The clip to zero (CTZ) method is a mixing technique that aims to achieve maximum loudness by using clippers on all tracks and sub-mixes to reduce their dynamic range. This means that the loudest peaks of each track are clipped off, which can make the track sound louder overall.
To use the CTZ method, you would first need to insert a clipper plugin on every track in your mix. You would then adjust the threshold of each clipper to just below the point where the track starts to clip on its own. This will ensure that you are only clipping the loudest peaks of the track.
Once you have clipped all of the tracks in your mix, you would then create sub-mixes for different groups of instruments, such as drums, bass, guitars, and vocals. You would then insert a clipper plugin on each sub-mix and adjust the threshold to just below the point where the sub-mix starts to clip on its own.
Finally, you would create a master sub-mix for all of the tracks in your mix. You would then insert a clipper plugin on the master sub-mix and adjust the threshold to just below the point where the master sub-mix starts to clip on its own.
It is important to note that the CTZ method can be quite aggressive, and it is important to use it carefully to avoid distorting your mix. You should also listen to your mix carefully at different volumes to make sure that it sounds good at all levels.
Here are some of the benefits of using the CTZ method:
- It can help you to achieve maximum loudness without distorting your mix.
- It can help to improve the clarity of your mix by reducing the dynamic range of each track.
- It can help to create a more cohesive mix by making all of the tracks sound more similar in terms of loudness.
However, there are also some potential drawbacks to using the CTZ method:
- It can be quite aggressive, and it is important to use it carefully to avoid distorting your mix.
- It can reduce the dynamic range of your mix, which can make it sound less natural and exciting.
- It can be difficult to use effectively, and it takes practice to get good results.
Overall, the CTZ method is a powerful tool that can be used to achieve maximum loudness and clarity in your mixes. However, it is important to use it carefully to avoid distorting your mix and reducing the dynamic range too much.