05) The Subtle Magic of Alchemy
In medieval times, people believed in "alchemy": a fictional process that could supposedly transform mundane materials into precious gold. Sadly, it doesn't exist...
But in GOLD CLIP, it does :)
Alchemy will reduce the unpleasant harmonic effects of clipping by contouring mid and high frequencies down by as much as 1dB post-clipping.
By softening these harsher frequencies, the sonic effect is much like the high-frequency saturation of tape, but does not affect any other part of the signal.
This is an extremely subtle effect because it only kicks in as the signal approaches the 0.0dB clip point, and only on the mids and highs.
When to Use ALCHEMY
Much like tape, the high-frequency compression applied is instantaneous, without attack or release artifacts.
You can use Alchemy as a subtle de-esser, or high-frequency softener. I tend to start with Alchemy at 0 dB, then dial in the amount of clipping I desire. I then turn up Alchemy to pull back the harsh mids and highs. Usually 0.25 dB or less is all I need. Sometimes I do not need any at all and command-clicking the Alchemy knob bypasses it entirely.
If you have a limiter adding gain AFTER Gold Clip, Alchemy will increase the perceived loudness of kick drums and other low-frequency transients as they ascend into the clipper.
Things to Keep In Mind
Remember that Alchemy processing correlates to the signal approaching the clip point, much like Gold processing. In most popular music, the loudest signal will be the kick drum and/or bass at about 80hz.
So, as the low end of the kick/bass approach the clip point, Alchemy will begin reducing the mid and high frequencies.
For example, if a clap and kick hit at the same time, the clap would appear slightly lower in level than the kick because Alchemy is pushing the mids/highs down as the signal approaches 0.0dBFS.
Check out the images below to see how Alchemy is affecting the signal as it approaches the clip point. The below graphs show Alchemy at 1.0dB at varying input levels.
Give Alchemy a try next time you use Gold Clip, and let me know what you think. It sounds particularly great on drums! Tag @SchwabeDigital in an instagram story and show us how you are using it. We'll repost.
Be well,
Ryan Schwabe
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