Full Description
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A new kind of audio leveller
Studio aficionados will be very familiar with the typical processors used to level an audio signal to achieve a consistent level. Namely, compressors and limiters are the most common you'll find in any studio of any level across the world. Inflator doesn't conform to the typical parameters of these processors and uses a completely different approach to achieve a consistent level and larger than life tone.
Processing functions by changing the relative probability of the samples in the programmer to create a larger likelihood of larger values than in the original signal, is exactly how Inflator is described in the user manual. Whilst a complicated explanation, it describes a unique process that doesn't follow conventional signal thresholds and gain reduction meters. With this in mind, Inflator doesn't fall down the same pitfalls as compressors and limiters as it doesn't introduce pumping, artefacts or transient degradation. It can however be driven into overdrive when pushed hard, much like a tube circuit can to increase perceived loudness.
Preserve your tone and transients
As described, Inflator follows an entirely different principle when processing audio to conventional levelling tools and as such, creates a different response that is ideal for delicate applications such as stereo 2-bus processing or mastering.
Comprised of only a simple few controls Inflator presents an exciting opportunity to add punch, weight and glue to your tracks without any of the unwanted consequences of compression, limiting or clipping. The Effect Level control can be thought of as a blend dial whereby you should aim to have this as close to peaking as possible whilst avoiding distortion. Additional loudness can be achieved by switching the Clip 0dBr feature to eat into the soft headroom that's integrated within the plug-in. The next parameter you'll find is the Curve control, which affects the perceived loudness and tonal nature of the signal. At its lowest, the loudness effect is negligible with only small amounts of tonal enhancement, maintaining the core tone with a small amount of added warmth. Turning up this dial is where the Inflator comes alive. Pushing your sound upfront, adding warmth and harmonic content with an increased perception of detail and creating loudness whilst maintaining the core tone and transient response of your instrument, the Inflator has been named appropriately.
Highly musical, the Inflator will perform best when operating on large subgroups, mixes or full mastering projects to achieve the level of commercial mixes and compete with their loudness and consistency, however that's not the only usage. Ideal for anything from double-tracked vocals to electric bass to create a flattering tonal change whilst maintaining the consistent level required for those instruments to be heard above a dense mix.
Reviews
"The more you use it, the more reluctant you'll be to work without it!" - SoundonSound
"Mastering houses should be foaming at the mouth to get this baby" - Audio Media
"Even novices will be adding punch and clarity to tracks" - Recording magazine
Features
- Unlock the keys to loud and punchy mixes without the artefacts of a compressor
- Add perceived dynamic range to hard-clipped signals
- Preserve transients and avoid pumping effects
- Simple to use interface offers powerful processing with little to no learning curve
- Band-split and Direct modes offers customisable response to unique instruments
- The secret weapon of audio professionals
Specifications
System requirements
- Operating system:
- MacOS: OS X 10.8 or later - M1 compatible using Rosetta 2
- Windows: Windows 7 or later
- Format:
- Mac: AAX, AAX-DSP, AU, VST2 & VST3
- Windows: AAX, AAX-DSP, VST2 & VST3
- Supported hosts:
- Mac: Pro Tools 10.3.8 – 12 (AAX Native & AAX DSP), Pro Tools 7 – 10 (TDM & RTAS), Logic Pro X 10.2, Logic 8 & 9, Digital Performer, Nuendo, Cubase, Ableton Live, Studio One
- Windows:Pro Tools 10.3.8 – 12 (AAX Native & AAX DSP), Pro Tools 7 – 10 (TDM & RTAS), Nuendo, Cubase, Ableton Live, Samplitude, Sequoia, Pyramix, Studio One
General
- Activation: iLok 2, iLok 3 USB key OR an iLok account with an active internet connection
- Product code: 1029-17