Oxford Inflator: The Complete Tutorial

You already know the Oxford Inflator is a must have for adding loudness, energy, and presence without crushing dynamics. But are you using it to its full potential?

In our latest YouTube video, Sonnox creator Tom takes a deep dive into how the Inflator was designed to be used, sharing insights directly from the engineers who built it.

If you are ready to get more out of your favorite plug in, this walkthrough will help you refine your workflow and unlock new creative options.

Watch the Video

In this tutorial, Tom shows where to place the Inflator in a session for maximum impact, explaining why positioning it before the limiter can transform the feel of the final mix.

He explores the Curve control in detail, demonstrating how lowering the setting can add subtle depth and warmth while higher settings create a bold mid forward presence.

He also reveals when it is best to use Band Split mode to enhance lows, mids, and highs separately, and when the full range mode might be the more effective choice.

Another focus of the video is gain staging.

Tom shows how to make sure you are hearing true perceived loudness rather than being misled by simple volume changes.

By carefully matching levels, you can hear the Inflator’s effect clearly and apply it with confidence. Throughout the session he works with drums, vocals, instruments, and the mix bus, so you hear exactly how the Inflator behaves on different sources.

Why Watch?

The Inflator has been a trusted tool in professional studios for decades, yet there is always more to discover. This video goes beyond a basic demonstration and shows you how to use the plug in with purpose.

By the end, you will have a set of techniques that help you draw more impact from your drums, maintain clarity in your vocals, bring out the character of your guitars, and create a mix bus that feels powerful and polished.

Ready to Try It?

If you already own the Inflator, these approaches will give you fresh ideas to try in your next session.

If you are yet to experience Inflator on a session, you can download your free 15 day Oxford Inflator trial and hear for yourself why the it continues to be trusted by producers and engineers worldwide.