Overview
Designed to deliver the crushing high-gain tones of the ’90s and 2000s alternative rock era, the Hard Drive is the most aggressive distortion JHS has ever made. Modeled in meticulous detail, it captures the amp-like saturation, tight articulation, and rich harmonics of the original hardware.
Through advanced component-level modeling, every nuance of its gain staging, hard-limiting circuit, and powerful EQ has been faithfully recreated in plugin form.
Introducing, MixWave: JHS Hard Drive.
Amp-like aggression
The Hard Drive’s unique distortion circuit stacks multiple gain stages for a thick, harmonically complex sound. From cutting crunch to full-blown saturation, it responds dynamically to playing style, delivering the feel and bite of a cranked tube amp.
Precision tone control
A powerful EQ section gives you total control over your sound. Sculpt your mids for clarity, tame harsh frequencies, or push the low end for extra weight—ensuring the Hard Drive sits perfectly in any mix.
Built for modern workflows
Exclusive plugin-only features enhance this distortion for modern workflows. Get instant parallel processing with wet/dry mix controls, and use the input and output filters to high-pass or low-pass before and after the signal.
Included in the JHS Loud Is More Good Collection
Get the JHS Hard Drive and more in the JHS Loud Is More Good Collection.
System requirements
Available in 64-bit VST3 / AU / AAXmacOS 10.13 to macOS 15 (Intel & Silicon Native)
Windows 10 to 11 (64-bit)
iLok License Manager & iLok account required
Authorization via iLok 2/3, iLok Cloud & Machine
For more system requirements information, visit our Support Page.
FAQs
Yes, fully functional 14-day free trials are available. See eligible plugins.
MixWave plugin licenses include two activations. Activations can be used on an iLok USB, a machine activation, or iLok Cloud.
To use MixWave plugins you will need a compatible DAW that supports VST3, AU, or AAX plugins, an iLok account (free), and iLok License Manager (free).
A physical iLok USB dongle is optional. Plugins can also be activated using machine authorization or iLok Cloud.
MixWave plugins work with most modern DAWs that support VST3, AU, or AAX formats. For a full list of tested and supported DAWs, see our DAW Compatibility article.
It's recommend to start a free trial to test the plugin on your system before committing to a purchase.
MixWave plugins are supported on macOS and Windows systems and are available in VST3, AU, and AAX formats. For complete compatibility details, including recommended operating systems, supported DAWs, and additional requirements, please visit our Plugin System Requirements article.
It's recommended to start a free trial to verify compatibility on your system before purchasing.
Visit our Knowledge Base for more information.
