Raytown Productions HardStop Free Clipper & True‑Peak Limiter – 100% Free VST for macOS & Windows

Overview

Raytown Productions has introduced HardStop, a dedicated hard‑clipper and true‑peak limiter that ships as a permanently free Basic edition for both macOS and Windows. Designed for producers who need transparent limiting without sacrificing headroom, HardStop delivers instant peak control while preserving the musicality of your mix.

Core Features

• Three Quality Modes – Choose between Fast, Medium, and High‑Quality processing to balance CPU load and fidelity.
• TP Safety Limiter – Built‑in true‑peak safety limiter prevents inter‑sample peaks from causing distortion on conversion or broadcast.
• Full Clipping Engine – The free edition includes the same clipping algorithm used in the paid Pro version, giving you professional‑grade limiting without cost.
• Cross‑Platform Compatibility – Native VST3, AU, and AAX formats run on Windows 10/11 and macOS 12+ (Apple Silicon native).

Basic vs

Pro

| Edition | Price | Features | |---|---|---| | Basic (Free) | $0 | Full clipping engine, all three quality modes, TP Safety Limiter | | Pro | Paid | Adds multi‑band limiting, advanced metering, and customizable look‑ahead settings |

The Basic edition is fully functional for most mastering and mixing scenarios, while the Pro version expands the toolset for engineers who need granular control.

Workflow Integration

HardStop slots seamlessly into any DAW—Ableton Live, FL Studio, Logic Pro, Studio One, and others. Place it at the end of your master chain to catch stray peaks, or insert it on individual tracks for aggressive transient shaping. Its low CPU footprint makes it ideal for large sessions.

Final Thoughts

For producers seeking a reliable, zero‑cost limiter that doesn’t compromise on quality, HardStop’s Basic edition is a standout addition to any toolkit. Its true‑peak safety feature alone makes it a valuable safeguard against digital clipping in modern production pipelines.