Topic by mirnocaitan

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Topic: Sound clipping and low volume

Hello all,

What is the cause of sound clipping? I can fix this only by lowering the volume but then it gets too low (I find the default volume veeeeery low) and I can't enjoy playing the instrument. I read some topics with similar subjects but I really couldn't find an answer.

I usually set the volume between +5 - +7.5 dB. It's still not as thunderous as I want but I make do. Clipping is always somewhat audible in that range when I play ff or louder even if the bar isn't red. I read that some people couldn't get rid of it even after buying external hardware which led me to believe that the root of the problem lies somewhere else.

Here's what I see on the app: https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/f1/67/bssiTBRk_t.png

Reply by tmyoung

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Re: Sound clipping and low volume

There are two options built into PTQ to consider: dynamics slider and the effects compressor.  The limiter is turned off in your screengrab (I have the limiter turned off all of the time because I use PTQ for recording purposes).  For general playback, you probably should consider decreasing the dynamics slider (which will make the floor of pppp and ceiling of ffff closer together) or turning on a harder compressor under Effects > Comp than whatever preset you're currently using provides.  Clipping can occur on select frequencies even if the VU meter in PTQ doesn't show clipping.  If you're in a DAW, you can port the sound through a visual spectrum analyzer and that will show which Hz frequencies are clipping.  Also, check Effects > EQ or downstream EQ (if any) for settings that are boosting particular frequencies too hard and causing clipping.  Either way, decreasing the dynamics slider or increasing the compressor effect should be good starting points.

We can likely give you more specific advice about if we know more about the presets, hardware, and settings of your install.

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Reply by dv

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Re: Sound clipping and low volume

Greatly reduce the volume in pianoteq. Raise it somewhere else, e.g. the computer, the DAW (if you use one), the pre-amp (if you have one), the final power amp, the mixer etc.

If you are using headphones, they may have an impedance incompatible with the impedance of the headphone amplificator, so consider switching either of those (at least for a test)

Last edited by dv (26-08-2024 23:50)
Where do I find a list of all posts I upvoted? :(

Reply by Amen Ptah Ra

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Re: Sound clipping and low volume

You just switch on the Peak Limiter, if it on the interface was turned off anytime you play.  And, whenever you can or probably should just keep your volume in decibels below a respectable 0 dB if you really want to stay out of that red and because whenever you go over you likely sorely damage your analog gear (whatever pair of functional speakers you’ve set at your disposal)!  Now of course all this has to mean way under +7 dB and +5 dB.

Also while you’re at it consider monitors along with volume knobs which come standard on any hardware (digital interface) or even an entire brand spanking new speaker system with its own separate volume adjustments, when really you just got to blast it terribly loud...

mirnocaitan wrote:

What is the cause of sound clipping?

A high likelihood is whatever also might quickly cause an eardrum to suddenly burst!

Last edited by Amen Ptah Ra (30-08-2024 05:17)
Pianoteq 8 Studio Bundle, Pearl malletSTATION EM1, Roland (DRUM SOUND MODULE TD-30, HandSonic 10, AX-1), Akai EWI USB, Yamaha DIGITAL PIANO P-95, M-Audio STUDIOPHILE BX5, Focusrite Saffire PRO 24 DSP.

Reply by mirnocaitan

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Re: Sound clipping and low volume

Thank you all for your help.

tmyoung wrote:

There are two options built into PTQ to consider: dynamics slider and the effects compressor.  The limiter is turned off in your screengrab (I have the limiter turned off all of the time because I use PTQ for recording purposes).  For general playback, you probably should consider decreasing the dynamics slider (which will make the floor of pppp and ceiling of ffff closer together) or turning on a harder compressor under Effects > Comp than whatever preset you're currently using provides.

This has been the only useful advice yet. Decreasing the dynamics slider isn't an option as I'm using the full range but turning on a compressor increased the volume. Though not enough for my liking.

tmyoung wrote:

We can likely give you more specific advice about if we know more about the presets, hardware, and settings of your install.

I'm using the Steinway D HB Classical or the Steinway D HB 3 Mics preset only with no reverb, added volume and +5dB dynamics. Default EQ looks pretty neutral. I get the most volume with minimal clipping on these two. Hardwarewise, I'm using a Steelseries Arctis 3 2019 headset (32 ohms, 98dB/mw) with no external hardware. My laptop is an Acer Nitro 5. What do you mean by "settings of your install"?


dv wrote:

Greatly reduce the volume in pianoteq. Raise it somewhere else, e.g. the computer, the DAW (if you use one), the pre-amp (if you have one), the final power amp, the mixer etc.

Computer's volume is maxed out. I don't use any DAW, amp nor mixer.


Amen Ptah Ra wrote:

You just switch on the Peak Limiter, if it on the interface was turned off anytime you play.  And, whenever you can or probably should just keep your volume in decibels below a respectable 0 dB if you really want to stay out of that red and because whenever you go over you likely sorely damage your analog gear (whatever pair of functional speakers you’ve set at your disposal)!  Now of course all this has to mean way under +7 dB and +5 dB.

No, I will not do that. At least not with my current gear.

Amen Ptah Ra wrote:

Also while you’re at it consider monitors along with volume knobs which come standard on any hardware (digital interface) or even an entire brand spanking new speaker system with its own separate volume adjustments, when really you just got to blast it terribly loud...

I think this is my only choice left.. I'm thinking of getting a Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro X LE or a DT 770 Pro 80/250 Ohm with an adequate DAC/AMP combo. Sadly, my environment is too loud for open back headphones. Any recommendations?

Reply by snurrfint

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Re: Sound clipping and low volume

Also experience clipping etc when the main volyme is to high in Pianoteq but I have the reverse problem. On iOS where if I set the volume to max on the iPad, its way louder than any of the built in sounds on my digital piano so I lower the volume a few steps. Then also lower the volyme on PTQ and it sounds great.

If you have an iPhone or iPad I suggest you try downloading the app and see if that makes it any better. An external sound card for your computer might fix the issue too but I could be wrong.

Reply by levinite

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Re: Sound clipping and low volume

The cause of clipping is when the audio exceeds the bounds of the format that is to contain it.

Are the other audio sources (mp3 audio, video playback etc) loud enough or is it just pianoteq that is too low when played with the same headphones? If you play a downloaded midi file is the volume still too low?

Last edited by levinite (01-09-2024 16:15)