have it!  These four essential Soundflow macros, designed specifically for iZotope RX, will elevate your surgical dialogue editing workflow to new heights.  No more wasting precious time on repetitive tasks. With these custom shortcuts at your fingertips, you can focus on what truly matters: crafting pristine, professional-sounding dialogue.

So, fire up Soundflow, create these macros, and get ready to experience a whole new level of efficiency in your RX workflow!

Remember, the key to a smooth workflow is customization. Feel free to experiment and create additional macros based on your specific needs.  

Happy sound sculpting!