Waves CLA-3A Compressor / Limiter

The CLA-3A combines solid-state circuitry’s fast attack with the gentle release of optical-based compression. A favorite on guitar, bass, and drums, the CLA-3A models the tight, punchy compression effect that played an important role in high-end studios of the 1970s.

Without the coloration of tubes, and only a slight hint of harmonic distortion, the CLA-3A handles high-level transients and pushes out punch—especially with midrange instruments.

Compression with an Edge

Sometimes you don’t want smooth and warm compression—but tight, clean, and responsive dynamics control. Whether for drums or rock vocals, the CLA-3A gives the compression you need, for the attitude you want.

Super Speedy Setup

Save time: with two main controls and one switch, the minimalist—yet highly effective—user interface makes it easy to dial in the desired settings, and keep your creativity flowing.

Solid-State, and Rock-Solid

Rock wants a responsive, big sound, and the CLA-3A’s solid-state design is a perfect match for music that requires transparent compression—even when you’re slamming peak reduction hard.

Beyond the Basics

Keep the sound clean, or add subtle noise and hum. Use the sidechain input to lock the CLA-3A’s compression to other tracks, and tame harshness by choosing whether the compression favors high frequencies. The added Mix control allows easy parallel compression, and the added Trim lets you adjust levels quickly.

Chris Lord-Alge’s Personal Presets

The CLA-3A is an exact model of Chris Lord-Alge’s original hardware version, from his personal collection. It includes his favorite custom presets for the CLA-3A, based on what he’s used for mixing Foo Fighters, Green Day, and Bruce Springsteen.

Features:

1. Transparent sound quality, even with significant compression
2. Choose Limiter mode to increase instrument sustain
3. Modeled from studio legend Chris Lord-Alge’s personal favorite unit
4. Mix control for easy parallel compression
5. Trim control for quick level adjustment
6. Solid-state design responds superbly to transients
7. Perfect for bass, overhead drum mics, keyboards, guitar
8. Includes custom presets by Chris Lord-Alge
9. For extra authenticity, optionally add subtle hiss and hum
10. Zero latency for mixing both in the studio and live

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

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