The harsh distortion that happens when a signal exceeds its maximum level.
Clipping is a form of distortion that occurs when an audio signal is pushed beyond the maximum level a system can handle, so the tops of its waveform are abruptly cut off, or 'clipped'. In the digital world this produces a particularly harsh, unpleasant crackle and is generally something to avoid, signalled by a red meter on an interface or DAW. The cure is to lower the gain or volume so peaks stay below the ceiling, leaving headroom. Not all clipping is bad, however — analogue clipping and overdrive are deliberately used as creative effects on guitars and drums — but unwanted digital clipping is a common beginner mistake worth learning to spot and prevent.
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