Venn audio free clip mac os

Free Clip is an intuitive multi algorithm soft clipper/wave shaper plugin, available as a Windows VST or mac Audio Unit. The plugin allows you to choose between a range of wave shapes or ‘sigmoid functions’, from the most transparent but harshest hard clip, to the ‘softest’ but most saturated arctangent shape. You can then intuitively set the ceiling level using the slider that perfectly matches the level meter next to it. Oversampling is also available to remove high frequency aliasing; when oversampling is on this does introduce peaks slightly over the ceiling level however, so if you intend to use this plugin with oversampling as the final plugin on the master chain, ensure the ceiling level is set appropriately and/or the post-oversampling clip setting is set.

This plugin is a great way to conveniently transparently boost volume without clipping your daw, whether it be an individual stem or sound effect, or an entire track that you made. It is recommended that the hardclip, quantic or cubic shape be used for mastering, as these introduce no or minimal saturation.

The plugin can be also used as a more traditional saturation/distortion plugin by setting a ‘softer’ wave shape, such as algebraic or arctangent – simply lower the ceiling level to provide more saturation to the signal – just remember to boost the output afterwards. Alternatively you can boost the input gain into the clipper for the same effect. In this case, increasing the oversampling value is helpful if you’re hearing high frequency aliasing! Be warned that high oversampling values such as 16 or 32 times can be very heavy on the CPU.

Free Clip Beta is now available to download below.

If you plan on using Free Clip often, please consider donating to support our work:

Download Windows VST v0.9.2

Download Mac Audio Unit/VST v0.9.2

Source code available here, subject to the terms of the GNU General Public License v3

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Venn Audio Free Clip v0.9.2 Win/Mac [FREE]

Win / Mac
Free Clip is an intuitive multi algorithm soft clipper/wave shaper plugin, available as a Windows VST or mac Audio Unit. The plugin allows you to choose between a range of wave shapes or ‘sigmoid functions’, from the most transparent but harshest hard clip, to the ‘softest’ but most saturated arctangent shape. You can then intuitively set the ceiling level using the slider that perfectly matches the level meter next to it. Oversampling is also available to remove high frequency aliasing; when oversampling is on this does introduce peaks slightly over the ceiling level however, so if you intend to use this plugin with oversampling as the final plugin on the master chain, ensure the ceiling level is set appropriately and/or the post-oversampling clip setting is set.

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Free Clip

size 1.46 MB / 1.75 MB / 0.89 MB

Free Clip is an intuitive multi algorithm soft clipper / wave shaper plugin.
The plugin allows you to choose between a range of wave shapes or ‘sigmoid functions’, from the most transparent but harshest hard clip, to the ‘softest’ but most saturated arctangent shape. You can then intuitively set the ceiling level using the slider that perfectly matches the level meter next to it. Oversampling is also available to remove high frequency aliasing; when oversampling is on this does introduce peaks slightly over the ceiling level however, so if you intend to use this plugin with oversampling as the final plugin on the master chain, ensure the ceiling level is set appropriately and/or the post-oversampling clip setting is set.
This plugin is a great way to conveniently transparently boost volume without clipping your daw, whether it be an individual stem or sound effect, or an entire track that you made. It is recommended that the hardclip, quantic or cubic shape be used for mastering, as these introduce no or minimal saturation.
The plugin can be also used as a more traditional saturation/distortion plugin by setting a ‘softer’ wave shape, such as algebraic or arctangent – simply lower the ceiling level to provide more saturation to the signal – just remember to boost the output afterwards. Alternatively you can boost the input gain into the clipper for the same effect. In this case, increasing the oversampling value is helpful if you’re hearing high frequency aliasing! Be warned that high oversampling values such as 16 or 32 times can be very heavy on the CPU.

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Top 7 Clipper Plugins 2021 (Best Limiter Alternatives)

Peak Clipping is a much-used technique for achieving smoother masters with a rich sound. Hence, this article brings you the 7 best clipper plugins available in 2021.

Clippers are dynamics processors used for either controlling transients or for generating harmonic saturation. Instead of avoiding distortion as limiters do, clippers utilize it. Furthermore, they often retain the tone and punch of a mix better than limiters do to a certain level.

