Clipper 7
Clipper 7 is a precision digital clipper built around a dual-layer FFT analysis engine that monitors both input and output signals in real time. Instead of relying solely on waveform-based shaping, Clipper 7 allows users to see the spectral impact of clipping at every step — making it easier to control tonal balance, detect unwanted harmonics, and dial in musical results with confidence.
The processor includes seven unique clipping algorithms and up to 8x oversampling, providing flexible tonal options for mixing and mastering. Clipper 7 is available as both a Standalone application and a VST3 plugin.
KEY FEATURES
• Engine: Dual-Layer FFT-Driven High-Resolution Clipper
• Clip Types: 7 distinct algorithms for tonal shaping
• Oversampling: Up to 8x real-time oversampling for reduced aliasing
• Analyzer: Dual-Layer Input/Output FFT display for precise harmonic monitoring
• FFT Engine: 4096 / 8192-point resolution with Blackman window
• Response Model: Internal 4.5 dB tilt and 350 ms ballistic decay • Gain Structure:
– Drive: 0 to +24 dB
– Clip (Threshold): 0 to -24 dB
– Output Trim: 0 to -90 dB
• Metering: Gain Reduction meter and Dual-layer LR Peak meters
(background = input, foreground = output)
• Precision: 32-bit floating-point processing
• Sample Rates: 44.1 – 96 kHz (Standalone), Host-Dependent in VST3
Standalone-Only Features
• Playback: Drag & Drop loading with Loop functionality
• Export: Render processed audio to WAV (16-bit or 24-bit)
UNDERSTANDING THE SPECTRUM DISPLAY
While other clippers use a static oscilloscope to show you a flat line of a clipped peak, Clipper 7 uses a high-resolution Dual Layer Spectrum Analyzer. It doesn’t just show you how much volume you removed—it reveals the harmonics and tone you created.
Why does the spectrum “breathe”?
Clipping is a non-linear process. The specific harmonic content generated depends on the exact micro-second a transient hits the threshold. Even in a perfect digital loop, the phase of your kick drum interacts with the clipping threshold slightly differently on every hit.
Clipper 7’s engine is sensitive enough to capture these micro-dynamic variations. If the visual moves slightly, it is showing you the organic, living nature of the saturation—similar to how analog gear reacts dynamically to incoming audio.
• 4.5dB Slope: The display uses a calibrated 4.5dB tilt. While standard Pink Noise creates a flat line at 3dB, Clipper 7 uses the steeper 4.5dB slope preferred by mastering engineers. This aligns the visual with modern musical balance, ensuring that if your mix looks flat on screen, it sounds solid in the speakers.
• 350ms Averaging: Clipper 7 uses a specialized 350ms integration time. This mimics the reaction time of a standard VU meter (and the human brain), allowing you to see the “Body” and “Tonal Balance” of the sound, rather than just jittery, instantaneous peaks.
