Thank you so much for considering my request in the Sage Community and making a comparison video of the top clipping plugins so fast! That was very helpful! Cheers! Jannis
I've used all of these clippers, and ultimately standard clip and gold clip are easier to make sound clean and good while getting more loudness. Gold clip IMO just sounds the best and it doesn't take long to nail down what your setting need to be on the track.
KClip user here, i find that the multiband version has some discrepancies that i don't find when using the single clipper version. I love the simplicity of KClip and how it achieves what i want in simple steps. There is definitely no need for filters or different EQ curves pre or post clipping, that can all be done with the use of a dedicated plugin in my opinion.
@@vandpiben Fabfilter Pro-L is indeed a great plugin but it is not born as a clipper but a limiter, sure you can use it as a clipper but that's the reason why it's not on the list
When I started thinking about clarity, depth, and dynamics, my approach to mastering changed completely. stop considering about loudness that much. I have met such great mixing & mastering artists that has no idea about clipping. old school, compression, saturation & limiter. bam bam!
My go-to clipper is the JS Hard Clipper in REAPER. Has linear and log modes. You can oversample with REAPER's built in plugin oversampling. It's a simple job.. it does it. Takes the strain off the dynamics processors down the chain.
Another excellent lesson, thanks for taking the time to put these together. Funny, I settled on the BX_Clipper by Brainworks, but I also have the OVC-128 by Voxengo that I used to use.
KClip3 needs phase linear crossovers. Other than that, KClip3 and Standard Clip are my favourites. Standard clip because of that SoftClip Pro top range of compression. I also have Elevate (Saturate), I don use that in mastering but in the mix I do. Gold Clip price is a joke, imo.
So Gold Clip (for me) is a bit of a color box. I use it when I want something to have its particular sound (the EQ curve). It sounds good for what it is - albeit that price point is a bit wild. My clipper of choice is usually Saturate! Paired with the rest of the Elevate bundle, it’s quite a value, even with its drawbacks. Ash is great, but I find the various “models” finicky and frustrating to get right. I never could quite get K-Clip to sound right, but this makes me want to give it another go! Hardware wise - I use a Dangerous Convert AD+ for mixes with Clip Guard and transformer on (no Baxandall EQ), and a Crane Song Interstellar for mastering. The Dangerous tends to take being pushed quite well, while the Interstellar can clip about 3dB before it starts yelling. Engaging Triode harmonics on the Interstellar results in pretty nasty artifacts if clipped at all, but Penrose and Tape DSP each at 1 sounds AMAZING!
Kraftur is kinda blowing my mind right now, but yes Saturate is an amazing value plugin!! Along with everything else Newfangled, including Elevate! Gives you enough to play with without overcomplicating and gets the job done without thinning things out. I was using primarily Standard Clip, Acustica’s Fire the Clip (also great and clean on a lotta stuff but sometimes accentuates mid presence more than you might want when pushed), and occasionally a few others (K-Clip once in a while, soft clippers in Ozone, etc.), and I must say I feel like at least to my ears, Newfangled Saturate is beating them out on a lot of my AB’s on the master bus! I mean they aren’t proper 1 to 1 comparisons, but something about how Saturate tends to retain the fullness of sub freqs on EDM material while not easily distorting until you really push the gain is 👨🍳 🤌. Kraftur too. Love where in-the-box is at now!!
Good clipper comparison. I have SIR Standard Clip, also Schwabe Gold and Orange Clip. Gold sounds to me to be clean enough for the 2 bus. I was able to get loud and clean pretty quick during the trial so I bought it. This was after trying and buying a few others, including SIR Standard Clip.
Linear analysis can't be applied to non-linear processing VST plugins. Instead, you should use a Hammerstein to check frequency response with harmonics
Thanks for your insight! You’re right that linear analysis has limitations when dealing with non-linear processing. While the video emphasizes understanding harmonic content, it doesn’t specifically cover Hammerstein models, but that approach can certainly help analyze frequency response in non-linear scenarios. It's all about finding the right tools for the task!
