Limiter vs Clipper

A clipper and a limiter both control audio peaks, but in different ways.

A clipper cuts off the peaks sharply, which can make the sound harsh and distorted.

A limiter, on the other hand, smooths the peaks more gently, creating a smoother sound.

When you listen to them, the clipper will sound more distorted because of its sharp cuts.

#mastering #mixing #studio #soundengineer #masteringengineer
3 d

[winterrye]

When I studied at Berkeley, my music professor explained it like this:
Limiters keep the relationship between peaks and valleys the same, whereas the clipper feels like the volume is falling in and out of love.

[Cytasis]

its a good way to put a clipper before the limiter, so you can push your master a bit more. but dont overdo it

[synthzizer]

As a rule of thumb Use a clipper for fast transient hairs that are normally un audible anyway and thus no look ahead required..Use a limiter for tone shaping and to reduce crest factor ratios. Brickwall limiting is also clipping FYI.

[rjstrange]

I love that Soft Clip feature introduced in Ozone 10. I almost always use a low soft clip at 100%. It adds dynamic loudness and I don't have to push the threshold down as much. My masters are usually barely hitting -0.5 gain reduction but I hit like 7 ish LUFS integrated while still feeling dynamic and clean.

[jonathanharris]

Still one of my favorite songs ever! And i found it because of your videos haha

[DeltaWhiskeyBravo]

Excellent info Streaky. I'm clipping with Softube Clipper for RMS, Schwabe Gold Clip shaving the tops, then limiting in Slate FG-X 2. Admitted there's a bit of distortion, but I'm liking the overall result. Note I'm only clipping about 3 dB total.

[Sample_Props_Official]

Is it ok to drop the +4dBU level to -18dbFS? I mean we dont need a clipper?

[TimMer]

It's not very obvious, but to me especially the vocals sound a bit harsher with the clipper, bit less pleasant to the ears.

[ShobhitShilpkar]

I think,

Limiter is Compression

And Clipper Is Saturation

[AAABeatbox]

Clipper all the way for maximum loudness