Clip effects, as introduced to Pro Tools HD in 12.6 are so useful and like all useful new features I find as I use them more my need for a shortcut to access them grows.
Toggle Clip Effect Shortcut
To quickly access the clip effects editor, just hit Option+Num 6 (Alt+Num 6 on PC) Note that clip effects are only editable in Pro Tools Ultimate.
To toggle the related Universe view hit Option+7 (Alt+7 on PC)
Clip Gain, Clip Effects and Gain Staging
I find I’m using Clip Effects for EQ more and more. It has to be said that in the absence of any metering, makes the dynamics section of limited use but an interesting thing to be aware of is the function of the Trim control in Clip Effects. Clip Gain is post Clip Effects but the trim control in Clip Effects is a separate gain stage and is pre Clip Effects (and pre Clip Gain).
To demonstrate this try setting a Clip Effects gate. If you change the Trim level the effect of the gate will change whereas if you change the Clip Gain the gated signal will be turned up and down but the effect of the gate will be unchanged. Also changing the Clip Effect trim displays the “DYN” label on the clip, so if you can’t work out why your clip is showing dynamics engaged but the compressor and gate aren’t engaged maybe it’s the Trim?