Clipper vs. Limiter when Mixing? [026]

Understanding Clipping vs Limiting to shape your mix.

Taming the Transients: Limiters and Clippers on Submix Buses

When mixing a song, I usually work in groups. I then divide these so-called submix busses into kick, bass, drums, synth, vocals, and FX, to which the individual tracks are routed.

I need a pleasing mix before mastering, where no element is suddenly too loud or has too strong peaks. Because this could negatively affect a mastering compressor or other effects on dynamic processing.

If individual tracks within a submix have unruly peaks that threaten cohesion, I use limiters and clippers to control the maximum level.

If a limiter or clipper is needed for transparency, I use these tools to work subtly, with a gain reduction of 1-2dB, almost inaudible.

Why limit or clip the entire signal when mastering when you can capture the peaks while mixing the subgroups?

Doing so wil…