Waves CLA-2A Compressor / Limiter

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:

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

Requirements:

• mac
  • cpu:Intel or Silicon Architecture
  • ram:8
  • disk:16
  • version:macOS Catalina 10.15, Big Sur 11, Monterey 12, Ventura 13, Sonoma 14
  • additional_requirements:Minimum: 1024x768
    Recommended: 1280x1024 / 1600x1024
    USB displays are not supported as the primary display.
    
• windows
  • cpu:X64 compatible Intel or AMD CPU
  • ram:8
  • disk:16
  • version:Windows 10 64 bit and Windows 11
  • additional_requirements:Minimum: 1024x768
    Recommended: 1280x1024 / 1600x1024

Videos: