IVGI
By Klanghelm
IVGI provides saturation with control over drive, asymmetry and frequency-dependent behavior. It is useful for adding harmonic weight to a track or moving toward more audible distortion. Its response depends on the incoming signal level, so gain staging matters. Compare the treated and untreated signal at similar loudness, especially when evaluating subtle coloration on a bus.
Input level is part of the sound of nonlinear processing. Compare with output gain compensated, and listen to both transient detail and quieter passages before committing a strongly colored render.