Due to the distortive nature, people often find the masters done using clippers sound “brighter,” “thicker,” or “richer.” It is similar to how exciter plugins work as they also introduce distortion to add clarity and “sheen.” If you wish to learn more about the difference between a limiter and a clipper, click here.

Related Readings:

Now, let’s check out some of the best clipper plugins available in the market:

The 7 Best Clipper Plugins 2021

1. SIR Audio Tools StandardCLIP Review

When it comes to clippers, you will want more control and reliability, which this plugin delivers.

StandardCLIP is an advanced clipping plugin that you could use in two ways: as a dynamic effect for mastering or as a harmonic generator for distortion/saturation. Its multiple clipping modes, extensive oversampling, and linear phase mode make sure that your audio can be manipulated in the way you want, without introducing unwanted artifacts or phaseshift.

Key Features:

Multiple Clip Modes
There are three modes of clipping in this plugin: Soft Clip Classic, Soft Clip Pro, and Hard Clip. The first two are designed to add saturation as the audio nears the clipping level until it finally clips, whereas Hard Clip doesn’t add any saturation at all until it clips. It makes the latter sound much more drastic compared to the previous two.
Soft-Clip Saturator
The slider below the clip mode selector lets you adjust the amount of soft-clipping applied to your audio. For the Soft Clip Classic mode, it acts as a mix parameter. However, it adjusts the threshold in Soft Clip Pro mode, which compresses the audio by half and adds equal makeup gain.
Oversampling
Oversampling is an essential feature for a clipper. So, StandardCLIP features up to an incredible 256x oversampling to eliminate any aliasing. In addition, it also had advanced options that let you adjust the filter cutoff, order, and filter kernel size (for linear phase mode). Note that higher levels of oversampling will consume a lot of CPU power.
Output Gain Assistant
This feature helps you find a reasonable headroom between the calculated clip level (indicated by a red arrow on the output gain fader) and the ceiling level. Simply play the loudest part of your audio while the assistant is open, and then click on “Apply New Output Gain” to set the output gain. It helps ensure that none of your peaks are shooting over the ceiling, which might cause aliasing despite oversampling.

Compatibility:

This plugin is available for Windows 7 or higher and macOS 10.9 or higher, both 32-bit and 64-bit. It comes in VST 2/3, AU, and AAX formats.

Summary:

There are plenty of features in StandardCLIP as far as clippers could have, so it will keep you quite busy. However, the user interface may not be the most intuitive for people who aren’t familiar with all the technicalities of clipping and sonic distortion. Then again, the fair pricing and the number of features make this plugin a considerable choice.

2. Venn Audio V-Clip Review

V-Clip is one of the most intuitive yet highly configurable clippers featuring detailed audio analytics.

You could use this plugin as a creative saturation stage or as a mastering clipper. It features a user-friendly interface with an audio visualizer with zooming features. The visualizer shows you the gain reduction, the input audio, and the output audio. Furthermore, it can be enabled or disabled.

Similarly, it also features automatic gain adjustment, which ensures that your output audio isn’t peaking. If you prefer RMS over dB, you can switch the scale as well. On a side note, the main clip shaper view shows your audio’s RMS (green) and peak (yellow) levels independently.

Key Features:

Extensive Clip Types
There are nine types of standard clip shapes and three complex shapes that add distinct character to your sound. The standard shapes range from very soft clip shapes to hard ones. In addition, you can adjust each shape with the soft-knee knob next to the drop-down menu.
Custom Clip Shape
With the Custom Shape mode, you can control the positive and negative samples independently , which allows for asymmetric saturation. It also lets you add both odd and even harmonics to your distortion for a richer and thicker sound.
Built-in Oscilloscope
V-Clip has a built-in oscilloscope and test tone for analyzing the effect your clip shape has on audio. These features are advantageous when creating a custom clip shape, and you want to see what you are doing with the waveform.
Anti-Aliasing
This plugin supports up to an incredible 256x oversampling. In addition, it has independent oversampling controls for real-time and offline modes. Another thing worth noting is that it featuresdouble DSP processing, which adds precision to the audio processing if your DAW supports it (most do).

Compatibility:

V-Clip is available for Windows 7 or higher and macOS 10.9 or higher, both 32-bit and 64-bit. It comes in VST 2/3, AU, and AAX formats.

