ClipShifter 2
Key Features
- Variable clip shape from hard brickwall clipping to soft saturation with compression
- Dynamic threshold responds to incoming transient levels with adjustable attack time and fast release
- Independent even-order and odd-order harmonic distortion control
- Scalable waveform history view with click-and-drag threshold editing
- Built-in VU, PPM, and loudness metering for monitoring input and output levels
- Independent left/right or mid/side threshold detection (v2.2+)
- Low CPU usage suitable for running multiple instances across a session
Description
ClipShifter 2 by LVC-Audio is a wave-shaping clipper plugin that doubles as a clipping-style limiter. It covers everything from hard brickwall clipping to soft, compressed saturation, with dedicated controls for clip shape and even/odd-order harmonic content.
What sets ClipShifter apart is its dynamic threshold system. Rather than applying static clipping, the threshold rises or falls in response to incoming transient levels, letting you shape how aggressively the plugin reacts to peaks versus sustained material.
The Attack Time control and Fast Release toggle let you dial in transient-specific behavior. Let the initial attack punch through while clipping the sustain, or slam the transients while leaving the body of the signal clean.
Version 2.2 added independent left/right and mid/side threshold control, with options for Independent, Maximum, or Average detection modes. The scalable waveform display supports click-and-drag threshold editing for visual gain staging.
The paid upgrade unlocks 2x/4x/8x oversampling with double processing, a 3-band crossover for frequency-selective clipping, and mid/side stereo processing. The core clipping engine, dynamic threshold, harmonics control, and full metering suite are all included in the no-cost version.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between ClipShifter 2 and Clipped-MAX?
Clipped-MAX is ClipShifter's successor from LVC-Audio, featuring four distinct clipping modules (Shifter, Stereo, M-Band, and Master), eleven clipping algorithms, and oversampling up to 128x. ClipShifter 2 remains supported and available as a simpler, focused single-module clipper. Purchasing Clipped-MAX includes a license for ClipShifter.
What does ClipShifter's dynamic threshold actually do?
Unlike a static clipper that clips everything above a fixed level, ClipShifter's threshold moves in response to incoming signal levels. You set an initial threshold and an end threshold, and the clipping point gradually shifts between them based on transient activity. This lets you treat peaks and sustained material differently within the same plugin instance.
Which features require the paid version of ClipShifter?
The paid version ($24.95) adds 2x, 4x, and 8x oversampling with selectable double processing, a 3-band crossover for frequency-selective clipping, and mid/side stereo processing. The core clipping engine, dynamic threshold, harmonics control, waveform display, and all metering are included in the no-cost version.
Can ClipShifter 2 be used for mastering?
Yes. ClipShifter is commonly used on mix buses and in mastering chains as a transparent peak limiter or for adding subtle warmth. The paid version's oversampling reduces aliasing artifacts at high clipping levels, which is particularly beneficial for mastering applications where audio quality is critical.
