01) What is Gold Clip?
GOLD CLIP is much more than just another clipper. It is an incredibly powerful dynamic processor that requires some understanding of gain staging and mastering techniques to maximize its full potential. It is a simple tool, but underneath lies complexity. It is a clipper, but it is so much more than that.
Once you fully understand Gold Clip, you will be able to unlock a wide palette of sounds; from aggressive and dirty to clean and pristine.
What does Gold Clip do?
Gold Clip is a clipper, loudness saturator, mid to high frequency peak processor, distortion device, box tone generator, clip clock, and true parallel mixer. It can be a mastering processor, a unique dynamic effect for mixing, and a creative tool for production. It can be clean and reserved, or loud, angry, and distorted.
Gold Clip includes two loudness saturation algorithms called Gold as well as a unique mid to high frequency peak processor called Alchemy. Both processors are integrated into the clipping algorithm to produce a maximally smooth and loud master.
The Three Main Functions
The Clipper is inspired by the overloading effects of two famous mastering converters. We named them Modern and Classic. There is also a clean clipper that we cooked up for you called Hard. These three clippers are like no other digital clippers out there. Try pushing your mixes into them and see how smooth and natural they sound. And the clipper isn't even the best part, but it is a necessary step to make Gold processing possible.
Gold processing uses a clever loudness technique that enhances quiet sounds in your mix, without altering the peaks. I like to call it compression without consequence, but in reality, it is compression without attack and release. Use the input trim to boost your mix up to the clipper's ceiling, add some Gold, and experience the power of this incomparable dynamic effect.
Alchemy is a peak processor that operates in the mid to high frequencies, reducing harshness and unwanted clipping effects. As the signal reaches the clip point, Alchemy gently softens the mid to high frequencies. I like to think of it as digital tape because it can take the ugly bite out of a mix when things get loud.
To see and hear this all in action, I've put together a short 7-minute video going over all the different ways you can use Gold Clip in your productions.
Be well,
Ryan Schwabe
p.s. Subscribe below for updates on Schwabe Digital Plugins.
