Overview

Competitively loud and crystal clear masters
The Brainworx bx_clipper truncates the peaks of waveforms above a set threshold level (Ceiling). It allows you to create mixes that playback louder without increasing their peak level. Unlike a limiter, bx_clipper increases loudness while avoiding squashed pumping effects.

Your limiter’s new best friend
Applying bx_clipper to the end of your mastering chain — before or after your limiter — will help you create modern and crystal-clear mixes that feel as dense and loud as the competition. bx_clipper picks up where your limiter leaves off and bridges the gap between loud and ultra-loud.

Choose from smooth to edgy clipping effects
The clipping engine found within bx_clipper offers two modes of operation. FET mode provides a smooth and natural sound, while Diode mode delivers edgy distortion. Combined with bx_clipper's Ceiling and Knee controls, FET mode and Diode mode allow you to choose from a spectrum of soft clipping to hard clipping effects.

Maximize loudness while avoiding distortion
bx_clipper's Auto Ceiling feature analyzes the peaks in your audio signal and automatically sets the plugin's Ceiling level. The level at which the Ceiling is set will maximize perceived loudness while avoiding unwanted distortion. As a result, bx_clipper allows you to create extremely loud masters without destroying your mix.

Avoid loudness bias with equal-loudness comparisons
The Auto Trim feature provided by bx_clipper analyzes the RMS difference between the input and processed signals. Auto Trim automatically adjusts bx_clipper's output level and lets you conduct equal-loudness comparisons. It helps you tame summing-related peaks that occur in instrument groups without unbalancing your mix.

Clip the mids and sides of your mixes independently
Similar to other Brainworx products, bx_clipper features dual-mono and M/S operation modes for enhanced stereo control. You can apply varying clipping effects to the left and right channels when working with an unsymmetrical mix. Create loud masters with clarity by using the aggressive Diode mode on the sides and the softer FET mode on the center of your stereo image.

Analog warmth and digital-only features
By combining analog-modeled circuits with a digital design, bx_clipper delivers the best of both worlds. Digital-only features like Ambience allow you to audition the information lost from clipping and craft unique creative effects. Another digital-only highlight is the Wet knob, which extends beyond 100% to deliver over-fold distortion, allowing you to infuse kicks and snares with the characteristic flavor of drum synthesizers from the 80s and 90s.

Features

  • Increase loudness by clipping waveform peaks
  • Choose between soft clipping and hard clipping
  • Apply smooth and natural clipping using FET mode
  • Create edgy distortion using Diode mode
  • Conduct level-matched A/B comparisons with Auto Trim
  • Audition the information lost from clipping using the Ambience button
  • Use the full soft-clipping range while avoiding hard-clipping with Auto Ceiling
  • Process the left-right and mid-side channels independently
  • Up to 32x oversampling
  • Peak and waveform meters
  • Scalable and color customizable user interface

Audio Examples

Industry Reviews

  • DJ Zardonic

    DJ Zardonic

    Composer, Producer, Remixer (Bullet For My Valentine, Fear Factory, All Elite Wrestling)

    The way bx_clipper drives mixes is so much better than most saturation / clipping plugins I've heard in the past. It's a hell of an addition to any master chain before the final limiting… Read More

  • Koen Heldens

    Koen Heldens

    Mixing Engineer (XXXTentacion, Trippie Redd, Swae Lee)

    I have a strong appreciation for the act of applying clipping to a wide variety of sources. Not all clippers possess the same qualities, and maintaining the optimal balance of additional headroom… Read More

  • Brian

    Brian "BIGGZ" Booth

    Producer, Engineer, CEO of Prime Records

    I love bx_clipper. it's so easy to use and allows me to make bold moves and not feel guilty about it lol.

  • Pete

    Pete "Boxsta" Martin

    Producer, Composer, Songwriter (Netflix, HBO, Sony) OR (James Arthur, Jesse J, Dope Saint Jude)

    bx_clipper simply sets the new standard. Incredibly forgiving and transparent. My new go to plugin for all my busses!

  • Brad Cox

    Brad Cox

    Producer, Mixer, Mastering Engineer (Slash, T Pain, Moonshine Bandits)

    Another slam dunk by Brainworx! I kept pushing things louder and louder waiting to hear some squashing and it took a lot. Lots of headroom and super transparent. Great tool for your final mix or… Read More

Customer Reviews

  • Fantastic Clipper

    ★★★★★
    by Trevor Gordon Official
    I had a dated clipper before, and this BX one is a much needed update. Very sophisticated, and easy to use. Great to pair up with the BX_True Peak. Brainworx never disappoints =)
  • Dynamite !

    ★★★★★
    by Synthitize
    Certainly one of the 2 best clippers for its treatments, and the best in terms of adjustment capabilities with the bonus of M/S!! Alright

Specifications

Supported Plugin Formats
AAX Native, AU, AAX AudioSuite, VST2, VST3

Supported Operating Systems
macOS 14 down to macOS 11
Windows 11 down to Windows 10

Mac
Intel, or Apple Silicon

PC
x64-compatible CPU

System Requirements
Display resolution: 1440 × 900px or 1280 × 960px or higher
Memory: 2 GB RAM

Downloads

With the Installation Manager you can select, download & install all the Plugin Alliance products. Select any and all formats you need for your system! Mac & PC.

ChangeLog

bx_clipper

bx_clipper - Changelog

Version 1.0.0 (Oct 9, 2023)
- General: fixed CPU spikes on Mac OS

Version 1.0 (Aug 18, 2023)
- Initial release