IK Multimedia’s Classic Clipper can be a solid choice for mastering, as it helps control peaks while maintaining a musical quality. It can add warmth and punch to your master, so just be sure to tweak the settings for the best results!
Kraftur, HorNet Magnus MK3, AIR Soft Clipper, TR5 Classic Clipper, RedClip not mentioned. I think you left a few very good ones out in this vid. While there are many on the market, free to very expensive, every clipper has its own sound. So it depends on what sound you’re looking for. In terms of clean loudness enhancement without audible distortion Kraftur is simply insane. Nothing comes near that rn.
Couldn't agree more with your feedback of Ash. I ultimately almost never reach for it because switching between all of the clipping options (the only real differentiator of this one versus other clippers) is such a pain in the @ss without normalization. It's too bad because it could be a serious contender.
Standart Clip user here! Thank you on the "curtain lifting" on the GoldClip`s "magic". Could you go in on details of Standart Clip`s "SOFT CLIP PRO" mode and how to use it to our advantage?
The "SOFT CLIP PRO" mode in Standart Clip helps to gently tame peaks while preserving the overall dynamics of your mix. This mode can add warmth and cohesion, making your track feel more polished. Start by setting the threshold to where the peaks are being controlled without losing energy, and adjust the input level for optimal results. It’s especially effective for smoothing out drums and vocals, enhancing the overall sonic character of your master.
Ive tried several, and like classic clip by t-racks. Could You do one on Fruity clipper, and orange clipper, and show how to achieve similar results with other clippers? Thanks! I know lots of the trap producers would love to see.
have you tried Voxengo OVC-128? very CPU optimized oversampled clipper with a very smooth sound. I'll reach for Newfangled saturate or K clip if I want more edge but OVC-128 is the smoothest
Great question! Flatline2, KClip, and Standart Clip each have their unique strengths, so it really depends on your specific needs. Flatline2 is fantastic for achieving a transparent sound, while KClip excels in aggressive clipping. Standart Clip offers a smooth, musical clipping that can add warmth. It’s all about what fits your mix best!
Free Clip or Peak Eater for standard clipping tasks, NF Saturate if I need something special (I did not notice the artefacts you were showing, to me it sounds more refined than standard clippers)
can you please review Kraftur by sound theory, when i push some tracks into a clipper for example something that is vocal and acoustic guitar heavy and then the rest of the band/mix kicks in let's say at the last chorus. the multiband clipper idea works out very well but with a "normal" clipper like the standard clip it is hard to retain perceived loudness throughout the song without pushing the song into distortion
Gold Clip is supposed to be the only one that has an oversampling algorithm that doesn't ruin the sound. I got it because of the Warp Academy video that explains it.
Boz Big Clipper can be good for mastering, it definitely can help in adding warmth and presence. I has quite intuitive interface and the way it enhances overall loudness without introducing harshness is solid. It can be a great addition to your mastering chain!
Best Lavry emulation is ASH Flat, Gold Clip sounds as good as ASH with much less options and the metering is gawd awful. Orange Clip however is very useful and sounds incredible. Kraftur is also excellent and very unique in how your able to sculpt transients. K Clip I agree is a wonderful thing as well as Standard Clip.
We had the help of a developer I believe, if you'd like to enquire more about this it might be best to reach out to us directly at admin@sageaudio.com, thanks!
I could tell Plugin A was the free version, the harshness in the high mids / highs was a dead giveaway. Thanks for lifting the curtain on Gold Clip though, The gold function is just a maximiser? 😂🤦♂ The tilt shift / post eq makes a lot of sense now. Wild how something so simple can enhance the sound - I always thought it sounded a step beyond other clippers and that's why. I'm glad I didn't buy it now because that price is pure extortion for what it is. I have KClip but idk man, I don't really like it. Maybe it's just my inability to dial it in and maybe I'll come around on it, who knows.
