I dont want to start a discussion whether using the Inflator is a good or bad thing, I just had it in the past on another system and often really liked what it did to the overall sound.
However on my new rig I do not have an iLok and I dont want to get one. So my question is, is there anything that does the same as the inflator, that is available as a native 64bit VST plugin, with no hardware protection (or eLicenser, which I have anyway).
Maybe the first question should be: What does the inflator really do? Is it some type of tube saturator or a harmonics enhancer?
Is there anything to get close to exactly that Inflator sounds?
Thanx
Codex
What comes close to the Sonnox Inflator?
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- KVRist
- 243 posts since 17 Sep, 2006
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- Banned
- 22457 posts since 5 Sep, 2001
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- KVRist
- Topic Starter
- 243 posts since 17 Sep, 2006
That sounds good... I already own a handful of Voxengo Plugins (the Elephant for example). They also have a nice trial and license policy, so I will just try out a demo of the Varisaturator.
The funny thing is, years ago, I thought the Inflator was the one-for-all loudness tool, I just used that one on my tracks, no limiter, compressor or whatsoever before or after it in the mixbus. But when I listen to tracks nowadays, they still do not sound too bad, and quite punchy as well...
Cheers,
Codex
The funny thing is, years ago, I thought the Inflator was the one-for-all loudness tool, I just used that one on my tracks, no limiter, compressor or whatsoever before or after it in the mixbus. But when I listen to tracks nowadays, they still do not sound too bad, and quite punchy as well...
Cheers,
Codex
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- Banned
- 22457 posts since 5 Sep, 2001
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- KVRAF
- 5913 posts since 17 Aug, 2004 from Berlin, Germany
The Oxford Inflator is a pseudonym for this effect (not for no reason) and used in dozens of productions because there are no competitors (ok, not many 
).
The Inflator uses a psychoacoustic effect which could be labelled as "loudness because of distortion". IMO there is only the Oxford (Sonnox) Inflator and UAD Precision Maximizer playing in the same ballpark. There is a difference for odd/even harmonics between this two and both sounding a bit different (I own both). I prefer the UAD Precision Maximizer.
I don't now about a native plug-in without a dongle which comes close. If the UAD is not an option, I would think about a USB Hub and use the Sonnox (with dongle).
).The Inflator uses a psychoacoustic effect which could be labelled as "loudness because of distortion". IMO there is only the Oxford (Sonnox) Inflator and UAD Precision Maximizer playing in the same ballpark. There is a difference for odd/even harmonics between this two and both sounding a bit different (I own both). I prefer the UAD Precision Maximizer.
I don't now about a native plug-in without a dongle which comes close. If the UAD is not an option, I would think about a USB Hub and use the Sonnox (with dongle).
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- KVRAF
- 2544 posts since 14 Sep, 2003 from Essex
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- KVRAF
- 6402 posts since 8 Jun, 2009
You'll need to work out how best to replicate the Inflator, but Melda's MMultiBand Saturator is worth a look. It gives you a lot of control over the saturation in terms of degree, bandwidth and dynamics. FabFilter's Saturn might be worth a look as well for similar reasons but I reckon the Melda is the Swiss army knife of saturators.
For more fire and forget use, the Fielding one is very nice indeed.
For more fire and forget use, the Fielding one is very nice indeed.
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- KVRAF
- 10149 posts since 16 Dec, 2002
ThrillseekerXTC seems to do so similar processing
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- KVRAF
- 5913 posts since 17 Aug, 2004 from Berlin, Germany
The Inflator is not a limiter, it's an effect (and it was never designed to be a fully fledged limiter). Think of it as a effect which is increasing the volume and the RMS level (without using some dynamic effects like a compressor or limiter).
So it's always a good idea to use it before the limiter.
So it's always a good idea to use it before the limiter.
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- KVRAF
- 6402 posts since 8 Jun, 2009
There's this video:electro wrote:I remeber reading years ago Oxford Inflator was meant to be post limiter.
But he's using the Limiter as an effect here not as a peak catcher. Not having a limiter after that lot to catch overs does not seem wise.
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- KVRAF
- 7794 posts since 20 Jul, 2004 from Clearwater
Since Inflator is essentially multi-band harmonic distortion, the same thing can be done with options such as VariSaturator as Theo mentioned, as well as FabFilter Saturn. Saturn even has a VariSaturator preset in it's mastering presets list. I'm sure there are other options, but these two would be great alternatives which actually offer more options.
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- KVRAF
- 3959 posts since 10 Sep, 2010 from A shit hole (Ireland).
Worth a look also would be the PSP's Vintage Warmer 2.
I will take the Lord's name in vain, whenever I want. Hail Satan! And his little goblins too. 
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- Banned
- 22457 posts since 5 Sep, 2001
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- KVRAF
- 3959 posts since 10 Sep, 2010 from A shit hole (Ireland).
Hey Theo,
I suppose it's more like a velvety limiter, but it has nice algorithms for harmonics so it's great for enhancing your sounds. But I know what your saying it's not quite the same as the Sonnox.
Cheers,
Rob.
I suppose it's more like a velvety limiter, but it has nice algorithms for harmonics so it's great for enhancing your sounds. But I know what your saying it's not quite the same as the Sonnox.
Cheers,
Rob.
I will take the Lord's name in vain, whenever I want. Hail Satan! And his little goblins too.