Vidar Audio Hammer v1.5.0 VST3 AU AAX WiN macOS [FREE]

Vidar Audio Hammer is a free compressor and limiter for producers who want straightforward dynamics control on individual tracks and buses. Its design blends modern compression with a vintage-style workflow: raise the INPUT to push the signal harder into compression, an approach familiar to users of 1176-style processors.

Version 1.5.0 adds a DRIVE input saturator for extra coloration. RATIO covers compression and limiting, while very short ATTACK and RELEASE settings let you shape fast transients. KNEE adjusts how gently compression takes hold, and MIX blends the processed and dry signals for parallel compression without setting up a separate bus.

Hammer also offers selectable PEAK and RMS input modes, adjustable channel linking through CH-LINK, sidechain support, and 64-bit double-precision processing. It suits hobby producers looking to control dynamics, add weight, or experiment with saturation in a single effect.

On Windows 7 64-bit or later, Hammer supports VST3 and AAX Native, making it suitable for compatible hosts such as FL Studio and Ableton Live. Mac users get VST3, AU, and AAX Native support on macOS 10.12 or later, including Intel and Apple Silicon systems.