MOST Mixers Get this WRONG! | Clipping vs Limiting

Summary

In this informative video, Bobby Balo, a mixing and mastering engineer at Rayon Productions, explains the differences between limiters and clippers in audio production and when to use them for optimal results. He clarifies that limiters prevent audio signals from exceeding a set threshold, acting as a compressor with a fast attack and high ratio, which is ideal for maintaining the clarity and power of vocals and instruments. Clippers, on the other hand, instantly cut off peaks above the threshold, introducing distortion that can add aggression and power to dynamic audio sources like drums. Balo demonstrates the effects of both tools on audio signals and emphasizes the importance of understanding compression for effective use. He also provides a free guide on perfect compression in the video description for further learning. The video concludes with practical advice on using limiters for tonal control and clippers for adding punch to drum transients, while cautioning against using clippers on melodic or tonal elements to avoid unwanted distortion.

Takeaways

• 🎚️ **Understanding Limiters and Clippers**: A limiter prevents audio from exceeding a set threshold, acting like a compressor with a fast attack and high ratio, while a clipper has an instantaneous attack time, which shaves off peaks above the threshold.
• 📈 **Usage of Limiters**: Limiters are best used for controlling the overall level of a signal, particularly when a tight control over the final loudness is desired, such as on vocals, guitars, or bass.
• ✂️ **Usage of Clippers**: Clippers are ideal for adding aggression and power to dynamic audio sources like drums, where they can enhance the perception of impact without significantly altering the tone.
• 🔍 **Harmonic Distortion**: Limiters introduce quieter harmonics compared to clippers, which generate louder, odd-order harmonics that can be perceived as distortion.
• 🚫 **Avoiding Misuse**: Overdriving a limiter can lead to a buildup of distortion artifacts, and using a clipper on tonal instruments like bass or vocals can result in unwanted grit and harshness.
• 🔊 **Maximizing Track Density**: Limiters allow for maximizing the density of a track in a clean way by targeting the loudest parts and reducing their volume.
• 🎶 **Musical Impact**: Clippers can make drums feel more aggressive and impactful due to the perception of clipped transients as increased excitement, which a limiter may not replicate as effectively.
• 📉 **Visualizing Effects**: Using a plugin like Plugin Doctor with an oscilloscope can help visualize the differences in waveforms and harmonic content when using limiters and clippers.
• 🎛️ **Compression Knowledge**: A good understanding of compression is essential for effectively using limiting and clipping in audio production.
• 📚 **Free Resource**: The speaker offers a free guide on perfect compression for further understanding and setting the best parameters for music.
• 👂 **Listener Perception**: The perception of audio power and aggression is key when choosing between a limiter and a clipper, especially for rock ballads and other genres requiring punchy drums.
• ⚙️ **Mastering Strategy**: In mastering, a balanced approach might involve slight clipping to manage drum transients followed by limiting to maintain power and control tonal balance without adding unwanted distortion.

Q & A

What is the primary function of a limiter in audio production?

A limiter's primary function is to prevent the audio signal from exceeding a certain threshold by compressing the signal that goes above this level. It acts as a compressor with a very fast attack, short release times, and a high ratio.

How does a clipper differ from a limiter in its operation?

A clipper differs from a limiter in that it has an instantaneous attack time, which means it immediately shaves off any peaks that go above the threshold and sets them to the threshold level. This results in a more aggressive sound with added distortion.

What are the potential artifacts introduced by a limiter when limiting audio?

When a limiter is used, it introduces artifacts in the form of harmonics. These artifacts are usually quiet compared to the main signal and may not be very noticeable in the overall audio.

Why is a clipper considered to add more distortion to a signal than a limiter?

A clipper adds more distortion because it chops off the waveform's peaks, generating odd harmonics that are louder than those produced by a limiter. These harmonics can be as much as 10-12 dB louder, contributing to a more aggressive sound.

When would it be appropriate to use a clipper in audio production?

A clipper would be appropriate to use when you want to add aggression, anger, or abrasiveness to a signal. It is particularly useful for dynamic audio sources like drums, where it can enhance the perception of power without significantly degrading the sound quality.

Why might a limiter be preferred over a clipper for certain instruments?

A limiter is preferred for melodic or tonal instruments like vocals, guitars, or bass because it provides a cleaner sound without introducing the additional distortion that a clipper does. This helps maintain the purity of the tone and prevents unwanted artifacts.

What is the main issue with using a limiter on drums?

The main issue with using a limiter on drums is that it can reduce their power and impact, making them sound as if they are being turned down in the mix. This can lead to a loss of aggression and punch in the drum performance.

How can a clipper enhance the transients of drum sounds?

A clipper can enhance the transients of drum sounds by effectively targeting and attenuating the loudest parts without reducing the overall level of the drum. This can make the drums feel more aggressive and powerful, as if they are being hit harder.

What is the recommended approach when using both a clipper and a limiter in mastering?

When mastering, it is recommended to use a clipper first to shave down the drum transients, making them more manageable. Then, a limiter can be used to squeeze the track together, maintaining the power of the drums while keeping the other instruments sounding melodic and clean.

Why should one not use a clipper on bass or other tonal instruments?

Using a clipper on bass or other tonal instruments can result in an undesirable sound, adding harshness, grit, and unwanted distortion. This can detract from the instrument's melodic content and overall tonal quality.

What additional resource is offered for those interested in learning more about compression?

A free guide on perfect compression is offered, which provides strategies for using a compressor effectively and helps dial in the best settings for music production.