Summary:

Despite being highly configurable and feature-rich, V-Clip remains intuitive and easy to use. We like its custom clip shaping, internal test tone, and oscilloscope features the most as they are relatively rare. Furthermore, its extensive list of clip shapes ensures that you will have plenty to play around with before you have to start creating custom shapes.

Related Readings:

3. Newfangled Audio Saturate Review

With merely two significant sliders to tweak, Newfangled’s contender is probably the easiest yet very musical-sounding clipper to master.

Saturate was first integrated into Newfangled’s limiter called Elevate. However, the clipper is now available discretely to use as a mixing effect or for mastering. According to Newfangled Audio, the clipper utilizes a complex signal processing chain under its hood to deliver transparent and clear sound no matter how hard you drive it.

At the far left and right of the interface, you will find meters and numeric labels displaying both the peak and the RMS levels. The center part of the interface shows the main clipper’s shape. Unfortunately, the default symmetrical clip shape is the only one available in this plugin.

Key Features:

Easy to Use
Many people want a ton of features in their plugins, but an equal number want a simplistic tool that justgets the jobdone . If you are one of the latter folks, the lack of an interface that looks like a cockpit will be a welcome change from most of the entries on our list. Saturate claims to give you anything from a hard clip to the smoothest curve feasible with a single slider called Clipper Shape , and its excellent sound confirms it.
Plenty of Drive
The plugin features a whooping drive gain of 24 dB. You’ll likely be using far less for purposes like mastering, but if you are someone who enjoys super distorted bass or guitars, Saturate has you covered and then some. Furthermore, since this plugin is a spectral clipper, it makes sure that any amount of drive will keep the sound tonally the same.
Automatic Gain Adjustment
Above the output peak meters, you can set the output gain to Auto. It will adjust the output gain automatically and make sure it doesn’t overshoot over 0 dB. Unless you are okay with manually checking the levels to confirm, having this feature turned on makes mastering much easier and alias-free.

Compatibility:

This plugin is available for Windows 8 or higher and macOS 10.9 or higher, both 32-bit and 64-bit. It comes in VST 2/3, AU, and AAX formats.

Summary:

While the default sound of Saturate is musical and smooth, if you ever wish to get creative with asymmetric distortion or even a different symmetrical shape, you won’t have any choice. So, in a way, a similar price gets you much deeper features. However, we suggest downloading a trial, listen to how it sounds, and if you love it, it’s worth it.

4. kazrog KClip 3 Review

With multiband features and extensive clip types, KClip 3 offers much more than meets the eye.

KClip focuses on every aspect of music production. So, it can be fully transparent for mastering and busses, or it can be as characterful as needed for creative uses. The right part of the interface displays extensive LUFS metering with variable scales from -12 to -24 dB LUFS. The lower values are instrumental when you are utilizing the threshold parameter instead of the input gain.

Furthermore, its clip shapes are designed for clean mastering, emulating analog units, and even oddities like germanium diode saturation, guitar amps, and blown speakers. They help get creative sound effects without tweaking too many knobs.

Key Features:

Multi-band
Other than the default clipping view, you can switch over to a multi-band mode with four bands. You can adjust the crossover between the bands freely and, if so desired, disable the saturation per band. Each band has all the controls you find in the default single band view , so it’s easy to have a certain kind of saturation on the lower frequencies with another trait in the higher ones.
Mastering Grade Sound
KClip features spectrally transparent clipping shapes as well as oversampling to avoid aliasing. You can have a different oversampling value for online and offline mode each so that you can prevent too much CPU usage during real-time monitoring.
Coherent Clip Modes
There are eight clip modes in this plugin: Smooth, Crisp, Tube, Tape, Germanium, Silicon, Guitar Amp, and Broken Speaker. The first two are designed for mastering and will make the sound smooth and transparent. And the rest of the modes range from analog sound to creative choices. Of course, you can also adjust the soft knee of almost every type of clipping.
Mid/Side Control
KClip still takes clipping one step further with a knob for adjusting mid and side mode with all the extensive features. It’s handy when you are trying to apply clipping only to a specific element in your mix while mastering. For example, setting the mid/side knob towards the mid signal and using a band focusing on the mid frequencies will result in the vocals getting saturated while the rest of the mix remains untouched.

Compatibility:

This plugin is available for Windows 7 or higher and macOS 10.9.5 or higher, both 64-bit only. It comes in VST 2/3, AU, and AAX formats.

