Waves CLA-3A Compressor / Limiter

Solid-state compression for classic 70s bass, drum sound. 

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.

FEATURES

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

Compatibility

 MAC OSX    WINDOW

 Windows Requirements

• Host application compatible with:
  
  • AAX Native plugins
  • VST3 plugins

• CPU
  Intel Core i5, i7, i9, Xeon (all Gen 5 and above)
  AMD Quad Core
  AVX Support required
  
  Memory
  Minimum: 8 GB RAM (16 GB recommended)
  16 GB free disk space on the system drive
  
  Operating System
  Windows 10 64 bit (21H2)
  Windows 11 (21H2)
  
  Screen Resolution
  Minimum: 1024x768
  Recommended: 1280x1024 / 1600x1024
  

 Mac Requirements

• Host application compatible with:
  
  • AAX Native plugins
  • Audio-Unit plugins
  • VST3 plugins

• CPU
  Intel Core i7 / i9 / Xeon-W / Apple Silicon
  See notes regarding Apple Silicon based processors
  
  Memory
  Minimum: 8 GB RAM (16 GB recommended)
  16 GB free disk space on the system drive
  
  Operating System
  10.15.7, 11.6.5, 12.4. 13.0, 14.0
  
  Screen Resolution
  Minimum: 1024x768
  Recommended: 1280x1024 / 1600x1024
  USB displays are not supported as the primary display.