Schwabe Digital - Gold Clip - Mixing With Mike Plugin of the Week
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Introduction
The Gold Clip plugin from Schwabe Digital is a versatile tool designed to emulate two high-end mastering converters and the process of clipping. Many records are mastered using A-to-D clipping, which involves passing the audio signal through the A-to-D converter as part of the sound. The Gold Clip plugin aims to replicate this process, particularly the characteristics of the Lavery gold unit and possibly another undisclosed converter.
This plugin offers a range of creative and unique tools for clipping and mastering. It features a bypass control, preset options, input and output gain, and a ceiling control for setting the desired output level. One standout feature is the clipping measurement tool, which displays the maximum clip value and the corresponding time, making it easy to locate and monitor clipping occurrences.
The Gold Clip plugin also includes a wet/dry control and multiple limiters with wet/dry blending capabilities. This makes it suitable not only for mastering but also as a creative tool for processing other audio tracks such as bass and drums. Additionally, the plugin provides a box tone feature for high-frequency roll-off, offering classic and modern options for smoothing the top end.
The Clipper section of the plugin offers three clipping modes: hard clip, classic clip (emulating the older unit), and modern clip (emulating the modern unit). Each mode delivers its unique characteristics, allowing you to choose the desired level of clipping and distortion in your audio.
The Gold feature of the plugin introduces two transfer function options. This function raises the level of low-level energy, which also brings up the level of everything above it. This feature mimics the behavior of tape machines where increased signal level results in more compression. The plugin offers a modern transfer function that provides a linear gain structure and a classic transfer function with a longer compression section. This feature can be used creatively to add saturation and warmth to individual tracks.
Another noteworthy feature is Alchemy, which applies an EQ during the clipping process. This EQ cuts upper mid and high frequencies at the clipping point to reduce artifacts. It's a subtle effect that can enhance the overall clarity and smoothness of the clipped sound.
The Gold Clip plugin also includes a loudness feature, which is where the Gold feature truly shines. As you increase the Gold level, the perceived loudness of the audio decreases, providing a more compressed sound. This can be both beneficial and challenging to work with, as it can change the balance and impact of individual tracks and the overall mix. Careful adjustment is necessary to achieve the desired level of loudness without sacrificing clarity or dynamics.
In summary, the Gold Clip plugin from Schwabe Digital offers a range of powerful and creative tools for mastering and clipping. Its ability to replicate the characteristics of high-end mastering converters and the extensive control options make it a valuable asset in the mixing and mastering process.
Keywords
Schwabe Digital, Gold Clip, plugin, mastering converters, clipping, A-to-D converter, Lavery gold unit, audio signal, process, presets, input gain, output gain, ceiling control, clipping measurement, maximum clip value, time, wet/dry control, limiters, blend, box tone, high-frequency roll-off, hard clip, classic clip, modern clip, transfer function, linear gain structure, compression, saturation, Alchemy, EQ, loudness, perceived loudness, compression, clarity, dynamics.
FAQ
Q: What is the Gold Clip plugin from Schwabe Digital? A: The Gold Clip plugin is a versatile tool designed to emulate high-end mastering converters and the process of clipping. It offers a range of control options and unique features for mastering and processing audio.
Q: How does the Gold Clip plugin replicate clipping in the mastering process? A: The Gold Clip plugin emulates the characteristics of high-end converters, such as the Lavery gold unit. It provides different clipping modes, transfer function options, and an Alchemy feature that applies EQ during the clipping process.
Q: Is the Gold Clip plugin suitable for creative processing of individual tracks? A: Yes, the Gold Clip plugin can be used as a creative tool for processing individual tracks, such as bass and drums. Its wet/dry control and blendable limiters offer flexibility in shaping the sound.
Q: How does the loudness feature of the Gold Clip plugin work? A: The Gold Clip plugin's loudness feature allows you to adjust the perceived loudness of the audio. As you increase the Gold level, the overall loudness decreases, providing a more compressed sound. Careful adjustment is necessary to maintain the desired balance and impact in the mix.
Q: What are some of the standout features of the Gold Clip plugin? A: The Gold Clip plugin offers a clipping measurement tool, a box tone feature for high-frequency roll-off, and the ability to apply EQ during the clipping process with the Alchemy feature. Additionally, the plugin provides control over input and output gain, wet/dry blending, and three different clipping modes.