This is a great and simple explanation... I like the sound of clipping before the 2-bus compressor because I can drive the compressor a bit harder as the clipper already ate the transients.
Agree with you David! Personally I clip like 0,5 db on my mix bus to shave off the very peaks - I much prefer doing the "heavy lifting" (still without exaggerating) on the snare samples, the snare bus, the parallel compression bus I use for attack and a bit on the drum bus
I have actually experienced this Saturation you cant hear. I could not hear it on my mixes and masters, but I could hear it in playback through certain systems after releasing it
I'll use two instances of YouLean Loudness meter; one before and one after YouLean. That allows me to get a lot of stats regarding what my clipper is really doing to my signal. Using your ears is awesome. But good clipjobs are basically imperceptible. Visual confidence in your settings and results makes a world of difference. I'll also usecthe same technique adusting make-up can on critical listens.
I typically use a clipper before my final limiter. Neither EVER do more than 2db of Gain Reduction (very few exceptions/master fader pre insert automation excluded). I use the T Racks Clipper because it is continually variable from Soft to Hard Clipping so with one knob I can adjust how my clipping is behaving, and there's over sampling. I typically listen to the kick snare bass and vocals specifically to hear the clipping when it's on the 2Bus. The other clipper I have is Transify by Joey Sturgis, which is handy af tool. Multiband transient designer and multiband clipper. Very useful for a secret drum technique I have for metal and heavier rock.
I recently started experimenting with putting Kclip first on the mix buss, followed by the buss comp (SSL). It's only taking off .5 to 1db at the most. Just to take a little load off the comp. Also tried putting it last, but I prefer it first. I'm really working hard to create density at the group buss stage and not mix buss. I can't say enough how useful Kclip has become throughout my mixes 😉👍
@@MonkeyBars1 I've had success using it on bass. Often times, depending on how it was recorded , you'll get that initial spike transient. This is obvious with slap bass. A compressor can work, if it's the right type and you dial it in just right. Personally I've never loved using just a compressor to deal with those spikes. I actually prefer saturation, as it doesn't really "squeeze" the bass. But it has it's limits. I think the Kclip can do the job in a pretty transparent way, imho. That and a little smooth compression is what works best for me........this can also work on brite rhythm funk gtr.... ie: a real spanky strat!
@@J-DUB-F1 Been using KClip more on various things, really cool midpoint between limiting and saturation! On the master buss sometimes I'll even use it in multiband mode - very powerful & flexible!
If you'd like to learn more about utilizing clippers I highly suggest to watch Baphometrix' content, specifically Clip-to-Zero method and strategy, along with Baphy's approach to mixing and mastering in general. It is immensely helpful to everyone, and especially to those who work predominantly ITB and don't have access to all the outboard gear.
Very interesting video David, thank you. I have 2 questions: 1. What about mastering? I like keeping my main compressor nearly at the end of the chain (after all EQing but BEFORE hard clipper and final limiter). Is that the proper order or you can place the clipper before compression in mastering as well? 2. In the video you explained two methods on master fader, but does it also apply to separate tracks as well? For example snare track? Clipper before the compressor to shave off the peaks and increase perceived volume level and clipper after compressor to add the colour? Thank you.
Clippers are also amazing on single elements (when used carefully)! Also 3db for me is quite a lot to go without getting afraid of the consequences!! Great video as usual! I hope that you're not upset with my comment which you kinda misunderstood (on your video with Bella talking about injections and so on!). It was just a joke and I replied but I bet you haven't seen it! Have a nice day David!
I don't use clippers very often (maybe I should?), but it seems like compression, saturation, and limiting (when necessary) on channels and buses should take care of peaks before they get to the master bus. I've honestly stopped mixing into a bus compressor because I want to hear what I'm doing to each channel and address issues there. Maybe I'm just making life harder on myself, but for now, I think I'm learning more than when I put saturation and compression on the master bus and mixed into it.
There's no wrong way, you can use it but it's not mandatory. But 2bus compression is not a crutch, it doesn't "help" you with anything, it doesn't make things easier, nor prevent you from learning. Actually the opposite, is more difficult to mix into a compressor simply because you're adding a variable, and every move you make now have an effect on that so if anything, it forces you to focus on the mix (which is the only important thing) and not on the single tracks.
