iZotope and Boris FX Launch Photon for GPU-Accelerated Stem Separation
iZotope has officially launched Photon, a new standalone desktop application and ARA2 plugin that provides artificial intelligence-powered stem separation and audio enhancement. Developed as the first joint research collaboration between iZotope and Boris FX, the software relies on 12 custom-trained machine learning models designed to run locally on the user’s computer graphics processing unit. By processing audio entirely on local hardware, the application eliminates the need for cloud uploads, waiting queues, or usage cutoffs.
The software is designed to operate either as a standalone program or as an ARA plugin within compatible digital audio workstations and hosts such as Pro Tools, Cubase, REAPER, Sequoia, and Samplitude. Within a DAW, the Audio Random Access protocol allows the plugin to access clip content beyond standard streaming audio buffers, letting users run multiple models simultaneously and switch between them without delay.
Split Audio into Stems Using Specialized Tools
Photon is divided into specialized tools for music demixing and dialogue restoration. For music production, the Demix section includes Music 4 Stems Ultra, which separates a finished mix into vocals, bass, drums, and other instruments. A standard Music 4 Stems model is also included for quicker adjustments. For percussion, Drums 5 Stems extracts individual kick, snare, hi-hat, tom, and cymbal stems from a stereo mix or drum bus. Additional models include Voice 2 Stems for separating vocals from music, and Cinema 4 Stems, which splits video or audio files into dialogue, music, sound effects, and remaining content.
For spoken word and post-production, the Voice Separator model can untangle up to six speakers recorded onto a single track, allowing users to isolate, adjust, or export individual voices from podcasts and interviews. The Denoise suite features Voice Restore to handle speech clarity, background noise, levels, mic tone, and reverb, alongside dedicated filters for indoor room echo, urban traffic, and heavy wind.
Users can preview audio from any point in a clip and export completed work in WAV, FLAC, or MP3 formats. For video workflows, Photon reads supported video containers and can export processed audio directly back into the original video stream while keeping the original video track intact. A built-in Model Manager handles new and updated model downloads independently of application reinstalls.
Purchase Software Through Multiple Subscription Plans
Photon is available now for purchase through the Red Shark News report and manufacturer channels, with an MSRP of $349. A launch promotion offers a discounted cyber price of $259 through December 7, 2026. Crossgrade pricing options are available for existing owners of paid iZotope products and RX bundles, alongside subscription plans priced at $19 per month or $119 per year, which feature introductory rates for the first month or year.
Boris FX subscribers for qualifying products, including the Boris FX Suite, Vegas Pro Ultimate, Sequoia, Samplitude Suite, and CrumplePop, receive free access through the Boris FX Hub. System requirements specify macOS 14 or later running on Apple silicon, while Intel-based Mac computers are unsupported. Windows users require Windows 10 or later in a 64-bit environment, paired with a GPU possessing at least 4 GB of VRAM, alongside a recommended 16 GB of system RAM and an 8 GB minimum.