CLA-3A Compressor / Limiter

Name: CLA-3A Compressor / Limiter
Price: 29.99 USD
Author: Waves

by Waves · Compressor · Opto compressor

Not rated yet

Emulation of the Universal Audio LA-3A optical compressor/limiter.

Best for: Vocals, Guitars, Bass. Genres: all genres.

Keywords: hardware emulation, opto, bass, classic, drums, subtle, 60s, 70s, colored, mixing, single-band, solid-state, transparent, vintage, vocals.

What it does

The CLA-3A emulates an early 1970s solid-state compressor. Waves highlights its quick response and subtle harmonic distortion, and a transparent compression curve for classic 70s bass and drum sounds.

Frequency-dependent compression: the response changes with frequency, as on the original.
Harmonic distortion: subtle analog-style colouration.

Source: Waves product page

When to use it

Compared with the rated CLA-2A, which is an opto leveler, the CLA-3A is quicker. That makes it a better fit for bass and drums than for smooth vocal levelling. For a fast VCA sound on the same sources, see the dbx 160. Suits rock, soul, funk and pop.

Where to buy

AudioDeluxe: $29.99 (regular $149)
Plugin Boutique: $29.99 (regular $149)
Sweetwater: $34.99
Waves: see store

Tutorials and reviews

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