@@mixbustv Interesting. That does makes sense. I guess I'm at the stage where I'm really trying to hear everything I do instead of just doing it because people say I should. That might lead to focusing too much on the individual tracks and losing focus on the whole mix to an extent.
I'm wondering why Heritage Audio didn't send you the Herchild 670 yet ? David, did you ever try the IGS Audio Zener ? I bought one and It seems to be a nice machine and more affordable the the marvellous Chandler Limited Zener that I personally cannot afford.
I'm not aware of the IGS. Heritage was supposed to send it, they wanted to when I talked to them at NAMM, but I haven't heard from them after. Drop em a message
Personal comfort when the logic i have using clippers on the 2bus is kinda the right one ah ah! David i have a couple of questions and is regarding bus compressors like ssl ones , the so called glue ones. First if you can confirm the best way of using these is to have it at the beginning of the mix, of course keeping an eye on the gain reduction that should be between -2 -4 db. Second question, what's the best usage of these type of compressors when you use more extreme settings, i know i should trust my ears, but other categories of compressors, like FET or optical have certain guidance regarding the material they can be used with, while bus compressors at extreme settings are a bit of a mystery. Thanks in advance!
It's not much about the settings, as you usually see two types of practice, a rare one, fast attack, fairly fast release, only hitting peaks (this is no glue, this is almost like a limiter but it has a specific sound) and the most common one, slow attack, quick-ish release and the "extreme" is basically what Andy (Wallac) does (and so do I because Andy is the god of mixing so I just shut up and do what he does), you start the mix barely hitting it and by the time you're done you are compressing 4 or 6db. Of course, you HAVE to set it at the beginning and this type of process happens naturally when you have a lot of experience and you're at this point, not thinking single tracks EVER anymore but it's a constant push pull between what you do on that track and how the entire mix reacts to your moves because you're leaning into the comp harder and harder. Makes sense?
@@mixbustv yeah absolutely! Definitely gonna experiment on the rare settings to get an idea what material can get benefits from it, trial and error. Thanks a lot for the quick reply!
David please how you doing. I wanted to ask this question. -8.8 Lufs is it cool for African Afrobeat. I see some producers hitting -7 but I feel is too noisy and distorted.
It's perfectly okay and do not worry about loudness, just make it sound good. And if you have trouble hitting even the bare minimum loudness, hire me for the master, simple
I put a hard clipper before my compressor just to control the compression better. I don’t want my comp to swing on the 2BUS. Max 3 dB, if i have to clip more then a clipper is not the answer there.
Find the source of what’s causing the 2bus to swing, and process that. Sometimes compressing that thing more, or maybe just automating the gain, is the solution. Clipping for the purpose you just described seems a bit heavy handed.
Process single tracks and groups instead. Your process will be much more transparent and less risk of distortion if you process less complex material (nothing is more complex than a mix).
Hey David, I'm new to the channel and love the content! I have a question about interfaces. I'm looking to upgrade to a high quality interface I'm mainly interested in high quality converters and having around 8 line outs. I'm curious what recommendations you have other than an apollo. Thank you!!
Hi David i'm new to mixing and mastering. Just one question. I have a intrumental that is already really loud on 0.0db, there is any difference in using the Protools Trim plugin VS Clip gain?
Nothing is you use trim as 1st insert but being at 0 you're better off using clip gain because it would probably be enough to clip the plugin already. Clip gain is PRE inserts
There's a right way to do it and a wrong way to do it. You can kick a door or open it, both will get you in the other room, one is wrong. It depends on whether or not you know how to mix, not the genre.
Hey bro me again 😂 would love your opinion on this. i just bought a SSL2 interface yesterday (my old interface was fucking up) I have a fairly cheap mic around $80-100 (AKG P120) but i like the sound of it, if you were working with this equipment would you still use the 4K setting on the SSL and then use another saturator in the mixing stage? or is this overkill for a cheap mic harshness wise? i just want some clean high end in my mix.
