CLA Classic Compressors

Classic compressors, revered by generations of engineers

Mix with the King of Compression’s Personal Processors

Chris Lord-Alge’s big, aggressive mixes squeeze every ounce of power out of his compressors. Whether he chooses the CLA-2A’s sweet smoothness, the CLA-3A’s transparency, or the lightning-fast CLA-76 (blue or black), these classic processors provide the quality sound he demands.

Modeled from CLA’s personal collection of expertly maintained “golden” units, these outstanding plugins let you mix with the sound that has powered hits from Grandmaster Flash to Green Day.

Created in close collaboration with Chris Lord-Alge
Each compressor complements different genres and styles
Faithfully captures analog sound quality and warmth
Optional, subtle hiss and hum for total authenticity
Modeled from Chris Lord-Alge’s personal vintage hardware
All compressors include many of Chris’s favorite presets

[{"nodeGUID":"72c09481-6b09-44ad-8639-b9219eff2557","nodeID":128,"documentName":"CLA-2A Compressor / Limiter","documentID":128,"documentUrlPath":"/plugins/cla-2a-compressor-limiter","thumb":"https://media.wavescdn.com/images/products/plugins/600/cla-2a-compressor-limiter.png","msrp":149.000000000,"skuPrice":39.990000000,"discount":73,"mainOrder":20001,"includedInSBS":0,"skuid":91,"skuName":"","skuParentSKUID":0,"skuEnabled":true,"skuNumber":"CLA2ATDM","note":"","documentPageDescription":"Modeled on the legendary electro-optical tube compressor, this plugin emulates the original\u2019s smooth frequency-dependent behaviors which made it a favorite of engineers everywhere.","tagline":"Smooth, warm, natural-sounding tube compression","departmentID":2,"gsfCategory":"Compressors","fixedPosition":false,"expectedShipping":"","productID":0,"upgrades":false,"demoType":0,"isInventory":false,"manualPDF":"","sbsIncludedIn":1,"addToCartStatus":0,"isWishlist":true,"soldMsg":"700\u002B bought in past month","couponCode":"","couponCampaignID":0,"couponPrice":0.00,"couponStripeHTML":"","numberOfLessons":0,"courseDurationHours":0.00,"numberOfPlugins":0,"upgradeTargetID":0,"parentSKUNumber":"","categoryDisplayName":"","isProductOptions":false,"variantsMinimalPrice":0.000000000,"isVariantsPriceSame":false,"isPreorder":false,"optionOrder":0,"optionName":"","reviewsTotal":962,"rating":4.845114,"saleEndDate":"0001-01-01T00:00:00","badgeClass":"","badgeText":""},{"nodeGUID":"7602fad5-b522-4566-97be-19c8c9665b23","nodeID":129,"documentName":"CLA-3A Compressor / Limiter","documentID":129,"documentUrlPath":"/plugins/cla-3a-compressor-limiter","thumb":"https://media.wavescdn.com/images/products/plugins/600/cla-3a-compressor-limiter.png","msrp":149.000000000,"skuPrice":29.990000000,"discount":80,"mainOrder":20002,"includedInSBS":0,"skuid":93,"skuName":"","skuParentSKUID":0,"skuEnabled":true,"skuNumber":"CLA3ATDM","note":"","documentPageDescription":"Based on the early \u201870s solid-state unit with its transparent compression curve, the CLA-3A compressor plugin delivers the quick response and subtle harmonic distortion of the original.","tagline":"Solid-state compression for classic 70s bass, drum sound","departmentID":2,"gsfCategory":"Compressors","fixedPosition":false,"expectedShipping":"","productID":0,"upgrades":false,"demoType":0,"isInventory":false,"manualPDF":"","sbsIncludedIn":1,"addToCartStatus":0,"isWishlist":true,"soldMsg":"100\u002B bought in past month","couponCode":"","couponCampaignID":0,"couponPrice":0.00,"couponStripeHTML":"","numberOfLessons":0,"courseDurationHours":0.00,"numberOfPlugins":0,"upgradeTargetID":0,"parentSKUNumber":"","categoryDisplayName":"","isProductOptions":false,"variantsMinimalPrice":0.000000000,"isVariantsPriceSame":false,"isPreorder":false,"optionOrder":0,"optionName":"","reviewsTotal":295,"rating":4.8610168,"saleEndDate":"0001-01-01T00:00:00","badgeClass":"","badgeText":""},{"nodeGUID":"346bc682-4c05-4b53-a96d-7f8372fb4c0c","nodeID":130,"documentName":"CLA-76 Compressor / Limiter","documentID":130,"documentUrlPath":"/plugins/cla-76-compressor-limiter","thumb":"https://media.wavescdn.com/images/products/plugins/600/cla-76-compressor-limiter.png","msrp":149.000000000,"skuPrice":29.990000000,"discount":80,"mainOrder":20003,"includedInSBS":0,"skuid":95,"skuName":"","skuParentSKUID":0,"skuEnabled":true,"skuNumber":"CLA76TDM","note":"","documentPageDescription":"Inspired by the famed mid-\u201860s Class A line level limiting amplifier, Waves CLA-76 compressor plugin offers the superfast attack that made the original studio legends.","tagline":"Super-fast FET compression with legendary tone","departmentID":2,"gsfCategory":"Compressors","fixedPosition":false,"expectedShipping":"","productID":0,"upgrades":false,"demoType":0,"isInventory":false,"manualPDF":"","sbsIncludedIn":2,"addToCartStatus":0,"isWishlist":true,"soldMsg":"800\u002B bought in past month","couponCode":"","couponCampaignID":0,"couponPrice":0.00,"couponStripeHTML":"","numberOfLessons":0,"courseDurationHours":0.00,"numberOfPlugins":0,"upgradeTargetID":0,"parentSKUNumber":"","categoryDisplayName":"","isProductOptions":false,"variantsMinimalPrice":0.000000000,"isVariantsPriceSame":false,"isPreorder":false,"optionOrder":0,"optionName":"","reviewsTotal":871,"rating":4.8300805,"saleEndDate":"0001-01-01T00:00:00","badgeClass":"","badgeText":""}]

