I've had a lot of interest into how I create my drum sounds. I've written a few articles about some of the plugins I use and how I use them which I'll continue to do but I think using clippers in my drum production has been very significant as to how I've created my sounds. This post looks into what they are and why they work so well on drums.
I've also shared some different clipper plugins that I own so you can go ahead and try them.
These are kind of the missing link for me and since trying them out they've made a massive difference to my sound. It's strange because they seem to have gone under the radar from what I've seen to be honest.
I know that clippers can be used in a transparent context but is definetly not what I use them for. I use them to make the drums pop more and in doing that adding some distortion and warmth to the sound.
Understanding Clippers
Clippers differ from compressors and limiters. While all three aim to manage audio dynamics, clippers operate on a more aggressive level by intentionally altering the waveform of the audio signal. This process involves cutting off the peaks of the waveform, resulting in a distinct sound that can add character and warmth to the audio. In cutting the top of the waveform off they can add a distortion to the signal but make them seem also intentionally louder than if you use a compressor or limiter on the drum bus.
How Clippers Work in Drum Production
In drum production, clippers are typically applied to individual drum tracks or to a drum bus similar to how you would use compression. I use on both individual and drum bus too. When clippers engage, they limit the peaks of the audio signal, creating a more uniform volume level. This results in several benefits:
Enhanced Presence: Applying clipper effects can help drums stand out in a mix. By controlling peaks, the average loudness of the track increases, making the drums more prominent without overwhelming other instruments.
Tighter Sound: Clippers contribute to a tighter sound, especially on kick drums and snares. This results in a punchier attack, allowing drums to cut through the mix.
Controlled Dynamics: Drum tracks often have a wide dynamic range. By using clippers, producers can control the dynamics, ensuring that softer hits do not get lost while preventing louder hits from peaking excessively.
Character Addition: Different clipper settings can add unique tonal qualities to drums. For instance, softer settings might maintain the natural character of the drums, while more aggressive clipping can add warmth and thickness.
Best Practices for Using Clippers
Using clippers effectively requires an understanding of when and how to apply them. Below are some best practices for using clippers in drum production:
Subtle Application: While it might be tempting to clip heavily for that extra punch, subtle application often yields the best results. Too much clipping can quickly lead to unwanted distortion. You might want the distortion so experiment with the settings.
Experimentation: Different drum sounds will respond uniquely to clipping. Don't hesitate to experiment with various clipper settings to find the sweet spot for your specific drum tracks. In my experience you can get the snare to sound much louder using a clipper.
Monitor the Mix: Always listen to how the clipped drums sit in the mix. What sounds good in isolation might not translate well when combined with other instruments.
Adjust Around Context: The style of music will dictate how aggressive the clipping should be. For instance, electronic music may benefit from more pronounced clipping than acoustic styles.
Five clipper plugins (in no particular order)
As detailed above I tend to use these to make the drums pop more while also adding some warmth so I'll always be overdriving these more than most. On some of the plugins you can do that just by lower the ceiling rather than affecting gain stages within your DAW and I 'generally' add the first four to instruments (ie kick, snare, toms etc) and the last one I tend to add to the bus.
Kazrog K-Clip
This plugin is great - I think they do a free version but it's just such great value for money you should just buy it. Sounds great on snare and some of the other close mics too!! If nothing else try the free version out and see if you like it.
New Fangled Audio - Saturate
This is a great plugin to add warthm to any signal and gives you a lot of control too. With all these plugins the visual representation really helps too.
BX Clipper
These are all favourites - what I like about this one is you can set a delta to hear how much you're clipping. Also I like the fact that you can use this in M/S mode too.
Safari Pedals - Zebra Clipper
To be honest I love (and have) everything these guys release. I love the interfaces and how they sound so this is another that I use in my workflow. I particular like the MOJO and Sub Boost functions on this plugin.
Schwabe Digital - Orange Clip
This plugin is one that I tend to use more on the drum bus more than on the instrument stems themselves. They've also just recently updated it and made it a multiband plugin too which makes it even more tuneable on the bus so to speak. It's probably the most expensive out of all the other plugins here BUT they do offer a RENT to own program which means you don't have to take the hit all in one go. Try it out!
ABOUT MARK
Mark is an online session drummer and producer based in Reading UK providing remotely recorded drums to clients all over the world.
His main focus on the drums is to always serve the song and listen to what is being played by the other instruments in the band. Be aware of the song and how it develops.
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