Because the potential applications of this process are so varied, you are encouraged to experiment with CLIP 0dB on and off, to obtain the best results depending on your intentions. Therefore, you will note that, with CLIP 0dB selected, the input level meter will not rise above 0dB, however much input gain is employed. The CLIP 0dB function suppresses this extra range and restricts the Inflator process to the normal digital maximum range. The presence of this extra signal range is displayed on the upper sections of the INPUT level meter, and represents a range of up to +6dBr of useable overdrive before hard clipping occurs.

For instance, with the EFFECT level at maximum and the Clip 0dB off, signal peaks above notional digital maximum can be accommodated, and much of their harmonic information can be included in the output signal, even though the peak output level will not rise above digital maximum. The Inflator process develops internal signal levels that are notionally greater than digital maximum. When used in this way, the Inflator even has the ability of good valve systems to produce great sounding programme when significantly overdriven, and can therefore be used as an artistic enhancement tool on single performances within a mix.

In addition to loudness enhancement, the Inflator can create a harmonic profile in the signal spectrum that not only increases the apparent dynamic impact of instruments and performances, but also provides ’warmth’ to the programme, reminiscent of good valve systems. The full dynamic information of the music content is largely preserved despite the increase in average modulation density. The Inflator does not employ signal compression, so there is no ‘pumping’, dynamic level change, loss of presence or flattening of percussive attacks. The Inflator process functions by changing the relative probability of samples in the programme material such that there is a greater probability of larger values than the original signal. It will even make full level white noise sound louder! The Inflator plug-in can also be used to create much of the warmth, character and dynamic excitement of analogue systems within the digital domain.

The Inflator plug-in goes further than these methods and can increase the loudness of almost any programme material, regardless of the levels of prior compression or remaining dynamic range. Many processes are already in use, which are variously reliant on compression and limiting to produce maximum modulation and try to give an impression of excitement to the sound of the programme. The Sonnox Oxford Inflator plug-in is designed to address the current preference to produce the maximum apparent loudness from popular music mixes.

Sonnox oxford inflator torrent