Summary:

In conclusion, KClip is undoubtedly one of the best clipping tools in the market, and this new version with multi-band mode makes it an almost no-brainer choice. We highly recommend giving it a try, and make sure you watch out for a sale; you’ll often find a generous price drop.

5. Boz Digital Labs Big Clipper Review

There’s no such thing as a messy distortion with Big Clipper, and the reason is simple.

Big Clipper combines a clipper with a standard limiter in four blend modes to achieve a whole new world of dynamics processing. The interface features an input gain (Push), a threshold (Pull), and a Shape parameter. The Shape fader lets you adjust how hard or soft your clipper is.

Note the Attack and Release faders , which you can’t find in any of the other clipper plugins, at the bottom right of the interface . It’s because those faders belong to the limiter algorithm. Overall, the interface feels quite comprehensive but not overwhelming .

Key Features:

Crossover Blend Modes
The crossover blend mode lets you divide your audio into two ranges of frequencies and apply the limiter/clipper in each. There are two crossover blend modes available: Clipper | Limiter, and Limiter | Clipper. Each places the two processors in the mentioned order. You can select the crossover frequency using the Blend fader (from 100 Hz to 20 kHz).
Other Blend Modes
You can have the limiter and the clipper in parallel or series routing. In the series mode, the Blend fader acts as a threshold offset for the Clipper. So, if you have the Pull knob set to -16 dB, the Blend Fader is set at 6 dB, your Clipper will have a threshold of -10 dB only.
Stereo Processing
You can have Big Clipper process in stereo mode, mid/side mode, mid only, and side only. In the first two modes, the plugin processes the mentioned signals independently. Note that a single instance of this plugin will not let you adjust the mid and side signal separately. You will need an instance for each.
Frequency Sensitivity
This section lets you adjust how much sound from each of the three bands enters the signal detector. It isn’t precisely multi-band, but it does allow you to specify how saturated or clipped each band is. It is useful when you are clipping a full mix and don’t want the kick introducing too much distortion, for example.

Compatibility:

Big Clipper is available for Windows 7 or higher 32-bit and 64-bit and macOS 10 or higher 64-bit. It comes in VST 2/3, AU, AAX, and RTAS formats.

Summary:

The technique of using a limiter alongside a clipper has been around for a long time, but it’s rare to use them in specific ranges of frequencies. And if you think about it, it does make sense. However, the features come at quite a high price tag for a clipper. So, we suggest trying it out and making sure the features are worth it – keep in mind that the concept is better suited for mastering than any other use case.

6. IK Multimedia Classic Clipper Review

IK Multimedia focuses on making its plugins sound analog and pleasant, and this plugin shows it well.

Classic Clipper has a simple interface over a well-designed signal chain that you could use for anything from mastering to heavy saturation. The interface features a saturation indicator, which lights up whenever your audio hits the nonlinear zone set by the Slope parameter.

Of course, if your input is loud enough, even a hard shape will cause much saturation. However, if you don’t want that, you can lower the gain, which goes either way by 15 decibels. Also, just to clarify, the output meters display the left channel on the top and the right channel on the bottom. We recommend this clipper if you are after clean and pleasant clipping for mastering purposes.

Key Features:

Stereo Control
The three buttons on the far left of the interface let you select whether you want the clipper to apply on both the left and right channels simultaneously or independently. Using the L and R buttons, you can set a different setting for each of your stereo channels as needed. It can be handy for, say, drum busses when you want to add some mild saturation, but the ride cymbal has rendered the stereo balance askew. This feature is only available in Classic Clipper on our list.
Digital Overs Indicators
The two L and R Over LEDs at the top of the interface indicate digital clipping of your output. In general, you don’t need to worry about it if your output gain is at 0 dB or below because the internal ceiling of Classic Clipper is set at -0.05 dBfs. However, if you have the output gain turned over 0 dB, keep an eye on those indicators. In addition, when they light up, they don’t turn off until you click on them. So, if you find them lit after playing your song throughout (even with the interface turned off), you need to find the spot where it clipped digitally.
Slope Control
The clipping shape or the slope is adjustable using the Slope parameter. It is continuously variable from an ultra-soft non-clipping mode for saturation to a straight digital hard clip. Which shape you require depends on your specific music/audio and how apparent you want the clipping to sound.

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