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An introduction to SIR Audio Tools StandardCLIP, based on information from the maker and distributors: what it does, how to use it and who it may suit. It is not scored.
The plugin offers high quality oversampling up to the factor 256 and provides a large variety of options.
— SIR Audio Tools official site
What is StandardCLIP?
StandardCLIP is a clipper plug-in from SIR Audio Tools, run by Christian Knufinke. The maker presents it as a tool for raising the loudness of a mix or adding distinctive harmonics to a signal.
A clipper works differently from a limiter: instead of reducing gain over time, it directly cuts off the tops of waveform peaks. It is a typical tool for evening out peaks on material with strong transients, such as drums.
The maker says it offers oversampling up to a factor of 256 and a large variety of options. Oversampling raises the internal resolution and helps suppress unwanted aliasing produced by clipping.
It is available as VST, VST3, AU and AAX on Windows (32-bit and 64-bit) and Mac (Apple Silicon supported). The listed price is 25 EUR / 25 USD, a modest figure within the maker's catalogue.
Core clipping
A fundamental clipping process that trims peaks to gain loudness. It may be useful for raising the overall level of a mix or levelling peaks on a single drum track.
Adding harmonics
The maker presents it not only for loudness but also for adding unique harmonics to a signal. It may be worth trying when you want a little distortion colour.
Oversampling up to 256x
A function that suppresses aliasing produced by clipping by processing at a finer resolution. Higher factors cost more CPU, so you might use lower values while working and higher ones when finishing.
Many options
The maker describes a wide range of options. A manual page is available, so you can check the controls before buying.
Wide format support
VST, VST3, AU and AAX are supported, with both 32-bit and 64-bit builds on Windows. This makes it easier to consider for older DAWs or 32-bit hosts.
Demo available
Demo downloads for Windows and Mac are offered on the product page. The full version requires a licence key, so you can check behaviour on your own system before buying.
Specifications
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Clipper |
| Plug-in formats | VST / VST3 / AU / AAX |
| Oversampling | Up to 256x |
| Windows | Windows 11 or newer, 64-bit (32-bit build also listed); 200 MB disk, 8 GB RAM |
| Mac | macOS 10.13 or newer, Apple Silicon supported; 200 MB disk, 8 GB RAM |
| Supported hosts | AU or VST host applications, Pro Tools 11 or newer |
| Version | Windows 1.6.057, Mac 1.6.056 |
What is included and system requirements
- StandardCLIP plug-in
- Windows and Mac installers
- Licence key (full version)
- Demo download
How to use it
- Download the demo from the product page and try it.
- If you like it, purchase and receive a licence key.
- Run the full-version installer.
- Open your DAW and rescan plug-ins.
- Insert it on a drum bus or near the end of the master chain.
- Raise the input gain gradually and listen to how peaks are trimmed.
- Adjust oversampling and check that no aliasing appears.
- Match the output level to the original so you are not judging only by loudness.
Levelling drum peaks
It may trim sharp snare or kick peaks before a limiter.
Gaining mix loudness
Light clipping on the master may help raise level. Too much makes distortion obvious, so adjust by ear.
Adding colour through harmonics
Mild clipping on bass or synths may be a way to add harmonics.
Streaming and narration levels
It may help tame spiky voice peaks with light clipping.
Who it may suit
- People looking for a tool to raise mix or master loudness
- People who want a clipper to tame drum peaks
- People looking for a low-priced clipper
- Users on older DAWs or 32-bit environments
Good to know before you buy
- The developer is SIR Audio Tools (Christian Knufinke), not Variety of Sound.
- The full version requires a licence key; a demo is available separately.
- Official requirements list Windows 11 or newer, macOS 10.13 or newer, and 8 GB of RAM.
- Because clipping cuts the waveform directly, overuse makes distortion audible; compare at matched levels.
Price
$25 (SIR Audio Tools official site, checked 2026-10-27). Prices can vary by region and promotion, so check the official page before buying.
See StandardCLIP on the product page
Sources: siraudiotools.com (checked 2026-10-27)
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