Waves CLA-2A Compressor / Limiter

Overview

The Waves CLA-2A Compressor / Limiter is a modeled optical compressor and limiter developed in collaboration with renowned engineer Chris Lord-Alge. It recreates the smooth, natural dynamics control associated with classic tube-based optical compressors, making it particularly effective for vocals, bass, guitars, and other sources where controlled dynamics and a consistent level are important.

The CLA-2A is designed to provide noticeable control without making the source sound overly processed, making it equally useful during tracking, mixing, and creative sound shaping.

Key Features

• Modeled optical compressor/limiter with tube-style character

• Developed in collaboration with Chris Lord-Alge

• Smooth, program-dependent compression response

• Separate Compress and Limit operating modes

• Adjustable Gain and Peak Reduction controls

• Analog-style VU metering with selectable gain-reduction or output monitoring

• Particularly effective on vocals, bass, guitars, keyboards, and other sustained sources

• Useful for both subtle level control and more pronounced compression

• Designed for consistent dynamics while preserving the natural character of the source

Technical Specifications

• Plugin Type: Optical Compressor / Limiter

• Processing: Dynamics co