Overview of Plugin Alliance bx_clipper

It is a powerful tool designed to truncate the peaks of waveforms above a set threshold level, known as the Ceiling. Its ability to boost loudness without causing undesirable squashed pumping effects sets it apart from traditional limiters. It's essentially your limiter's new best friend, enhancing the loudness and density of your mixes.

Choose from Smooth to Edgy Clipping Effects

One of the standout features of the plugin is its versatile clipping engine, offering two distinct modes of operation. The FET mode provides a smooth and natural sound, perfect for preserving the integrity of your audio. In contrast, the Diode mode introduces edgy distortion for those seeking a more aggressive vibe. With the added control of the Ceiling and Knee settings, you have the flexibility to achieve anything from soft clipping to hard clipping effects.

Maximize Loudness While Avoiding Distortion

It intelligently analyzes the peaks in your audio signal and automatically sets the plugin's Ceiling level to maximize perceived loudness while preventing unwanted distortion. This means you can push your masters to extreme levels of loudness without sacrificing the quality of your mix.

Avoid Loudness Bias with Equal-Loudness Comparisons

The Auto Trim feature in the plugin is a handy tool for maintaining balance in your mix. It analyzes the RMS difference between the input and processed signals, automatically adjusting the output level. This enables you to conduct level-matched A/B comparisons, ensuring your mix remains well-balanced throughout mastering.

Clip the Mids and Sides Independently

It offers dual-mono and M/S operation modes, giving you enhanced stereo control. Whether you're dealing with an asymmetrical mix or want to fine-tune your stereo image, you can apply different clipping effects to the left and right channels. For instance, you might choose the aggressive Diode mode for the sides and the softer FET mode for the center to achieve a balanced and loud master with precision.

Analog Warmth and Digital Creativity

The magic of the plugin lies in its fusion of analog-modeled circuits with digital design. This marriage results in the best of both worlds, offering warmth reminiscent of analog gear while providing digital-only features like the Ambience button for auditioning clipped information and the Wet knob that can push your sounds beyond 100% to create unique creative effects, reminiscent of classic drum synthesizers.

Features at a Glance

Increase loudness by clipping waveform peaks

Choose between soft clipping and hard clipping

Apply smooth and natural clipping using FET mode

Create edgy distortion using Diode mode

Conduct level-matched A/B comparisons with Auto Trim

Audition the information lost from clipping using the Ambience button

Use the full soft-clipping range while avoiding hard-clipping with Auto Ceiling

Process the left-right and mid-side channels independently

Up to 32x oversampling

Peak and waveform meters

Scalable and color-customizable user interface

System Requirements

Operating System: Windows 7 or higher

Supported Plugin Formats: AAX Native, AU, AAX AudioSuite, VST2, VST3

Display resolution: 1440 × 900px or 1280 × 960px or higher

Memory: 2 GB RAM

Conclusion

Plugin Alliance bx_clipper is a powerful tool that not only elevates your masters to new levels of loudness but also preserves the integrity of your mix. Whether you prefer smooth or edgy clipping effects, it offers the flexibility and control you need to achieve your desired sound.