Inphonik RX950 Classic AD/DA Converter is a digital audio plugin designed to emulate the iconic sound of the Akai S950 sampler. This virtual device meticulously recreates the entire analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog conversion process of the original hardware, capturing its distinctive 12-bit resolution and unique audio characteristics. The RX950 aims to bring the warm, gritty, and vintage sound of the S950 to modern digital audio workstations, allowing producers and musicians to infuse their tracks with the coveted lo-fi aesthetic of 80s and 90s sampling technology. With its simple interface and four main controls – Input Gain, Audio Bandwidth, Filter, and Output Level – the RX950 offers an accessible way to achieve classic sampler tones without the complexity of operating vintage hardware. The plugin’s ability to add subtle warmth or intense saturation makes it versatile for various musical genres, from hip-hop and electronic music to indie rock and beyond.
Pros:
• Faithful emulation of the Akai S950’s AD/DA conversion process
• Simple, intuitive interface with four main controls
• Versatile sound-shaping capabilities, from subtle warmth to intense lo-fi effects
• Low CPU consumption
• Scalable GUI for different screen sizes and resolutions
• Available in multiple plugin formats (VST, AU, AAX) for Windows, Mac, and Linux
Cons:
• Limited to 64-bit systems, not compatible with older 32-bit machines
• May require some experimentation to achieve desired results, especially for users unfamiliar with vintage sampler characteristics
The Inphonik RX950 Classic AD/DA Converter boasts a range of features that contribute to its ability to recreate the iconic sound of the Akai S950. At its core, the plugin utilizes a legendary 12-bit resolution, which is crucial in capturing the gritty, crunchy character that made the original hardware so desirable. This lower bit depth, compared to modern 24-bit or 32-bit float audio, introduces a subtle but pleasing form of distortion and noise that adds character to the sound.
The plugin’s audio signal path has been meticulously modeled to replicate the behavior of the S950’s circuitry. This includes the analog input stage, the analog-to-digital conversion process, the digital-to-analog conversion, and the analog output stage. Each of these elements contributes to the overall color and texture of the sound, ensuring that the RX950 delivers an authentic vintage sampler experience.
One of the key features of the RX950 is its adjustable audio bandwidth control. This parameter allows users to manipulate the effective sample rate of the conversion process, providing a wide range of tonal possibilities. By reducing the bandwidth, users can introduce aliasing effects and roll off high frequencies, mimicking the behavior of lower sample rates used in vintage samplers. This control is essential for achieving everything from subtle vintage warmth to extreme lo-fi effects.
The RX950 also incorporates the original steep 6th-order low-pass Butterworth filter found in the Akai S950. This filter is renowned for its distinctive sound and plays a crucial role in shaping the high-frequency content of the processed audio. Users can adjust the filter cutoff frequency to further sculpt the sound, allowing for precise control over the amount of high-end roll-off.
A unique feature of the RX950 is the ‘Brilliance’ control, which adjusts the high-frequency response of the audio bandwidth. This additional parameter provides users with even more flexibility in shaping the top end of their sound, allowing for fine-tuning of the plugin’s character to suit different source material or desired outcomes.
The plugin offers both stereo and mono operation, making it suitable for processing a wide range of audio material. Whether working with full mixes, individual instruments, or mono sources like drum samples, the RX950 can adapt to various signal types.
In terms of user interface, the RX950 features a graphical interface that captures the aesthetic of vintage rack-mount gear. The GUI is scalable from 1x to 2.5x, ensuring compatibility with various screen sizes and resolutions. This attention to visual detail extends to the parameter value display, which allows for keyboard typing on double-click for precise adjustments.
The RX950 also supports NKS (Native Kontrol Standard), making it compatible with Native Instruments hardware controllers for hands-on tweaking. Additionally, the plugin offers native Apple Silicon support, ensuring optimal performance on the latest Mac systems.
When comparing the Inphonik RX950 to similar plugins, it stands out for its focused approach to emulating a specific piece of hardware. While plugins like Beatskillz SampleX, TAL Software TAL-DAC, and ToneBoosters TimeMachine offer similar vintage sampling and bit-crushing effects, the RX950’s dedication to recreating the Akai S950’s sound sets it apart. The RX950’s simplicity and authenticity make it particularly appealing for those seeking the specific character of the S950. Unlike more general-purpose lo-fi or bit-crushing plugins, the RX950 captures the nuances of the entire signal path of the S950, including its unique filter characteristics and analog coloration. This level of detail in emulation allows for a more authentic vintage sampler sound compared to plugins that focus solely on bit reduction or sample rate manipulation.
However, the RX950’s specificity might be seen as a limitation compared to more versatile plugins that offer a broader range of vintage sampler emulations or additional effects. Users looking for a wider palette of lo-fi sounds might find other plugins more suitable, while those specifically after the S950 sound will likely prefer the focused approach of the RX950.
This plugin is best for:
• Producers and musicians seeking to add authentic vintage sampler character to their tracks
• Hip-hop, electronic, and lo-fi music creators looking for gritty, warm textures
• Audio engineers wanting to add subtle analog-style coloration to digital recordings
• Beatmakers aiming to recreate the sound of classic 80s and 90s sampled drums
• Sound designers in need of a tool for creating retro-style effects and textures
Inphonik RX950 Classic AD/DA Converter plugin offers a compelling solution for those seeking to inject their digital productions with the character and warmth of vintage sampling technology. Its faithful emulation of the Akai S950’s conversion process provides users with an accessible way to achieve classic sampler tones without the need for rare and expensive hardware. The plugin’s straightforward interface belies its powerful sound-shaping capabilities, allowing for a wide range of effects from subtle analog-style warmth to intense lo-fi textures. While it may require some experimentation to fully exploit its potential, particularly for those unfamiliar with vintage sampler characteristics, the RX950’s low CPU usage and scalable GUI make it a user-friendly option for various production environments. Its specificity as an S950 emulation may limit its appeal for those seeking a more versatile lo-fi toolkit, but for producers and musicians aiming to capture the essence of a specific era in sampling history, the RX950 stands out as a valuable and authentic tool. The plugin’s ability to breathe life into digital audio with its gritty, warm character makes it a worthy addition to any producer’s arsenal, especially those working in genres that celebrate the sonic aesthetics of early sampling technology.