Waves CLA-2A Compressor / Limiter

Waves CLA-2A Compressor / Limiter - Classic Optical Compressor | Recreating the Warm Sound of a Studio Legend

Discover the Waves CLA-2A Compressor / Limiter, a plugin that perfectly recreates one of the most revered and sought-after hardware compressors in studio history. For over half a century, its hardware counterpart has brought life to countless classic vocal, bass, guitar, and various instrument tracks with its alluring, warm sonic character. Now, through a close collaboration between Waves and Grammy-winning mixing engineer Chris Lord-Alge, you can bring this legendary sound directly into your digital audio workstation. This Waves CLA-2A is more than just a tool; it's a bridge to professional-grade mix quality, infusing your productions with a classic analog soul.

At the core of the CLA-2A is its sophisticated electro-optical (optical) dynamics processing circuit, whose complex internal interactions create a uniquely smooth compression curve. We have meticulously modeled the best-conditioned, most cherished hardware unit from Chris Lord-Alge's personal studio, ensuring that everything from response time to tonal detail is identical to the original. Whether you need to add a warm, enveloping feel to vocals or provide a solid foundation for bass, this optical compressor can effortlessly achieve your goals with its intuitive operation and unparalleled musicality. It's not only the top choice for vocal compression but also an indispensable classic in the Chris Lord-Alge Signature Series, allowing every mixing engineer to touch the magic of a legendary sound.

Key Features & Applications

The Legendary Optical Compression Sound
The CLA-2A precisely recreates the sonic characteristics of the classic T4 optical attenuator. Its unique program-dependent attack and release times handle dynamics in an extremely natural and musical way, making it especially suitable for sources that require smooth processing like vocals, bass, and acoustic guitars, adding a warm, full, and textured analog glue to your tracks.

Extremely Simple User Interface
True to the original's design philosophy, the CLA-2A's interface is incredibly intuitive. Simply switch between "Compress" and "Limit" modes, set the desired amount of compression with the "Peak Reduction" knob, and compensate for volume with the "Gain" control. No complex parameter adjustments are needed, allowing you to focus more on listening and the music itself.

Unique Attack and Release Characteristics
The CLA-2A's design cleverly softens transients, making them more pleasing to the ear, while allowing crucial consonant details to cut through clearly, maintaining the clarity of vocals and instruments. Its release curve slows down over time, producing an extremely smooth decay that never results in abrupt or unnatural "pumping."

The Perfect Balance of Warmth and Clarity
While renowned for its legendary warm tone, the CLA-2A perfectly preserves the clarity and resolution of a track while providing warmth. When you push the peak reduction deeper, it not only controls dynamics but also adds significant punch and presence to the track, making your mix elements stand out in a complex arrangement.

Modern Mixing Flexibility
In addition to its classic emulation, the CLA-2A includes practical features required for modern mixing workflows. You can choose to apply compression to the full frequency range or control only the high frequencies; use the Sidechain function to have the compressor triggered by other tracks; achieve Parallel Compression with the "MIX" knob; and use the "TRIM" knob for quick overall level adjustments.

Tuned by a Grammy-Winning Master
This plugin was developed under the personal supervision of mixing legend Chris Lord-Alge, modeled after his privately owned, meticulously maintained hardware unit in peak condition. Additionally, Chris has designed a series of professional presets for the plugin, covering various applications such as vocals, guitars, bass, and drums, providing an excellent starting point for your mixes.

Tech Specs

• Plugin Type: Dynamics Processor
• Modeled After: Vintage Electro-Optical Tube Compressor/Limiter
• Main Functions: Compression, Limiting
• Control Modes: Compress (approx. 3:1 ratio), Limiter (near-infinite:1 ratio)
• Response Time: Program-Dependent, with an attack time of approximately 10 milliseconds; the release is two-stage, with the first 50% release around 60 ms, and the subsequent release time varying from 1 to 15 seconds depending on the signal content
• Core Knobs: Peak Reduction, Gain
• Extended Features: Mix (Parallel Compression), Trim (Output Trim), Sidechain (External Sidechain), HiFreq (High-Frequency Sensitivity Control)
• Analog Simulation: Selectable 50Hz / 60Hz hum and background noise, or completely off
• Artist Collaboration: Developed and presets provided under the supervision of Grammy-winning mixing engineer Chris Lord-Alge
• Latency: 0 ms
• Sample Rate Support: Up to 192 kHz
• Channel Modes: Mono-to-Mono, Stereo
• Supported Formats: VST2, VST3, AU, AAX Native, AudioSuite (specific support depends on the host software)