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Mufflers are typically installed along the exhaust pipe as part of the exhaust system of an internal combustion engine (of a vehicle, or stationary) to reduce its exhaust noise. The muffler accomplishes this with a resonating chamber, which is specifically tuned to cause destructive interference, where opposite sound waves cancel each other out. Catalytic converters also often have a muffling effect. The effect is mainly generated largely by restriction, rather than by cancellation.
A mini-muffler (also known as a "hotdog" in the auto industry) can be put in place of a normal muffler in a car exhaust system to "enhance" the sound of the exhaust for a car enthusiast. These are smaller, cost usually about half the price of a normal muffler and work in a similar way, but allowing more sound through. Changing the muffler / mini-muffler / catalytic converter combination can change the sound of a car's exhaust system considerably.
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