Clipping (audio)

For shortening of voice snippets due to failures in voice activity detection, see squelch and voice activity detection.
For broader coverage of this topic, see Clipping (signal processing).
The altered peaks and troughs of the sine wave form displayed on this oscilloscope indicate the signal has been "clipped."

Clipping is a form of waveform distortion that occurs when an amplifier is overdriven and attempts to deliver an output voltage or current beyond its maximum capability. Driving an amplifier into clipping may cause it to output power in excess of its power rating.

In the frequency domain, clipping produces strong harmonics in the high-frequency range (as the clipped waveform comes closer to a squarewave). The extra high-frequency weighting of the signal could make tweeter damage more likely than if the signal was not clipped.

In most cases, the distortion associated with clipping is unwanted, and is visible on an oscilloscope even if it is inaudible.[1] However, clipping is often used in music for artistic effect, particularly guitar-dominant genres like blues, rock, and metal.

  1. ^ Zottola, Tino (1996). Vacuum Tube and Guitar and Bass Amplifier Servicing. Bold Strummer. p. 6. ISBN 0-933224-97-4.