The early onset of clipping in a digital system, or soft clipping, behaves much like analog tape saturation in terms of trimming peaks while adding a non-linear behavior that in context reads as transparent while adding body and presence. In fact, cleverly applied clipping, rather than compromise the sound of an instrument or entire mix, can actually enhance them. But just like it was discovered that distortion judiciously (creatively) applied, could make drums, guitar, bass, or vocals stand out while still reading as clean in a mix, it was only a matter of time before creative use of digital clipping was found to yield similar results, particularly in certain genres of metal and EDM. Common wisdom tells us that clipping is something to be avoided-it was true in the analog days, and more so in the digital era. It’s important to realize that many of the processes we use to manipulate sound in a pleasing manner are counter-intuitive. Toolbar with presets and save, A/B comparison, selectable stereo, and mid-side operation, wet/dry mix, and bypass.Three-band frequency sensitivity controls how the clipper/limiter responds to different parts of the frequency spectrum.Four blend modes control how the limiter and clipper are blended together.Shape lets you adjust between hard and soft clipping.Combines variable clipping and limiting.
#Tonal balance control on drum bus full
Whether you need subtle clipping or heavy overdrive, Big Clipper gives you full creative control.
Are the highs taking your head off? No worries. However, the real magic is in the three-band sensitivity control too much low-frequency energy causing problems? Just dial it back and let the mids and highs work their wonders. Along with the ability to control the intensity and shape of clipping, Big Clipper has four blend modes that control how the limiting and clipping combine. Big Clipper’s unique constellation of controls let you throw open that window and let the air in. It turns out that there’s a very narrow window for clipping that allows cohesion and presence. The only caveat is that digital clipping when pushed too hard, can cause irretrievable damage. Just as engineers discovered the benefits of hitting analog tape harder than the specs considered safe, it turns out that clipping actually provides an excellent means of controlling peaks and creating an appealing non-linear behavior that enhances instruments and overall mixes.