Waves CLA-2A Compressor / Limiter: Compressor/Limiter Plugin

The CLA-2A models what may be the most coveted and popular hardware compressor/limiter ever made. A favorite of studio engineers everywhere this studio mainstay has graced countless vocal bass guitar and other instrument tracks for over half a century with its alluring warm sound. Behind the strikingly simple interface the original hardware’s optical-based dynamics processing relies on complex circuit interactions. Modeled from studio legend Chris Lord-Alge’s personally favorite hardware unit CLA-2A perfectly emulates the original’s response and sound.

Superb Dynamics—Simple Interface

Choose compression or limiting dial in gain reduction with the Peak reduction knob add makeup gain with the Gain control—done. Superb dynamics control doesn’t get any simpler or more effective than this.

Legendary Attack and Release

The CLA-2A’s design sweetens attacks yet lets consonants through so that vocal (and instrument) attacks retain their clarity. The release decelerates over time for a smooth decay that never sounds choppy.

Warmth without Compromise

The CLA-2A is legendary for its warm sound but it combines that with clarity and definition. Although tracks blend beautifully within a mix pushing the peak reduction further adds punch and presence.

Added Extras for Flexible Mixing

Apply dynamics control across all frequencies or just high frequencies to keep treble under control. Use the sidechain to lock compression to other tracks. Choose a totally clean sound or add authentic-sounding hiss and hum. Dial in the MIX knob for parallel compression—and the TRIM knob for quick level adjustments.

Supervised by Chris Lord-Alge—With His Presets

The CLA-2A models legendary mix engineer Chris Lord-Alge’s favorite hardware unit perfectly maintained in his studio for optimal performance. Chris supervised the modeling and created plugin presets for vocals guitar bass drums and more giving you superb starting points for your mixing.

Features:

• The legendary electro-optical tube compressor
• Natural-sounding even with heavy compression
• Tube emulation adds musical harmonic saturation
• Mix control for easy parallel compression
• Trim control for quick level adjustment
• Modeled from Chris Lord-Alge’s personal vintage hardware
• Optimum attack/release times fit vocals like a glove
• Limiter mode increases instrument sustain
• Presets by Chris Lord-Alge for vocals guitar bass drums more
• Zero latency for both studio and live mixing
• Optional subtle analog hiss and hum for total authenticity
• Includes sidechain frequency filter

Requirements:

Platform	CPU	RAM	Disk	Notes	Additional Requirement	Audio Card	Ports	Internet Required	32 Bit Support	64 Bit Support	Plugins
mac	Intel or Silicon Architecture	8	16		Minimum: 1024x768 Recommended: 1280x1024 / 1600x1024 USB displays are not supported as the primary display.			0	0	0
windows	X64 compatible Intel or AMD CPU	8	16		Minimum: 1024x768 Recommended: 1280x1024 / 1600x1024			0	0	0