@@fdgggfh24 I’d really thoroughly test out Gold Clip for yourself. It’s easy to get what you’re looking for quickly and it works. FYI…there’s a rent-to-own option if you weren’t aware.✌🏾
IK Multimedia’s Classic Clipper can be a good choice for mastering if used correctly, as it helps control peaks while maintaining a musical and overall transparent quality. It can add some subtle warmth and punch to your final master, so just be sure to tweak the settings for the best results! @johndoe_1984 does raise a good point about the filter
a clipper is the most misunderstood and most important production tool. -75 Db aliasing is just a joke. No one should ever pay attention to that. Get waveshaper and you will have all possible clippers in one.
Yea they do kinda the same but a tad different Soft Clipper: rounds the peaks Hard Clipper: shaves the peaks Limiter: Attenuates the top peaks to avoid clipping Compressor: controls the volume automatically
Are you using studio-level reference headphones or monitors in an acoustically treated space? Having studio-designed and reference quality monitoring is very helpful for discerning these differences.
@@TildeSounds this is true but in this video we’re talking about Clippers on a Master (not a track or a buss), so no FL Clipper for me (but I do use Orange Clipper on busses👍🏾).
That video is true according to it's strict definition of clipping, which to be fair is more technically correct but not representative of common vernacular. IF all you are doing is brick wall clipping at 1x, the difference between clippers is going to be minimal, but they offer more than that
Thank you so much for considering my request in the Sage Community and making a comparison video of the top clipping plugins so fast! That was very helpful!
Cheers!
Jannis
Hey Jannis, glad to see you found the video already, we also just sent it your way in the community. Always happy to help, thanks for the great idea!
I've used all of these clippers, and ultimately standard clip and gold clip are easier to make sound clean and good while getting more loudness. Gold clip IMO just sounds the best and it doesn't take long to nail down what your setting need to be on the track.
KClip user here, i find that the multiband version has some discrepancies that i don't find when using the single clipper version. I love the simplicity of KClip and how it achieves what i want in simple steps. There is definitely no need for filters or different EQ curves pre or post clipping, that can all be done with the use of a dedicated plugin in my opinion.
Im with ya
Thanks for sharing this information!
fab-L is the best clipper
@@vandpiben how do you set the parameters to make it act as a clipper? I suppose "attack" at max value and immediate release?
@@vandpiben Fabfilter Pro-L is indeed a great plugin but it is not born as a clipper but a limiter, sure you can use it as a clipper but that's the reason why it's not on the list
When I started thinking about clarity, depth, and dynamics, my approach to mastering changed completely. stop considering about loudness that much. I have met such great mixing & mastering artists that has no idea about clipping. old school, compression, saturation & limiter. bam bam!
My go-to clipper is the JS Hard Clipper in REAPER. Has linear and log modes. You can oversample with REAPER's built in plugin oversampling. It's a simple job.. it does it. Takes the strain off the dynamics processors down the chain.
KClip3, Standard Clip, Saturate, Ash, and Gold Clip owner...my faves are Ash and Gold Clip, but i do reach for Standard Clip every so often
Another excellent lesson, thanks for taking the time to put these together. Funny, I settled on the BX_Clipper by Brainworks, but I also have the OVC-128 by Voxengo that I used to use.
Thanks for watching!
Venn freeclip w/oversampling is my goto.
KClip3 needs phase linear crossovers. Other than that, KClip3 and Standard Clip are my favourites. Standard clip because of that SoftClip Pro top range of compression.
I also have Elevate (Saturate), I don use that in mastering but in the mix I do.
Gold Clip price is a joke, imo.
So Gold Clip (for me) is a bit of a color box. I use it when I want something to have its particular sound (the EQ curve). It sounds good for what it is - albeit that price point is a bit wild.
