Simple Explanation

When an audio signal is pushed beyond the limits of an amplifier or audio circuit, causing the tops and bottoms of the waveform to be cut off.

Concise Technical Definition

A form of waveform distortion that occurs when an amplifier is driven beyond its maximum capacity, resulting in the flattening (clipping) of the waveform peaks due to voltage or current limitations.

Layman-Friendly Analogy

Like turning up a car radio so loud the speakers start crackling—it’s trying to do more than it can handle, and the clean edges of the music get chopped off.

Industry Usage Summary

Common in audio engineering, live sound, and music production. Clipping is generally undesirable as it introduces harmonic distortion. Soft clipping is sometimes used intentionally in analog gear for musical warmth, but digital clipping is avoided.

Engineering Shortcut

Output exceeds power rail = waveform clips flat at peak/trough → distortion.

Full Technical Explanation

Clipping occurs when the amplitude of an audio signal exceeds the power limits of an amplifier or other component. The signal’s peaks get “clipped” flat, causing harmonic distortion. Hard clipping introduces harsh, odd-order harmonics, while soft clipping rounds off peaks more smoothly and can sound more pleasant. In digital audio, clipping creates inharmonic artifacts and is almost always avoided. On oscilloscopes, clipped waveforms appear flattened at the top or bottom. In severe cases, clipping can damage speakers, especially high-frequency drivers, by sending excess energy or DC current.