Reduce gain first when mastering loud or clipped mixes to preserve processing headroom
Problem: loud mixes limiting processing options
Clip transients for tighter group cohesion
Problem: loose, disconnected transients
Use a free clipper for crispy drum sounds
Problem: lifeless or dull drum sounds
Shave snare transients with a clipper
Problem: overly aggressive or harsh snare
Real-time clipping for dynamic glue
Problem: loose, dynamic mix lacking cohesion
Use clipping as a saturation-based limiter alternative
Problem: harsh limiting artifacts on transients
Avoid clipping to preserve transients
Problem: dull transients from excessive clipping
Mistake: using square waves that cause clipping
Problem: clipping from square wave signals
Apply light clipping to control top-end brightness and add saturation
Problem: overly bright or sterile top-end
Avoid boomy snares; use tight, clipped snares for this style
Problem: muddy or indistinct snare sound
Clipping causes loss of information and a less full sound
Problem: loss of dynamic range and harmonic content
Mistake: not cutting clipped parts to preserve sound quality
Problem: degraded sound quality from clipped audio
Cut out clipped portions instead of trying to fix them
Problem: clipped audio degrading mix quality