My clipper of choice is usually Saturate! Paired with the rest of the Elevate bundle, it’s quite a value, even with its drawbacks. Ash is great, but I find the various “models” finicky and frustrating to get right. I never could quite get K-Clip to sound right, but this makes me want to give it another go!
Hardware wise - I use a Dangerous Convert AD+ for mixes with Clip Guard and transformer on (no Baxandall EQ), and a Crane Song Interstellar for mastering. The Dangerous tends to take being pushed quite well, while the Interstellar can clip about 3dB before it starts yelling. Engaging Triode harmonics on the Interstellar results in pretty nasty artifacts if clipped at all, but Penrose and Tape DSP each at 1 sounds AMAZING!
Kraftur is kinda blowing my mind right now, but yes Saturate is an amazing value plugin!! Along with everything else Newfangled, including Elevate! Gives you enough to play with without overcomplicating and gets the job done without thinning things out. I was using primarily Standard Clip, Acustica’s Fire the Clip (also great and clean on a lotta stuff but sometimes accentuates mid presence more than you might want when pushed), and occasionally a few others (K-Clip once in a while, soft clippers in Ozone, etc.), and I must say I feel like at least to my ears, Newfangled Saturate is beating them out on a lot of my AB’s on the master bus! I mean they aren’t proper 1 to 1 comparisons, but something about how Saturate tends to retain the fullness of sub freqs on EDM material while not easily distorting until you really push the gain is 👨🍳 🤌. Kraftur too. Love where in-the-box is at now!!
Good clipper comparison. I have SIR Standard Clip, also Schwabe Gold and Orange Clip.
Gold sounds to me to be clean enough for the 2 bus. I was able to get loud and clean pretty quick during the trial so I bought it. This was after trying and buying a few others, including SIR Standard Clip.
In the comparison section, Gold Clip sounded really good. Not as flat, more punch and clarity than the free one.
What about kraftur ?
Linear analysis can't be applied to non-linear processing VST plugins. Instead, you should use a Hammerstein to check frequency response with harmonics
Thanks for your insight! You’re right that linear analysis has limitations when dealing with non-linear processing. While the video emphasizes understanding harmonic content, it doesn’t specifically cover Hammerstein models, but that approach can certainly help analyze frequency response in non-linear scenarios. It's all about finding the right tools for the task!
The new Akai clipper is the best one I've ever used so far it works with stand-alone and Au, vst..
Masterdesk Pro clipper is dope!
Is IK Multimedia Classic Clipper a tool you would recommended for mastering?
IK Multimedia’s Classic Clipper can be a solid choice for mastering, as it helps control peaks while maintaining a musical quality. It can add warmth and punch to your master, so just be sure to tweak the settings for the best results!
Elephant Limiter Is Goated😭😭🔥
Kraftur, HorNet Magnus
MK3, AIR Soft Clipper, TR5 Classic Clipper, RedClip not mentioned.
I think you left a few very good ones out in this vid.
While there are many on the market, free to very expensive, every clipper has its own sound. So it depends on what sound you’re looking for.
In terms of clean loudness enhancement without audible distortion Kraftur is simply insane. Nothing comes near that rn.
Acustica Audio Ash >>>
Couldn't agree more with your feedback of Ash. I ultimately almost never reach for it because switching between all of the clipping options (the only real differentiator of this one versus other clippers) is such a pain in the @ss without normalization. It's too bad because it could be a serious contender.
Standart Clip user here! Thank you on the "curtain lifting" on the GoldClip`s "magic". Could you go in on details of Standart Clip`s "SOFT CLIP PRO" mode and how to use it to our advantage?
The "SOFT CLIP PRO" mode in Standart Clip helps to gently tame peaks while preserving the overall dynamics of your mix. This mode can add warmth and cohesion, making your track feel more polished. Start by setting the threshold to where the peaks are being controlled without losing energy, and adjust the input level for optimal results. It’s especially effective for smoothing out drums and vocals, enhancing the overall sonic character of your master.
