Clipper effect to achieve a louder mix

UniFly

Hi,

To achieve clipping in Ableton, I use Saturator effect loaded with default settings. Then turn on Soft Clip and set drive 1db and output -1db. Then I set drive to 2db and output -2db, etc. Depends on how much dbs I want to shave.

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How to achieve clipping in Maschine using built-in effect?

The closest result I've got using Saturator settings:

Tube

Charge 0%

Overload no

Drive 25-95%, depends on how strong the effect I want to be

EQ bypass so Bass and Treble don't matter

Now Gain is at what level sound should be shaved. If sound volume is 0db and Gain is set in Saturator at -2db, it shaves 2dbs.

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Do I achieve clipping in the right way or you have other ideas? I want to shave specific amount of dbs, but affect overall sound as less as possible. Also not interested in 3rd party plugins.

Thanks

Uwe303

I think you are on the best way, with internal tools, even if it's not the same as using a clipper plugin. Also using the other modes could be interesting.

DiosGnosis

This is a very interesting question. Out of curiosity, are you wanting to stay away from 3rd party plugins because you're working with Maschine+?

UniFly

No, just a personal preference. I don't want to complicate my workflow as plugins sometimes get discontinued.

UniFly

Anyway, I will test this approach in overall track completion. For now I noticed that Maschine's Saturator used as clipper changes sound. Still can't say if this is for good or bad. Also depends on how much it is used, depends on drive and gain values. BTW, as supposed to be it does peaks shaving which is good for track loudness.

Uwe303

I think you are on the best way, with internal tools, even if it's not the same as using a clipper plugin. Also using the other modes could be interesting.

UniFly

Thanks. Yes, I will be using built-in Saturator effect with these settings for slight clipping as pushing it harder produces sound that might be unwanted, it depends.

If there is more interest on built-in Clipper effect, please show your interest here so we can create as feature request.

Thanks

ozon

Did you check out the Reaktor User Library?

(ok, that would be third party but based on NI technology - and could be made to work on the M+)

UniFly

Thanks, I'll have a look, but still I'm a fan of a simple workflow. What already offered in terms of effects in Maschine is fairly enough. It doesn't block you from creating a good music. Of course, seeing improved Saturator in the future would be a nice thing to have.

Uwe303

https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/comment/177287#Comment_177287

absolutely!!!

D-One

Regarding your initial approach: Why use a Saturator to Soft Clip instead of a tool designed specifically to clip peaks? - Ableton's stock Limiter has a soft clip option.

I am asking because Saturators main goal is too distort/add harmonics, change tone slightly and maybe do other stuff too if they try to emulate analog gear… If thats your goal you can also use both limiting and saturation separately for more control.

Maschine has both a Maximizer and a Limiter, both will achieve more 'loudness' transparently but none of them have a soft clip option (afaik), I'm not sure how steep is the clip curve is but if you stick within the low values you mentioned (1-3db) it shouldnt make much difference IMO. I'd stick with this approach if all you want is an extra bit of loudness or more 'knock' on your Drum Group as opposed to surgical Pro Mastering; this is actually NI's approach, almost all Expansions Kits have Maximizers or Limiters on them.

UniFly

Sorry, just came back to reply.

In terms of Ableton, not an expert. Saturator worked in this case, I see the improvement in overall mix, never compared with limiter's soft clipping.

In terms of Maschine, I'm using all of them: limiter - almost always, saturator-clipper or maximizer - depends on situation.