Hardwave Studios has introduced the Hardwave Analyser, a new, free VST3 and CLAP spectrum analyser. This powerful tool is specifically designed for producers working within harder electronic music styles, including genres such as rawstyle, hardstyle, uptempo, frenchcore, and industrial. The Analyser provides full-resolution spectrum analysis directly within your digital audio workstation (DAW), eliminating the need for external windows. Furthermore, it integrates a comprehensive metering suite, offering essential insights into stereo imaging, phase correlation, and true loudness.

Unlike generic analysers, Hardwave Analyser focuses on critical elements for hard kicks, such as fundamental frequency balance (Sub / Punch / Tail), a full bandwidth breakdown, and accurate loudness metering (LUFS, RMS, peak, crest). Consequently, it delivers an honest and detailed readout of your sound without guesswork. This makes it an invaluable asset for mixing and mastering in demanding production environments.

Advanced Spectrum Analysis

The core of the Hardwave Analyser is its high-resolution FFT engine. It boasts SPAN-quality resolution, ensuring precise frequency analysis for detailed sound sculpting. The analyser utilizes 4096-point FFT at up to 20kHz, providing a granular view of your audio. In addition, it features smooth Catmull-Rom interpolated spectrum curves, which offer clear and readable visualizations. Users can configure various display modes, including 256 log-spaced bands, and adjust smoothing speeds (Fast, Medium, Slow). Moreover, tilt options such as Flat, -3 dB/oct, and -4.5 dB/oct are available, allowing for tailored frequency weighting and analysis.

Comprehensive Metering Capabilities

Beyond spectrum analysis, the Hardwave Analyser includes a complete metering suite. This integrated view shows everything happening in your mix, encompassing stereo, phase, peak, and RMS levels. Specifically, it offers peak and RMS metering per channel, coupled with true peak detection for accurate loudness management. Furthermore, a phase correlation meter helps identify potential stereo issues, while a per-band stereo width display provides detailed information on the stereo image across the frequency spectrum. A crest factor readout is also included, providing additional dynamics information. Users can configure peak hold with slow decay, enhancing the ability to monitor transient information effectively.

Integrated Workflow and Compatibility

A notable feature of the Hardwave Analyser is its embedded VST webview. This means the analyser’s user interface renders directly inside the DAW plugin window, thus eliminating separate windows or browser tabs. This design promotes a seamless workflow and keeps all essential information consolidated. The plugin loads natively inside any VST3 or CLAP host, ensuring broad compatibility. Per-frame meter updates ensure smooth visuals, which is crucial for real-time monitoring. Hardwave Studios has tested the plugin in popular DAWs like FL Studio, Ableton, Bitwig, and Reaper, confirming its stability. Currently, it supports Windows and macOS, with Linux compatibility planned for future releases.

Features

• 4096-point FFT spectrum analyser
• 256 log-spaced frequency bands
• Smooth Catmull-Rom curve interpolation
• Configurable smoothing speed
• Flat, A-weighted, and C-weighted modes
• Peak and RMS level meters
• True peak detection
• Phase correlation meter
• Per-band stereo width
• Peak hold with configurable decay
• Embedded VST webview (no external windows)
• Tilt compensation (-3 / -4.5 dB/oct)
• VST3 and CLAP formats
• Windows and macOS (Linux coming)

Price
Free

The Hardwave Analyser is available for free for everyone. All features are unlocked, and there are no trials or subscriptions. Users simply need to sign in or create a free Hardwave account to download and install the plugin. This makes a professional-grade analysis tool accessible to a wide range of producers.

More info: Hardwave Studios | Hardwave Analyser