Orange and gold clip are gonna get a huge update soon
How do you know?
@@entity9588 Ryan teases it on his insta stories
Ever tried Crispy Clip? I have not seen that covered too much but I have been using it for a while and it sounds great to me.
Flatline 2 hybrid mode for mixing Gold Clip for mastering
How does oversampling work? Isn’t the DAW constrains the possible sampler rate?
Ive tried several, and like classic clip by t-racks. Could You do one on Fruity clipper, and orange clipper, and show how to achieve similar results with other clippers? Thanks! I know lots of the trap producers would love to see.
We will definitely look into this for a future video!
Izotope Neutron clipper is also top notch.. multiband is also covered
have you tried Voxengo OVC-128? very CPU optimized oversampled clipper with a very smooth sound. I'll reach for Newfangled saturate or K clip if I want more edge but OVC-128 is the smoothest
what about flatline2? is it better than kcip or standard clip? regards
Great question! Flatline2, KClip, and Standart Clip each have their unique strengths, so it really depends on your specific needs. Flatline2 is fantastic for achieving a transparent sound, while KClip excels in aggressive clipping. Standart Clip offers a smooth, musical clipping that can add warmth. It’s all about what fits your mix best!
Flatline 2 Hybrid Mode is the king
I was thinking of using maximization as a way to help get rap vocals more aggressive. What would be a good plugin to do that?
Free Clip or Peak Eater for standard clipping tasks, NF Saturate if I need something special (I did not notice the artefacts you were showing, to me it sounds more refined than standard clippers)
can you please review Kraftur by sound theory, when i push some tracks into a clipper for example something that is vocal and acoustic guitar heavy and then the rest of the band/mix kicks in let's say at the last chorus. the multiband clipper idea works out very well but with a "normal" clipper like the standard clip it is hard to retain perceived loudness throughout the song without pushing the song into distortion
Did you try bx clipper?
Gold Clip is supposed to be the only one that has an oversampling algorithm that doesn't ruin the sound. I got it because of the Warp Academy video that explains it.
ehhhhh? i demoed both standard clip & gold clip and standard clip sounded way more clearer and transparent
What do think about BOZ Big Clipper? Thanks.
Boz Big Clipper can be good for mastering, it definitely can help in adding warmth and presence. I has quite intuitive interface and the way it enhances overall loudness without introducing harshness is solid. It can be a great addition to your mastering chain!
@@sageaudio thanks, Sage Audio!
what about tracks classic clipper
Ash Ultra 🔝
Best Lavry emulation is ASH Flat, Gold Clip sounds as good as ASH with much less options and the metering is gawd awful. Orange Clip however is very useful and sounds incredible. Kraftur is also excellent and very unique in how your able to sculpt transients. K Clip I agree is a wonderful thing as well as Standard Clip.
did u make website yourself?
We had the help of a developer I believe, if you'd like to enquire more about this it might be best to reach out to us directly at admin@sageaudio.com, thanks!
which was A and which was B?
I could tell Plugin A was the free version, the harshness in the high mids / highs was a dead giveaway.
Thanks for lifting the curtain on Gold Clip though, The gold function is just a maximiser? 😂🤦♂ The tilt shift / post eq makes a lot of sense now. Wild how something so simple can enhance the sound - I always thought it sounded a step beyond other clippers and that's why. I'm glad I didn't buy it now because that price is pure extortion for what it is.
I have KClip but idk man, I don't really like it. Maybe it's just my inability to dial it in and maybe I'll come around on it, who knows.
