06) Three Clippers, One Plugin
You probably already have seen that GOLD CLIP has three unique clipper algorithms: Modern, Classic, and Hard.
Each of these algorithms sound quite different, and I encourage you to try different modes to see what works best for your music.
But did you know there's a hidden fourth setting? 🤯 Keep reading, and I'll tell you all about it.
Picking the Right Clipper
Classic is the default and is a great all-around option. It's inspired by a famous hardware mastering device with a medium knee, and it works on nearly all material. I usually start with this.
Modern emulates a different hardware device with a soft knee, and like Classic it is tuned to match its dynamic response precisely. This setting delivers more lively sound that accentuates low-frequency transients.
Hard gives you the cleanest sound by maintaining the integrity of the signal below the clip point. If I want a clean sound, I'll push the input trim so the track is half a dB below the clip point. Then, I use Gold to get loudness and Alchemy to shape tone.
The Secret Fourth Clean Setting
During development, I insisted on a "clipper off" setting, despite objections from my developer.
With the clipper off completely, Gold and Alchemy can work in the cleanest way possible, without the harmonic effects of clipping.
If you're careful with your gain staging, this mode can work wonders. I've used it on modern classical records, folk, ambient, and even a few RnB and rap records.
This is one level cleaner than the Hard setting and can be very powerful if used correctly.
Just make sure the signal stays below the clip point, or else unpleasant distortion can occur.
Accessing "Clipper Off" Mode
To get this fourth setting, command-click on the Clipper button. This puts the clipper in bypass and turns the ceiling needle grey.
Use the linked input/output trim to get the signal as close to 0.0dBFS as possible, then apply Gold & Alchemy processing... and voila, you're using Gold Clip in the cleanest way possible!
Give it a try, and let me know what you think. Tag @SchwabeDigital in an instagram story and show us how you are using Gold Clip. We'll repost.
Be well,
Ryan Schwabe
p.s. Subscribe below for updates on Schwabe Digital Plugins.