@@mixbustv Got ya, they have a “4K” mode that adds a little boost to high-end frequencies and some analog distortion. so my question is, would you record with this mode on going into a cheap mic? or is it best to avoid any more distortion going into a cheap mic? I know you haven’t used the SSL mode but i mean just in general with any saturated/ analog distortor. ln terms of recording on a budget microphone
Thanx David, btw when you say dont clip 3db or more do you mean 3 db of constant clipping? Is 3 db a lot just for some peaks? I use Kclip 3 in crisp mode and some peaks are clipped 3.4 db 😱😅 Cheers
I have to watch that video a few times! 😂 Anyway…on a 2bus I only use clipper before limiter, gently. Limiter works much better like that…discovered it some time ago but no idea if that is really the way to do “it”. But my mixes sound better!
Damn GPU Audio. You comes out when GPU price goes stonk up like since the pandemic happened lol. I wish GPU prices will go normal noww Fckin Crypto Miner
ty David just leaving this here Luca Pretolesi clip the shit out of his masters with hard clippers to extract that little more loudness in a clear way so yeah pros use it indeed
@@firmans12 ahhh thank you, I’ve only started making beats a few months, was working on production more now I’m ready to step into the world of mixing, as I can make a track in a couple of hours but then spend forever trying to mix it 😂
You do not need a clipper. The master out got an internal clipper which controlls the peaks. thats why you here destortion when you master clipps red or very red. I realized that without any comp. or clipper on the master you can drive more and gain much punchier signal. and believe me nobody cares about true peak. If you dont believe. Just take away your limiters or clippers from master. let him clip. but not tou much. adjust the gain so that the distortion is not more audible. Even if the muster clipps just bounce ur mix. and then listen to it. its ok then. no big deal.
@@mixbustv would youmind explaining the difference brtween clipping the daw master vs using a digital clipping plugin or clipping converters,i would really be interested to know about this
You are by and far the best and most informative audio engineering teacher on UA-cam, in fact my favorite, however, I schmaster (premaster) all my mixes for preview before sending them off to master bare. I know I'm not a mastering engineer, but I do see the benefits and so have my clients. I want them to finish up with me with the closest thing to a final product I can deliver.
This is a great and simple explanation... I like the sound of clipping before the 2-bus compressor because I can drive the compressor a bit harder as the clipper already ate the transients.
Agree with you David! Personally I clip like 0,5 db on my mix bus to shave off the very peaks - I much prefer doing the "heavy lifting" (still without exaggerating) on the snare samples, the snare bus, the parallel compression bus I use for attack and a bit on the drum bus
I have actually experienced this Saturation you cant hear.
I could not hear it on my mixes and masters, but I could hear it in playback through certain systems after releasing it
Awesome advice as always. Thanks David.
I asked, and you delivered xx
I'll use two instances of YouLean Loudness meter; one before and one after YouLean. That allows me to get a lot of stats regarding what my clipper is really doing to my signal. Using your ears is awesome. But good clipjobs are basically imperceptible. Visual confidence in your settings and results makes a world of difference.
I'll also usecthe same technique adusting make-up can on critical listens.
I typically use a clipper before my final limiter. Neither EVER do more than 2db of Gain Reduction (very few exceptions/master fader pre insert automation excluded). I use the T Racks Clipper because it is continually variable from Soft to Hard Clipping so with one knob I can adjust how my clipping is behaving, and there's over sampling. I typically listen to the kick snare bass and vocals specifically to hear the clipping when it's on the 2Bus.
The other clipper I have is Transify by Joey Sturgis, which is handy af tool. Multiband transient designer and multiband clipper. Very useful for a secret drum technique I have for metal and heavier rock.
answered so many questions with this, ty!
Thanks!
Thank you for the support Michel!!
I recently started experimenting with putting Kclip first on the mix buss, followed by the buss comp (SSL). It's only taking off .5 to 1db at the most. Just to take a little load off the comp. Also tried putting it last, but I prefer it first. I'm really working hard to create density at the group buss stage and not mix buss.
I can't say enough how useful Kclip has become throughout my mixes 😉👍
how else are you using KClip? I haven't really been certain how to take advantage of it while my other Kazrog plugs get a ton of use.
