Waves CLA-2A

Optical Compressor Plugin

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  • $39.99
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    Digital Products


    Digital Products are delivered electronically either via your order status page, or via email.

    No physical product will be shipped to you!

    In most cases, the product you purchase from us is a serial number/license code/activation code to register the product with the manufacturer and download directly from them. This ensures you receive the latest version of products, and the best support when necessary.

    After purchase, your license code and relevant links will appear on your order status page, or they will be sent to you by email.

    For detailed instructions on the registration/download process, you can visit our dedicated page by clicking here: Install Instructions.

Education Proof

Products with education pricing are for students & teachers only. To prove your education status we require that you upload proof in the form of an image/PDF.

Types of proof

Student

Student ID Card, Letter of enrollment, or similar

Teacher/Lecturer

Teacher ID Card, Lecturer ID Card, Payslip, Letter from the school/college

Education proof is submitted to the manufacturer and is accepted at their discretion.

The Basics

iLok is a copy protection method used by many of our brands.

It has 3 types of activations, iLok USB, iLok Machine, and iLok Cloud.

Different brands/products will offer different iLok methods. iLok USB is always an option, but the availability of iLok Cloud and iLok Machine methods is at the discretion of the software developer.

iLok Account

For all iLok protected products, you will need an iLok account. You can create one for free here: ilok.com/#!registration

iLok License Manager

To manage your iLok licenses, there is a dedicated app called iLok License Manager. This app is used to register, activate, and move your licenses between locations.

You can download the latest installers from the iLok website: ilok.com/#!home

iLok USB Key

iLok USB

This activation is stored on an iLok 2 or 3 USB key.

It is the best option for portability, if you frequently move between multiple machines, and offline use.

iLok Machine ID

Machine ID

This activation is stored locally on your computer.

While this is a convenient way to work offline, and does not require the additional cost of an iLok USB, there is the risk of a license being lost in the case of a drive failure.

This option also requires extra care when you upgrade to a new computer, the license(s) must be deactivated on your old machine first to ensure you do not lose them.

iLok Cloud

iLok Cloud

This activation is based online, and requires a "cloud session" using the iLok License Manager.

It requires an active internet connection for the entire time you use the plugin(s).
View System Requirements
Supports Apple Silicon natively
AAX Native - Compatible with Pro Tools 11 and above
AudioUnits Format VST2 Format VST3 Format
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Windows Logo

Wrap Your Tracks in Classic Silky Smooth Compression

The CLA-2A models what may be the most coveted and popular hardware compressor/limiter ever made.

A favorite of studio engineers everywhere, this studio mainstay has graced countless vocal, bass, guitar, and other instrument tracks for over half a century with its alluring, warm sound.

Behind the strikingly simple interface, the original hardware's optical-based dynamics processing relies on complex circuit interactions.

Modeled from studio legend Chris Lord-Alge's personally favorite hardware unit, CLA-2A perfectly emulates the original's response and sound.

Features

  • The legendary electro-optical tube compressor
  • Modeled from Chris Lord-Alge's personal vintage hardware
  • Natural-sounding even with heavy compression
  • Optimum attack/release times fit vocals like a glove
  • Tube emulation adds musical, harmonic saturation
  • Limiter mode increases instrument sustain
  • Mix control for easy parallel compression
  • Presets by Chris Lord-Alge for vocals, guitar, bass, drums, more
  • Trim control for quick level adjustment
  • Zero latency for both studio and live mixing

Superb Dynamics, Simple Interface

Choose compression or limiting, dial in gain reduction with the Peak reduction knob, add makeup gain with the Gain control - done.

Superb dynamics control doesn't get any simpler, or more effective, than this.

Legendary Attack and Release

The CLA-2A's design sweetens attacks, yet lets consonants through so that vocal (and instrument) attacks retain their clarity.

The release decelerates over time, for a smooth decay that never sounds choppy.

Warmth Without Compromise

The CLA-2A is legendary for its warm sound, but it combines that with clarity and definition.

Although tracks blend beautifully within a mix, pushing the peak reduction further adds punch and presence.

Added Extras for Flexible Mixing

Apply dynamics control across all frequencies, or just high frequencies to keep treble under control.

Use the sidechain to lock compression to other tracks.

Choose a totally clean sound, or add authentic-sounding hiss and hum.

Dial in the MIX knob for parallel compression - and the TRIM knob for quick level adjustments.

Supervised by Chris Lord-Alge - With His Presets

The CLA-2A models legendary mix engineer Chris Lord-Alge's favorite hardware unit, perfectly maintained in his studio for optimal performance.

Chris supervised the modeling and created plugin presets for vocals, guitar, bass, drums and more, giving you superb starting points for your mixing.

System Requirements

  • MacOS 10.15 Catalina and above
  • Windows 10 and above (64-bit only)
  • Intel, AMD, or Apple Silicon CPU
  • 8GB RAM or more (16GB or more recommended)

Plugin Formats

AAX Native, AU, VST2, and VST3

User Manual

Crossgrade Proof

This crossgrade is for owners of a competing DAW. To prove your DAW ownership, we require that you upload proof in the form of an image/PDF.

Types of proof

A copy of your purchase receipt for the original license or the most recent update/upgrade

A screenshot of your product registration

A photo of your package (either CD/DVD or printed manual), with the unique serial number included in the photo.

Get a free upgrade to RX10

This offer is valid until RX10's release.

Eligible Products

Purchase one of the following products:

  • RX9 Standard
  • RX9 Standard - Crossgrade from any paid iZotope product
  • RX9 Standard - Upgrade from any RX Standard, Advanced, or Post Production Suite
  • RX9 Standard - Upgrade from RX Elements/Plugin Pack
  • RX9 Advanced
  • RX9 Advanced - Crossgrade from any paid iZotope product
  • RX9 Advanced - Upgrade from RX Advanced 1-8, or Post Production Suite 1-5
  • RX9 Advanced - Upgrade from RX Standard 1-8
  • RX9 Advanced - Upgrade from RX Elements/Plugin Pack
  • RX Post Production Suite 6
  • RX Post Production Suite 6 - Upgrade from RX Post Production Suite 1-5
  • RX Post Production Suite 6 - Upgrade from RX Advanced 1-8
  • RX Post Production Suite 6 - Upgrade from RX Standard 1-8
  • RX Post Production Suite 6 - Upgrade from RX Post Production Suite 1-8

Exclusions

Only the upgrades and crossgrades specified above are eligible. All others listed apply to the full version of the product only. Education versions are not eligible.