iZotope has introduced Photon, a standalone application and ARA2 plugin designed to make high-quality source separation and audio enhancement a faster and more immediate part of the production process.
Developed through the first collaboration between the research teams at iZotope and Boris FX, Photon is powered by twelve custom-trained machine-learning models. Processing runs locally on the computer’s GPU, removing the need to upload audio and allowing producers to work privately with considerably faster turnaround times.
For electronic music producers, DJs and remixers, Photon’s main attraction is its collection of Demix models. Music – 4 Stems Ultra separates a finished track into vocals, bass, drums and other musical elements, providing a practical starting point for remixes, edits, instrumentals and alternative arrangements.
The Drums – 5 Stems model goes even deeper, separating kick, snare, hi-hat, toms and cymbals. This gives producers the ability to rebalance or process individual elements of a drum performance that previously existed only as part of a stereo mix.
Photon also includes a dedicated two-stem voice model for creating instrumentals and acapellas, alongside a Voice Separator capable of identifying and isolating up to six different speakers. Its Cinema – 4 Stems model divides audiovisual material into dialogue, music, sound effects and remaining content.
The application’s Denoise section expands its role beyond music production. Voice Restore can improve speech while addressing noise, inconsistent levels, microphone tone and reverb. Additional models target indoor recordings, noisy rooms, traffic, urban ambience and heavy wind.
Photon can operate as a standalone environment or directly inside an ARA2-compatible DAW. Producers can combine several models, move between different processes and begin previewing from any point in a file without waiting for the entire recording to be analysed.
The interface presents the separated sources as overlapping colour-coded waveforms, with individual level, solo and mute controls. The result is a workflow that feels equally suited to technical restoration and creative experimentation.
Photon’s most important idea is not simply that artificial intelligence can split a finished mix. It is that source separation can become an active part of writing, remixing and arranging. A stereo master is no longer necessarily the end of the process; it can become the beginning of something new.
The application supports WAV, FLAC and MP3 exports and can preserve the original video stream when working with compatible audiovisual formats.
Pricing and availability
iZotope Photon has an MSRP of $349 and launches with an introductory Cyber deal of $259 until December 7, 2026. Crossgrade, loyalty and subscription options are also available.
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