@@MonkeyBars1 I've had success using it on bass. Often times, depending on how it was recorded , you'll get that initial spike transient. This is obvious with slap bass. A compressor can work, if it's the right type and you dial it in just right. Personally I've never loved using just a compressor to deal with those spikes. I actually prefer saturation, as it doesn't really "squeeze" the bass. But it has it's limits. I think the Kclip can do the job in a pretty transparent way, imho. That and a little smooth compression is what works best for me........this can also work on brite rhythm funk gtr.... ie: a real spanky strat!
Thank you!!!
@@J-DUB-F1 Been using KClip more on various things, really cool midpoint between limiting and saturation! On the master buss sometimes I'll even use it in multiband mode - very powerful & flexible!
urgh. so glad i watched this (again). been clipping my 2 buss the wrong way and can't wait to see/hear the difference.
thanks!
Yes, exactly what I needed today, as Im fairly new to experimenting with clippers, thanks for all the advice
If you'd like to learn more about utilizing clippers I highly suggest to watch Baphometrix' content, specifically Clip-to-Zero method and strategy, along with Baphy's approach to mixing and mastering in general. It is immensely helpful to everyone, and especially to those who work predominantly ITB and don't have access to all the outboard gear.
@@z-boss wow, just watched one of the videos of him, really interesting stuff, thanks for the recommendation
@@oscarpatxot659 Sure thing! Glad you found it helpful
you explain it too well and quick to the point, it makes some youtubers looks like amateur/intern teachers
U never miss a chance to bash phone speakers 😂😂😂
Thanks for your advise, man! Everytime I watch a video, there is at least a little thing I can take from and improve my skills with. 💪
Thank you David, I was having the same concern and thank you again for giving me (all of us) a different approach for saturation plugins.
Wow, that information is very important, thanks for teaching this today, teacher.
Very interesting video David, thank you.
I have 2 questions:
1. What about mastering? I like keeping my main compressor nearly at the end of the chain (after all EQing but BEFORE hard clipper and final limiter). Is that the proper order or you can place the clipper before compression in mastering as well?
2. In the video you explained two methods on master fader, but does it also apply to separate tracks as well? For example snare track? Clipper before the compressor to shave off the peaks and increase perceived volume level and clipper after compressor to add the colour?
Thank you.
1) yes 2) I usually leave the hard clipper last for percussive elements
Clippers are also amazing on single elements (when used carefully)! Also 3db for me is quite a lot to go without getting afraid of the consequences!!
Great video as usual! I hope that you're not upset with my comment which you kinda misunderstood (on your video with Bella talking about injections and so on!). It was just a joke and I replied but I bet you haven't seen it!
Have a nice day David!
Oh no absolutely, we wouldn't have made a short out of it, it's all good man
@@mixbustv Thank you David and keep up the great work!
I don't use clippers very often (maybe I should?), but it seems like compression, saturation, and limiting (when necessary) on channels and buses should take care of peaks before they get to the master bus. I've honestly stopped mixing into a bus compressor because I want to hear what I'm doing to each channel and address issues there. Maybe I'm just making life harder on myself, but for now, I think I'm learning more than when I put saturation and compression on the master bus and mixed into it.
There's no wrong way, you can use it but it's not mandatory. But 2bus compression is not a crutch, it doesn't "help" you with anything, it doesn't make things easier, nor prevent you from learning. Actually the opposite, is more difficult to mix into a compressor simply because you're adding a variable, and every move you make now have an effect on that so if anything, it forces you to focus on the mix (which is the only important thing) and not on the single tracks.
@@mixbustv Interesting. That does makes sense. I guess I'm at the stage where I'm really trying to hear everything I do instead of just doing it because people say I should. That might lead to focusing too much on the individual tracks and losing focus on the whole mix to an extent.
Bedankt
Thank you for the support!!
@@mixbustv As always!
GPU audio sounds amazing!
I'm wondering why Heritage Audio didn't send you the Herchild 670 yet ? David, did you ever try the IGS Audio Zener ? I bought one and It seems to be a nice machine and more affordable the the marvellous Chandler Limited Zener that I personally cannot afford.
