Waves CLA-3A Compressor / Limiter

Waves CLA-3A Compressor / Limiter｜Recreating the Classic Tight Punch of the '70s

The Waves CLA-3A Compressor / Limiter is a precise digital recreation of a classic 1970s studio hardware unit, perfectly combining the famously fast attack time of solid-state circuitry with the uniquely smooth release characteristic of an optical compressor. This plugin is one of legendary mixing engineer Chris Lord-Alge's personal favorites, renowned for its tight, powerful, and incredibly punchy compression. Whether you're working on electric guitars, bass, or drums, the CLA-3A can inject your tracks with that unique '70s rock attitude, providing clean and sharp dynamic control that many modern compressor plugins can't match.

Unlike warm and rich tube compressors, the CLA-3A offers a more transparent sound character with only a slight amount of harmonic distortion, making it excel at handling high-transient signals. It can push the impact of instruments, especially mid-range ones, to the forefront without adding excessive coloration. The user interface of this mixing plugin is extremely simple, allowing you to quickly find the ideal settings and focus on your music. From Foo Fighters and Green Day to the classic works of Bruce Springsteen, Chris Lord-Alge has used this compressor extensively in his mixing workflow. Now, with the Waves CLA-3A, you can incorporate this master's signature sound into your own productions. For producers seeking a clear, responsive, and powerful sound, this is an indispensable tool for vocal compression and instrument processing.

Core Features & Applications

Fast Response of Solid-State Circuitry
Modeled on solid-state circuitry, the CLA-3A provides an extremely fast attack time, allowing it to precisely capture and control the most explosive transients in your audio. It's ideal for drums, percussion, and rock vocals that require clarity.

Smooth Release of Optical Design
Despite its fast attack, its optical design ensures a natural and smooth release, avoiding the "pumping" effect common in many digital compressors and keeping the sound musical even under heavy dynamic control.

Tight and Punchy Compression
The core sonic characteristic of the CLA-3A is its tightness and punch. It effectively "glues" bass tracks to the low-end foundation of a mix, makes guitar riffs more aggressive, and gives drum kits an unparalleled sense of weight.

Minimalist and Intuitive Operation
With only two main knobs (Peak Reduction and Gain) and a mode switch, the CLA-3A's user interface is incredibly simple. This allows you to achieve professional-grade compression results quickly without getting bogged down in parameters, keeping your creative flow uninterrupted.

The Perfect Partner for Rock Music
For rock mixes that demand transparency and a fast response, the CLA-3A's solid-state design is an excellent choice. Even at very high Peak Reduction settings, it maintains clarity and dynamics without introducing excessive coloration.

Tuned by Chris Lord-Alge Himself
This plugin is not just a precise model of CLA's personal hardware; it also includes signature presets designed by the man himself. These presets are derived from his years of experience mixing for world-class bands and are your shortcut to achieving a master-level sound.

Tech Specs

• Plugin Type: Dynamics Processor, Compressor / Limiter
• Modeled After: A classic 1970s solid-state optical compressor from Chris Lord-Alge's personal collection
• Circuit Type: Solid-State
• Main Controls: Peak Reduction, Gain
• Mode Switch: Compress, Limiter
• Extended Features: Mix, Trim, Sidechain
• Tone Shaping: HiFreq (High-Frequency Sensitivity Control)
• Analog Modeling: Switchable Analog Noise & 50Hz/60Hz Hum
• Artist Presets: Includes Chris Lord-Alge signature presets
• Latency: 0 ms
• Channel Formats: Mono, Stereo
• Supported Sample Rates: 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192 kHz