Clip FX in Pro Tools allow you to apply EQ, Compressor and other Dynamics changes directly to audio flies and individual clips on a track, without the need to use traditional plugins. This feature allows you to put effects on individual parts "clips" of a track but not necessarily on its' entirely, which also saves processing power. Clip FX is also non-destructive, allowing you to add or remove changes without having to process any files or use alternate edits. In this video, Avid Master Instructor Frank D. Cook shows you how easy it is to start using Clip FX along with step-by-step instructions.

Clip FX-"How To Use"

Earlier this year when Avid rolled-out Pro Tools 2022, they opened up a feature of Pro Tools that was previously only available to users of Ultimate: Clip FX. Now, anyone using Pro Tools Studio, or Ultimate, have access to these same features. Originally introduced in version 12.6, Clip FX gave users the power to apply changes to EQ, Filters, Compressor/Limiter, and Expander/Gate directly to audio files (clips) on a track. Furthermore, each audio file can have a totally different settings applied, and the settings stay with the audio file allowing you to move, cut, copy, and paste while retaining the settings. The Clip FX section uses the same algorithms as the Avid Channel Strip plugin. Let's take a look at how to use Clip FX:

Show Clip FX

There are two ways to show the Clip FX section: menu/shortcut, or button

Go to the View Menu > Other Displays > Clip Effects. You can also use the keyboard shortcut Option + 6 (mac) / Alt + 6 (pc)

You can also use the Button located at the Top-Right of the Ruler View:

Once you Show Clip FX the Edit Window, it will look like the example below: the Clip FX section will be at the top of the window.

Using Clip FX

Since Clip FX are based on audio files, you will need to select the file(s) that you want to apply changes to. Once you select a clip you'll see the interface turn on automatically. Each of the three sections: EQ, Filters, and Dynamics have their own Power Button allowing you to turn them on/off as needed.

EQ Section

The EQ section is a 4-band parametric EQ, with switchable Shelf / Peak-Notch for the High & Low Frequencies. Each of the bands has control for Frequency, Gain, and Bandwidth. It also has an Input Trim, as well as a Phase (polarity) function. You can manipulate the EQ settings by using your mouse on the colored dots, or by clicking directly on the parameter and dragging up/down with your mouse.

Along with the multi-band EQ, you also have Hi-Cut / Lo-Cut Filters to the right of the EQ section. Each Filter can be switched between Hi-Cut, Lo-Cut, Peak, or Notch, with a switchable Slope of 12dB/O, or 24db/O

Each of the EQ band, and Filters can be turned on/off by clicking on the Band button, or Filter number. When the button is "greyed-out" that band is Off. When it appears "normal" it is On.

Dynamics

The last section is a full dynamics processor with Expander/Gate and Compressor/Limiter. Just as with the Avid Channel Strip plugin, you'll find controls for Threshold, Ratio, Attack, Release, Knee, etc...

Each of the sections within Clip FX can be turned on/off using the Power Button at the top:

Indicator

When you apply Clip FX to your audio files you'll see an indicator appear in the upper left-hand corner of the file, letting you know what type of effect is currently applied.

There will be an "EQ" indicator if you are applying any EQ changes

There will be a "DYN" indicator if you are applying any Dynamic changes. Both will appear if you using both sections

Render FX

As with most things in Pro Tools you have the option of making these changes permanent by rendering the effects to create a new audio file. You can right-click on the audio file and choose Render from the Clip Effects sub-menu

Video Tutorial: Clip FX-"how to"

Mihai Boloni

Author: Mihai Boloni
Avid Expert Certified Pro Tools Instructor
ProMedia Training, LLC
www.protoolstraining.com

888-277-0457

Mihai BoloniCreative Director & Avid Expert Pro Tools instructor

Mihai has made it his life's work to help others in the audio industry. Mihai gained experience as an audio engineering Full Sail Instructor in early 2000's and joined ProMedia in 2002. Since then, he has become one of Avid's Top Leading and most experienced, in-demand Instructor and Pro Tools technical consultant. Corporate clients include MTV, PBS, NBC, Telemundo, The Voice's Chief Engineer Mike Bernard, Atlanta Public School System, countless professors from leading Universities, CNN, Turner Broadcasting, and the top producers, artists, and engineers in leading studios and record labels. For over 20 years, Mihai has continued to work as an Audio Engineer, Record Producer, Songwriter (ASCAP), Dog Lover, and Expert Level AVID Certified Pro Tools Instructor.