I'm not aware of the IGS. Heritage was supposed to send it, they wanted to when I talked to them at NAMM, but I haven't heard from them after. Drop em a message
@@mixbustv I'll do this right now. 😊
New Sub! Your advice is very honest and experienced! Thank you 🙏🏽 for what you do within the YT Audio Production Community 🎚🎛
Great advice! 🔥🔥🔥
GPU Audio is such a dashing product.
Personal comfort when the logic i have using clippers on the 2bus is kinda the right one ah ah!
David i have a couple of questions and is regarding bus compressors like ssl ones , the so called glue ones.
First if you can confirm the best way of using these is to have it at the beginning of the mix, of course keeping an eye on the gain reduction that should be between -2 -4 db.
Second question, what's the best usage of these type of compressors when you use more extreme settings, i know i should trust my ears, but other categories of compressors, like FET or optical have certain guidance regarding the material they can be used with, while bus compressors at extreme settings are a bit of a mystery.
Thanks in advance!
It's not much about the settings, as you usually see two types of practice, a rare one, fast attack, fairly fast release, only hitting peaks (this is no glue, this is almost like a limiter but it has a specific sound) and the most common one, slow attack, quick-ish release and the "extreme" is basically what Andy (Wallac) does (and so do I because Andy is the god of mixing so I just shut up and do what he does), you start the mix barely hitting it and by the time you're done you are compressing 4 or 6db. Of course, you HAVE to set it at the beginning and this type of process happens naturally when you have a lot of experience and you're at this point, not thinking single tracks EVER anymore but it's a constant push pull between what you do on that track and how the entire mix reacts to your moves because you're leaning into the comp harder and harder. Makes sense?
@@mixbustv yeah absolutely! Definitely gonna experiment on the rare settings to get an idea what material can get benefits from it, trial and error.
Thanks a lot for the quick reply!
I use it on the mix bus and get no more than 1db gain reduction. .5 dbs seems to be a sweet spot for me 👍🏻
David please how you doing. I wanted to ask this question. -8.8 Lufs is it cool for African Afrobeat. I see some producers hitting -7 but I feel is too noisy and distorted.
It's perfectly okay and do not worry about loudness, just make it sound good. And if you have trouble hitting even the bare minimum loudness, hire me for the master, simple
great vid, very useful info
I put a hard clipper before my compressor just to control the compression better. I don’t want my comp to swing on the 2BUS. Max 3 dB, if i have to clip more then a clipper is not the answer there.
Find the source of what’s causing the 2bus to swing, and process that. Sometimes compressing that thing more, or maybe just automating the gain, is the solution. Clipping for the purpose you just described seems a bit heavy handed.
Process single tracks and groups instead. Your process will be much more transparent and less risk of distortion if you process less complex material (nothing is more complex than a mix).
@@mixbustv I forgot to mention that I’m doing this with 2-track beats for hip hop.
Hey David, I'm new to the channel and love the content! I have a question about interfaces. I'm looking to upgrade to a high quality interface I'm mainly interested in high quality converters and having around 8 line outs. I'm curious what recommendations you have other than an apollo. Thank you!!
I don't recommend Apollo. Get MOTU
great video
Hi David i'm new to mixing and mastering. Just one question. I have a intrumental that is already really loud on 0.0db, there is any difference in using the Protools Trim plugin VS Clip gain?
Nothing is you use trim as 1st insert but being at 0 you're better off using clip gain because it would probably be enough to clip the plugin already. Clip gain is PRE inserts
ty for the tip
It’s all about the genre.. drum n bass wouldn’t sound how it does if it wasn’t for ragging clipper’s on almost every channel including the master bus
There's a right way to do it and a wrong way to do it. You can kick a door or open it, both will get you in the other room, one is wrong. It depends on whether or not you know how to mix, not the genre.
thank you for this video, the sonnox inflator (if you don't use the clipper) is a safer way to get a color?
I'd be very careful with it on the 2bus, best used on single tracks and groups imho
@@mixbustv thanks bro
2 bus? what do you mean? i know master bus and then mixer busses
I call it both 2 bus and master
WELLLLLL SAIDDDDDD
What's the name of the psytrance song? It seems so fck good!
