Boost X

Name: Boost X
Price: 9.99 USD
Author: Initial Audio

by Initial Audio · Saturation · Dynamic saturation and overdrive

Not rated yet

Boost X is a dynamic saturation and overdrive plugin from Initial Audio with 7 saturation types and 16x oversampling.

Smart gain compensation keeps loudness steady while you add drive. It lists at $79 and was on sale for $20 when checked.

Best for: Drums, Bass, Vocals, Keys & Synths, Guitars. Genres: all genres.

Keywords: dynamic, overdrive, oversampling, bass, drums, vocals, enhancement, gritty, synths, warm, auto-gain, mixing, perpetual licence, resizable UI, single-band.

What it does

Boost X is a "dynamic smart saturation & overdrive" plugin from Initial Audio. Its saturation is stateful: it reacts to the input level, so quiet sounds can be driven hard without the output getting much louder.

Seven saturation types: seven styles to choose from; the developer's page does not name them.
Amount knob: one large knob sets how much saturation is applied.
Dynamic saturation: the algorithm responds to the incoming signal and applies saturation to suit the current loudness, rather than using a static curve.
Smart Gain: compensates for perceived loudness so you hear the tone change, not just a level jump.
16x oversampling: to suppress aliasing at higher drive.
Interface: a resizable HD GUI.

KVR lists version 1.3.0. It is a perpetual license, and it was on sale when checked. A free, fully functional demo is available.

Source: Initial Audio product page

When to use it

Boost X is a cheap, fast saturator for adding warmth and grit without having to chase output level. Compared with Decapitator, it does not model specific analog hardware, but its dynamic algorithm and Smart Gain do more of the level management for you. It offers more types than the free Saturation Knob, plus 16x oversampling, at a low sale price. Unlike RC-20 Retro Color, it has no noise, wobble or degradation modules; it is a saturation tool only. Its controls are simple, so it suits producers who want results from one knob more than detailed tone shaping.

Best for: adding warmth and grit to drums, bass, synths and vocals without loudness jumps.
Genres: hip-hop, EDM and pop, or any style that wants quick saturation.
Look elsewhere if: you want well-known analog-modeled character and more tone controls; Decapitator is the reference.

Where to buy

Tutorials and reviews

Boost X - Dynamic Saturation Effect Plugin

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