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Collaboration, Voice & AV · Foundational

Clipping

Distortion that occurs when a signal exceeds the maximum level a device can reproduce, flattening the waveform peaks.

Definition

Clipping produces harsh harmonic distortion and can damage loudspeakers, particularly tweeters, because clipped waveforms contain more high-frequency energy. Digital clipping at 0 dBFS is especially unpleasant. Clip indicators on mixers, DSPs and amplifiers help locate the stage that is overdriven.

Example

A red clip light on the DSP input shows the mic preamp gain is too high.

Exam tip

Find the first stage that clips and reduce gain there.

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