Unexplained Clipping

[Simonon]

Can someone please explain why instruments sometimes clip, even if the levels are fine? I find that the instruments that clip usually have more attack than others, if that helps.

[David Nahmani]

It can be perfectly normal for an instrument to generate levels that go above 0 dB FS (the clipping level in digital), depending on which note you're playing, how you've set the different instrument parameters.

 

So your statement is contradictory: if your instrument is clipping, your levels are not fine: turn the instrument volume down.

[Simonon]

I have turned the volume down, but it makes no difference. Sometimes there is a note that has a kind of clicking sound at the start of it, but only at the start. I have checked, and the volume doesn't go above 0 dB.

[lagerfeldt]

That's not clipping, but clicking. Something that happens in the envelope or filtering of the synthesizer.

 

If you change the attack time or filter attack time slightly you can often make it go away. However, you may also change the way the sound feels because you're getting a less snappy attack.

 

The alternative solution is to live with the click and perhaps use a limiter plug-in on that channel strip, in case the transient of the click is higher than the rest of the note. If the transient is lower, then you can't use this method without changing the sound too much.

 

If the audio on the channel strip isn't exceeding 0 dBFS (into the red on the meter) it's not clipping the output of the channel. If it is, simply lower the output gain of the instrument and mind any subsequent dynamic processing.

 

If the audio overloads the stereo output, then lower the stereo output fader.

 

PS. Leave the so-called "Master" fader at unity.

[Simonon]

Ok, thanks a lot.