Sony INFLATOR PLUG-IN User Manual

Inflator Plug-in Manual

Oxford Inflator Plug-in Operation Manual

1. General description.

The Inflator plug-in is primarily designed to address the current preference to produce the maximum
apparent loudness from popular music mixes. Many processes are already in use, which are variously
reliant on compression and limiting to produce maximum modulation and engender an impression of
excitement to the sound of the programme. 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. 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 process functions by changing the relative probability of the samples in the programme
such that there is a greater predominance and likelihood of larger values than the original signal.
Because the Inflator does not employ signal compression there is no ‘pumping’, dynamic level
changes, loss of presence or flattening of percussive attacks. The full dynamic information of the music
is largely preserved despite the increase in average modulation density.

In addition to loudness enhancement, the Inflator process 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 tube systems. When used this way, the
Inflator process even has the ability of good tube systems in producing great sounding programme
when significantly overdriven and can therefore be used as an artistic enhancement tool on single
performances within a mix.

2. Included Applications.

Pro Tools

Mono and stereo AS and RTAS versions of the Inflator application are provided (LE and TDM).

The TDM product also includes two additional mono and stereo versions – Direct only and Band Split.
The latter provides both Direct and Band Split modes (see below). The Direct version is provided for
your convenience, and utilises less DSP resources by only featuring direct processing (the band split
mode button is greyed out when this plugin is in use).

PowerCore

There are two separate plugin types – Direct and Band Split. The latter provides both Direct and Band
Split modes (see below). The Direct version is provided for your convenience, and utilises less DSP
resources by only featuring direct processing (the band split mode button is greyed out when this
plugin is in use). Mono and Stereo versions of each type are also provided, for a total of four plugins.

3. System Requirements.

Pro Tools

• Approved Digidesign CPU and configuration

• Pro Tools HD or Mix system (TDM version).

• Pro Tools LE system (LE version)

• iLok USB Key

PowerCore

• Approved TC Works CPU and hardware configuration

• OSX 10.2 or higher (Macintosh version)

• Windows XP (Windows version)

• 800x600 minimum display

• A VST or AudioUnit compliant host application (e.g. Cubase / Logic / Nuendo /

Spark / Digital Performer)

• One or more TC Works PowerCore devices (PCI or FireWire) with driver version

1.7 or higher.

4. Installation and Authorisation.

ProTools versions

You will need to authorize your software by transferring the asset for your product to your iLok before
use.

CD purchases: you can do this by following the instructions on the inlay card supplied with your CD.

Online purchases: you can do this by following the instructions sent in your order confirmation email
after purchase.

PowerCore versions

Users of this product will receive a custom version of the plugins, locked uniquely to their PowerCore.

CD purchases: you must register your product by following the instructions on the inlay card supplied
with your CD.

Online purchases: you must register by following the instructions sent in your order confirmation email
after purchase.

After registration you will be issued a download link via email for your plugins, which are now
uniquely locked to your PowerCore. NOTE: If you have multiple PowerCores, ensure you enter the
authentication ID for a device that is installed in the system used with your plugins, as this cannot be
changed after it is submitted!

You may re-request your software from this link at any time. This allows you to easily obtain future
updates. Additionally, this allows you to (for example) request a PC rather than Macintosh version (or
vice versa - remember, your software is locked to your PowerCore, not your computer).

Obtaining your PowerCore Authentication ID

Macintosh

Click the Apple icon at the top left of your screen, then select ‘System Preferences…’ from the drop
down menu which appears. When the Preferences window is displayed, click ‘POWERCORE’
(normally at the bottom left), ‘Configure’, and then the ‘Information’ tab in the PowerCore control
panel. Your authentication ID is now displayed (in the form XXXXXXX-XXXXXX-XX).

Windows