06) Sculpting Dynamics with the ORANGE Knob
In the last post, we introduced how wave shaping works. Now, let’s take a closer look at the ORANGE knob in Orange Clip and how it controls the size and shape of the wave shaping applied to your track. Think of it like a compressor threshold: it determines where wave shaping begins, measured downward from the clip ceiling.
The ceiling control simplifies clipping by allowing you to move the clip point below 0.0dBFS. The ceiling sets the top of the wave shaper, while the ORANGE knob determines the bottom. For example, if the ceiling is set to -6dBFS and ORANGE to -10dB, wave shaping begins at -16dBFS. Input signals below -16dBFS remain linear, signals between -16dBFS and -6dBFS are wave-shaped, and signals above -6dBFS approach hard clipping.
How Different Settings Shape the Sound
At 0.0 dB (fully clockwise): The transfer function remains linear up to the clip ceiling, resulting in hard clipping. This creates a bright, aggressive, and sometimes crunchy sound, with transients sharply cut at the ceiling.
At -51.8 dB (fully counterclockwise): Wave shaping begins far below the ceiling, producing a soft knee curve. This smooths out peaks, reducing harshness in transients like clicky kick drums, and creates a rounder, warmer tone by blending the sharp edges into the mix. If the ceiling was set to -10dB, then wave shaping starts at -61.8 dB.
At the default setting of -4.4 dB: Wave shaping begins 4.4 dB below the ceiling needle, offering a medium knee curve that smooths the midrange and subtly enhances low-end warmth.
Quick Tip
Turn on multi-band clipping.
Set the LF crossover to 60 Hz and the LF ORANGE to -51.8.
Blend it in at about 70%.
Increase the post gain to match the levels. Command-Click the Orange knob to bypass and un-bypass the LF clipper and match the volume.
Did you notice how the shape and sound of the low end is completely different? It should sound deeper and more rich. This is an excellent technique for achieving modern, deep sub bass.
That’s a quick look at the power of the ORANGE knob. In the next post, we’ll explore the trims, metering and some intersting key commands.
Tag @SchwabeDigital in an Instagram story and show us how you are using Orange Clip—we’ll repost!
Be well,
Ryan Schwabe
Grammy-nominated and multi-platinum mixing & mastering engineer
Founder of Schwabe Digital