Foggy Ray - It Follows on Pharmacy Records
Hey bro me again 😂 would love your opinion on this.
i just bought a SSL2 interface yesterday (my old interface was fucking up) I have a fairly cheap mic around $80-100 (AKG P120) but i like the sound of it, if you were working with this equipment would you still use the 4K setting on the SSL and then use another saturator in the mixing stage? or is this overkill for a cheap mic harshness wise?
i just want some clean high end in my mix.
I'm not familiar at all with what's on board on the ssl interface
@@mixbustv Got ya, they have a “4K” mode that adds a little boost to high-end frequencies and some analog distortion.
so my question is, would you record with this mode on going into a cheap mic? or is it best to avoid any more distortion going into a cheap mic? I know you haven’t used the SSL mode but i mean just in general with any saturated/ analog distortor. ln terms of recording on a budget microphone
Thanx David, btw when you say dont clip 3db or more do you mean 3 db of constant clipping? Is 3 db a lot just for some peaks? I use Kclip 3 in crisp mode and some peaks are clipped 3.4 db 😱😅
Cheers
3db of constant clipping sounds like an absolute travesty 😂
even for sporadic peaks 3db is quite a bit on a full mix, take care of it in stages
@@mixbustv will do 😅
yo bro! crazy content as always 🔥 did you try fire the clip by acustica audio?
I didn't but I have it, someday I'll try it
I have to watch that video a few times! 😂
Anyway…on a 2bus I only use clipper before limiter, gently. Limiter works much better like that…discovered it some time ago but no idea if that is really the way to do “it”. But my mixes sound better!
I often prefer a clipper after a limiter, and I have no idea why, just sounds good to me.
Any theories, or am I just a weirdo? :P
Don't overthink it, if you like it, use it that way. Is not like there's only one way to do things
not much to clip after a limiter
pay attention to the response....It's about the "purpose" - David keeps emphasizing this - well said.
🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿👍🏿👊🏿
Damn GPU Audio.
You comes out when GPU price goes stonk up like since the pandemic happened lol.
I wish GPU prices will go normal noww
Fckin Crypto Miner
ty David
just leaving this here
Luca Pretolesi clip the shit out of his masters with hard clippers to extract that little more loudness in a clear way so yeah pros use it indeed
Tell this to Luca Pretolesi lol
If you want me to, he's a good buddy, he sent me all his plugins last month. What you want me to say to him exactly?
@@mixbustv lol was a joke. He does a lot of clipping to get his masters loud.
David, if you were here, I'd kiss your feet as if you were Jesus. You've just changed my life.
That's a pretty irreverent comment. Jesus is literally the creator of the world.
A handshake will do 😄🙏
@@mixbustv 😂
What’s a two bus 🥴
Mix Bus/ Master Bus
@@firmans12 ahhh thank you, I’ve only started making beats a few months, was working on production more now I’m ready to step into the world of mixing, as I can make a track in a couple of hours but then spend forever trying to mix it 😂
You do not need a clipper. The master out got an internal clipper which controlls the peaks. thats why you here destortion when you master clipps red or very red. I realized that without any comp. or clipper on the master you can drive more and gain much punchier signal. and believe me nobody cares about true peak.
If you dont believe. Just take away your limiters or clippers from master. let him clip. but not tou much. adjust the gain so that the distortion is not more audible. Even if the muster clipps just bounce ur mix. and then listen to it. its ok then. no big deal.
Dude... please, you don't want me to comment on what you just said
@@mixbustv would youmind explaining the difference brtween clipping the daw master vs using a digital clipping plugin or clipping converters,i would really be interested to know about this
do clippers really add harmonics??cause i thought they dont,they just cut the signal entirely,while stauration adds harmonics by squashing it
By the act of clipping it will add some harmonic distortion. The level of this being noticable is determined by how much or little you're clipping.
You are by and far the best and most informative audio engineering teacher on UA-cam, in fact my favorite, however, I schmaster (premaster) all my mixes for preview before sending them off to master bare. I know I'm not a mastering engineer, but I do see the benefits and so have my clients. I want them to finish up with me with the closest thing to a final product I can deliver.
Thank you!