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Plugin

Plugin Effects

Waves

CLA-3A Compressor Limiter

$34.99

Earn 79

CLA-3A Compressor Limiter

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

0

Plugin

Plugin Effects

Waves

CLA-3A Compressor Limiter

$34.99

Earn 79

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

0

Bring Instruments Up Front with Tight, Transparent Compression 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. 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 70s Solid-State Compression that Excels for Bass, Drums, Guitars

Product Overview

Bring Instruments Up Front with Tight, Transparent Compression

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.

  • 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

70s Solid-State Compression that Excels for Bass, Drums, Guitars

Compression with an Edge

Sometimes you don’t want smooth and warm compression—but tight, clean, and responsive dynamics control. Whether for drums or rock vocals, the CLA-3A gives the compression you need, for the attitude you want.

Super Speedy Setup

Save time: with two main controls and one switch, the minimalist—yet highly effective—user interface makes it easy to dial in the desired settings, and keep your creativity flowing.

Solid-State, and Rock-Solid

Rock wants a responsive, big sound, and the CLA-3A’s solid-state design is a perfect match for music that requires transparent compression—even when you’re slamming peak reduction hard.

Beyond the Basics

Keep the sound clean, or add subtle noise and hum. Use the sidechain input to lock the CLA-3A’s compression to other tracks, and tame harshness by choosing whether the compression favors high frequencies. The added Mix control allows easy parallel compression, and the added Trim lets you adjust levels quickly.

Chris Lord-Alge’s Personal Presets

The CLA-3A is an exact model of Chris Lord-Alge’s original hardware version, from his personal collection. It includes his favorite custom presets for the CLA-3A, based on what he’s used for mixing Foo Fighters, Green Day, and Bruce Springsteen.

Additional Information

CLA-3A Compressor / Limiter (V15) - System Requirements
  • Mac
  • CPU
    Intel or Silicon Architecture
    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
    macOS Monterey 12, Ventura 13, Sonoma 14

    Screen Resolution
    Minimum: 1024x768
    Recommended: 1280x1024 / 1600x1024
    USB displays are not supported as the primary display.

  • Windows
  • CPU
    X64 compatible Intel or AMD CPU

    Memory
    Minimum: 8 GB RAM (16 GB recommended)
    16 GB free disk space on the system drive

    Operating System
    Windows 10 64 bit
    Windows 11

    Screen Resolution
    Minimum: 1024x768
    Recommended: 1280x1024 / 1600x1024

Categories:

Compressor Limiter

Formats:

Plugin

Tags:

Plugin Sound Design

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