Loading....

Watch It in Action

[{"documentName":"Intro to the CLA Classic Compressors","nodeAlias":"intro-to-the-cla-classic-compressors","previewImage":"/images/videos/1280/2011/intro-to-the-cla-classic-compressors.jpg","youTubeCode":"EoOOfgo4NSs","videoOnLoad":true,"wistiaID":0,"viewCount":328464,"videoDuration":491,"productVideoLoadPolicy":3,"videoDurationFormat":"08:11"},{"documentName":"Chris Lord-Alge on the CLA Classic Compressors","nodeAlias":"chris-lord-alge-on-the-cla-classic-compressors","previewImage":"/images/videos/1280/2009/chris-lord-alge-on-the-cla-classic-compressors.jpg","youTubeCode":"7heuq2lV3h4","videoOnLoad":true,"wistiaID":0,"viewCount":285987,"videoDuration":1299,"productVideoLoadPolicy":3,"videoDurationFormat":"21:39"},{"documentName":"CLA Classic Compressors Shootout: Vocals","nodeAlias":"cla-classic-compressors-shootout-vocals","previewImage":"/images/videos/1280/2019/cla-classic-compressors-shootout-vocals.jpg","youTubeCode":"vTs05OQzUew","videoOnLoad":true,"wistiaID":0,"viewCount":236556,"videoDuration":487,"productVideoLoadPolicy":3,"videoDurationFormat":"08:07"},{"documentName":"Getting Vocals to Pop with Double-Stacked Compressors","nodeAlias":"getting-vocals-to-pop-double-stacked-compressors","previewImage":"/images/videos/1280/2017/getting-vocals-to-pop-double-stacked-compressors.jpg","youTubeCode":"P8BFr-sspMU","videoOnLoad":true,"wistiaID":0,"viewCount":370461,"videoDuration":434,"productVideoLoadPolicy":3,"videoDurationFormat":"07:14"},{"documentName":"How to Bring Out the Low End of a Mix","nodeAlias":"how-to-bring-out-the-low-end-of-a-mix","previewImage":"/images/videos/1280/2013/how-to-bring-out-the-low-end-of-a-mix.jpg","youTubeCode":"BVXQC2jBOMo","videoOnLoad":true,"wistiaID":0,"viewCount":192207,"videoDuration":285,"productVideoLoadPolicy":3,"videoDurationFormat":"04:45"},{"documentName":"Rap Vocal Compression with CLA Compressors","nodeAlias":"rap-vocal-compression","previewImage":"/images/videos/1280/2013/rap-vocal-compression.jpg","youTubeCode":"gkTeCUczA2U","videoOnLoad":true,"wistiaID":0,"viewCount":117601,"videoDuration":344,"productVideoLoadPolicy":3,"videoDurationFormat":"05:44"}]

react-product-video-gallery-box

Choose the Right Compressor—for Any Application

Go-To Analog Compression for Vocals and Beyond
Renowned for wrapping vocals with silky-smooth compression, the CLA-2A is also a favorite for bass, guitar, and many other instruments—thanks to tube warmth, a sweet attack, and decays that are never choppy.
The Solid Sound of the 70s
The CLA-3A models the tight, punchy dynamics effects used for drums, bass, and guitar in high-end 70s studios. It combines solid-state circuitry’s fast attack with the gentle release of optical-based compression/limiting.
Rock Royalty’s Choice for Drums
For drums, the CLA-76’s tight compression from program-dependent attack/release times, and the incendiary “all-button” mode, are unparalleled. Then, add harmonic distortion—for a muscular sound that erupts with power.
Double Your 1176 Options
Two of CLA’s favorite versions, “blue” and “black,” have different gain stages, time constants, and harmonic distortion. But both have the lightning speed needed to handle transients with speed and accuracy.
Added Mix Knobs for Parallel Compression—and More
You won’t spend hours tweaking the settings with any of these compressors. They’re truly plug-and-play—dial up the sound you want in seconds, including easy parallel compression with the added Mix control, and quick level adjustments with the added Trim control.
A Rich Collection of Presets
The collection includes presets based on CLA’s work with Foo Fighters, Green Day, Bruce Springsteen, U2, Keith Urban, and more—as well as presets from superstar producers and engineers like Greg Wells.