AWS - HardClip

When your mix won’t get loud without the limiter flattening everything, the real problem is usually transient peaks (kicks, snares, plucks) eating all your headroom. Hard clipping solves that by shaving the very top of peaks so you can push level without the limiter doing all the work — which often means more punch, less pumping, and a tighter low end.

AWS – Hardclip is a simple, no-fuss hard clipper built for quick peak control and loudness.

Why hard clipping works

• More headroom fast: trim peaks before they hit your limiter.
• Louder without collapse: limiter has less to catch, so transients stay clearer.
• Tighter drums: controlled peaks = more consistent impact.

When to use it

• Drum Bus: your kick/snare hit hard but the bus is spiky.
• Pre-Master: limiter is grabbing 3–6 dB and the mix loses movement.
• Problem tracks: harsh peaks on synths, percussion, or vocals that trigger compression.

Controls

• Drive — push into clipping
• Ceiling — set the final output cap
• Mix — parallel blend to keep punch

Quick start

1. Drop it on Drum Bus or Pre-Master.
2. Set Ceiling.
3. Add Drive until peaks feel controlled.
4. Back off with Mix if you want more transient bite.

Included

• AWS - Hardclip.amxd
• README.txt, CHANGELOG.txt, LICENSE.txt

Compatibility

• Ableton Live 12 Suite (Max for Live)
• macOS & Windows