glossary
Clip gain adjusts the audio item before the channel processing sees it.
Clip gain changes the level of an audio region or event before it hits inserts, sends, and the channel fader. It is usually earlier in the signal path than automation.
That makes it useful for evening out raw performance level before compressors and saturators react.
A vocal with a few loud words can make a compressor clamp too hard. Reducing those words with clip gain often sounds cleaner than asking the compressor to fix everything.
The same idea works for bass notes, drum hits, and recorded instruments that jump in level before the mix even starts.
Because clip gain changes what plugins receive, it can alter gain reduction, tone, peaks, and loudness. Meter after the processing chain, not only at the clip.
Meter Core helps confirm that cleanup moves improve consistency without creating new peak or loudness surprises.