I almost bought Gold Clip today, now i'm also glad i didn't buy it and saved the money
I suspect plugin B to be gold clip as well, to me it sounded like it had more "body" (listening on a very mid-range focused system)
@@fftunes B I'd definitely Gold Clip. What it does to low end body is why I bought it, even after already owning every option shown here
@@fdgggfh24 I’d really thoroughly test out Gold Clip for yourself. It’s easy to get what you’re looking for quickly and it works. FYI…there’s a rent-to-own option if you weren’t aware.✌🏾
Fruity Soft Clipper ?
JST Clip ftw.
great and informative video
Oxford infiltrator used as hard clipper is very clean
*inflator
That is one if my personal favorites!
What about IK Multimedia Classic Clipper ?
What about it...
It's great
It's alright but honestly over rated imo. I actually deleted it recently, barely ever used it.
IK Multimedia’s Classic Clipper can be a good choice for mastering if used correctly, as it helps control peaks while maintaining a musical and overall transparent quality. It can add some subtle warmth and punch to your final master, so just be sure to tweak the settings for the best results! @johndoe_1984 does raise a good point about the filter
I guess I'm "clipping" when I use MWaveshaper to manage stray peaks like these plugins do? I thought I was just doing classic waveshaping.
Gold clip is Steph curry !
StandardClipper is Klay Thompson!
Ash is Draymond green
Agree with you Gold Clipper is just pure hype as is supposed to be the LAvry Gold, but for example Big Clipper 2 sounds way better and more flexible!!
Ash stands out bc its convolution processing, emulating a plethora of various ad/da converters, with 1024x oversampling forcthe crazy folks
V Clip ?
Now I'm even happier with my purchase of ASH, clearly better sounding in comparison. I would only pay the black friday price for it though.
1 min ago is crazzyy
K❤S Clipper ❤❤❤
LETS GOOOOOOO!!!! 🍷😎👌🏽
Isnt this just a limiter?
No.
多くのクリッパーを試してみましたが、私の結論はマスタリングにT-Racksの古いオレンジを使うことでした。
i keep hearing him say he’s wearing my clothes
a clipper is the most misunderstood and most important production tool. -75 Db aliasing is just a joke. No one should ever pay attention to that. Get waveshaper and you will have all possible clippers in one.
Newfangled saturate GOAT
Fl Clipper in Patcher ^_^
Another channel puts it a video about how clippers are a scam then this video comes out
Man I dont get it. Compressor, limiter, clipper? Hard clipping? Aren't these all the same
Yea they do kinda the same but a tad different
Soft Clipper: rounds the peaks
Hard Clipper: shaves the peaks
Limiter: Attenuates the top peaks to avoid clipping
Compressor: controls the volume automatically
@@PeeJumZ oh its that easy? that makes sense thanks for explaining. I gues I just need to figure out now how exactly my stock compressor works. thanks
Venn audio free clipper 👍
Invisible limiter in clip mode > all of these
acustica Ash sounds better to me
IK Multimedia Clipper.
Free Gclip.. with graphical GUI.
@@johndoe_1984 I'm surprised.. why is it a cpu hog!
Cant hear difference
Just little louder when
On
Are you using studio-level reference headphones or monitors in an acoustically treated space? Having studio-designed and reference quality monitoring is very helpful for discerning these differences.
Kraftur
FL clipper >
ReaLimiter
🧢
The goldclip guy actually made an emulation of it called orangeclip lol
@@TildeSounds this is true but in this video we’re talking about Clippers on a Master (not a track or a buss), so no FL Clipper for me (but I do use Orange Clipper on busses👍🏾).
But haven't you heard? Clippers are a scam! If it's in a video it must be true! (joking)
That video is true according to it's strict definition of clipping, which to be fair is more technically correct but not representative of common vernacular. IF all you are doing is brick wall clipping at 1x, the difference between clippers is going to be minimal, but they offer more than that
@@djvoid1I believe the word you’re in search of is “Clickbait” with selective examples to prove an esoteric point.
If really use clippers properly you'd rarely if ever use oversampling at all...
I always wondered where they get that ridiculous price point from. 9:24