TRACK 1 AUDIO / WORKFLOW COMPARISON
Oxford Inflator alternative: Harmonic Bloom
By Levi Brooks · Published · Updated
Looking for harmonic color? Harmonic Bloom offers separate 2nd order and 3rd order harmonics controls, with free Lite and $10.99 USD Premium editions.
Published by Track 1 Audio, maker of Harmonic Bloom. This is a comparison of documented workflows, not an independent review or a measured sound-equivalence test.
Harmonic saturation or perceived loudness?
Sonnox describes Oxford Inflator as a perceived-loudness and density processor: Effect sets the amount and Curve changes the harmonic character. Harmonic Bloom is a saturator built around focused harmonic-stage controls.
Consider Harmonic Bloom as an Oxford Inflator alternative when you want to balance 2nd order and 3rd order harmonics directly. It does not reproduce Inflator’s proprietary process, Effect/Curve behavior, sound or measured loudness response.
Start free, then choose your workflow
Harmonic Bloom Lite includes Classic serial processing, Harmonics gain, Mix and Solo. Premium adds Bold mode, parallel harmonic-stage routing and six factory presets for $10.99 USD once. These controls change harmonic color; total loudness can still change.
Listen to the raw and processed audio examples, then try Lite on a familiar track. Match perceived loudness, change one control at a time, and check peak level and the result in your mix.
Downloads and compatibility
Lite downloads require no email or account. Mac AUv2/VST3 and Windows x64 VST3 preview builds are available; Intel Mac is verified, while native Apple Silicon and Windows DAW testing is pending. There is no AAX build.
Track 1 Audio is independent and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Sonnox. Oxford Inflator is a third-party product; consult its developer for current requirements.