glossary
Soft clipping reshapes peaks gradually, trading transient height for controlled harmonic edge.
Soft clipping reduces peaks with a rounded transfer curve rather than chopping them flat. The result is usually smoother than hard clipping, though it still adds distortion.
Engineers use it to catch fast transients before a limiter, add density to drums, or create controlled saturation.
A little soft clipping can make a signal feel louder and denser. Too much can smear punch, add harsh upper harmonics, or make codec conversion less forgiving.
Peak meters may look safer after clipping, but true peak and loudness readings still matter for delivery.
Compare clipped and unclipped versions at matched loudness. Listen for lost transient snap, vocal grit, cymbal splash, and low-end flattening.
Meter Core helps you watch peak margin and LUFS while deciding whether clipping is solving a level problem or only hiding it.