Distortion generation, 7 distortion generation – Sonnox Oxford Inflator User Manual
Page 9
2.7 Distortion Generation
2 OPERATION
some degree dependent on balance and instrument contribution levels.
It is suggested that, in this case, the best initial settings are with the Inflator set to direct
mode (ie. not band split), with the
CURVE control set to the mid position (0) and with
CLIP 0dBr de-selected. The input gain should be set somewhat above unity (+6dB) to
allow the mixer to operate without clipping overshoots prior to the Inflator, and the output
should be set to max (0db) to provide full output modulation. These settings will establish
a virtual operating level at –6dBr within the mixing environment, with a possible overload
area provided by the Inflator process for short-term level peaks to be accommodated
without clipping. The Inflator input and output meters can then be used as main output
buss level reference monitors during the mix session.
2.7 Distortion Generation
For distortion generation, it is best to proceed initially with the
EFFECT level set to
maximum so that the nature of any distortion can be assessed. The idea is to increase the
input level with the Inflator fully operational, and the
OUTPUT control reduced somewhat
to avoid output clipping, whilst listening to the results with various degrees of deliberate
and significant signal overdrive. The
CURVE control and CLIP 0dBr selector will both
affect the sound of the results, depending on the programme material being processed.
However, the best results are most likely to be obtained with the
CURVE control set to its
mid (0) position, as this produces the least higher order harmonic levels and most
resembles the dynamics behaviour of valve systems. In general, it is best to avoid
band-splitting mode if aiming for natural warmth and valve overdrive sounds. Input
clipping will dramatically change the nature of the distortion in overdrive situations and
you are encouraged to experiment with the
CLIP 0dBr selector both on and off, and
changing the order of plug-ins in the signal path.