GClip

I've been looking for a plugin like this for ages. Even starting threads about it and having long discussions. And even being recommended this very plugin. And what's worse, actually trying it out.

For some reason it just didn't click with me. It is almost too simple. Maybe I have spent too long learning how to use a dozen different compressors to do what this amazing little plugin can do with a twist of a knob. It clips peaks in an inaudible fashion and gives you masses of headroom back to your mix.

I have seen it on the lists of many respected KVR members, so tonight when I was making a Drum and Bass track with 2 Amen breaks flying full force through two Voxengo Crunchessor Compressors, I thought I would give it another try. Lord knows the last thing that drum track needed was another compressor on top of it or even a limiter. That would have been heavy handed in hindsight. All that was required was GClip at the end of the chain and a slight twist of the 'Clip' knob down to 90 percent. I shaved off a whole 6dB of useless transients that were doing nothing but pushing my master channel into the red. There was absolutely no perceivable drop in volume. This thing is beyond transparent in a way that you would have to really work hard at to achieve with a compressor or limiter, which is how I would have done things in the past.

I feel like such a noob. Such a basic thing and I had NO tool to do this as quickly, simply and efficiently. Not to mention freely. Donations are definitely in order on this one. I downloaded the full pack of VSTs that are available, and so far I'm knocked out by the few I have tried. GStereo and GMonoBass spring to mind. GStereo lets you choose the width for different frequency spectrums and works surprisingly effectively. And GMonoBass worked to tame a growling bass line that fitted perfectly in my track but just had a bit too much stereo width. I just dialed in the frequency for it to split the signal down to mono. A bit like Bass Lane if I remember correctly, but I haven't used that for a very long time.

I bought two Audio Damage plugins and an iZotope plugin today. I bought two Voxengo plugins yesterday including Elephant. None of them have brought a smile to my face the way GClip has. No more going round in circles withe compressors and limiters chasing my own tail. And the best part is that there is a very useful waveform display on GClip which shows you where the peaks are and what reduction is being applied. There is even oversampling too.

This plugin is going to get a whole load of use. I can't believe it has taken me so long to figure this out. Then again, at least I have learned how to use a compressor properly in the meantime. GClip is just such an elegant solution. You might not use it on everything, but for taming wild and errant drum peaks, easily and transparently, I can't think of any other plugin to compare it to. A fully deserved 10/10. Hard to believe no one has reviewed this before. What it does is just so simple. If you are a noob learning about compression and limiting, do yourself a favour and try this out as well. You may find that you don't even need those two other tools.