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Waves Classic Compressors by Chris Lord-Alge

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Waves Classic Compressors by Chris Lord-Alge

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$57.00 to $89.99

5.0 (6)

1 Critic Review

1 Review

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Page last updated Jul 01, 2026

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5.0 (8)

$89.99

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4.8 (77)

$57.00

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Description

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Unlock your mix's potential with the Waves Classic Compressors by Chris Lord-Alge, a meticulously curated plugin bundle that brings the legendary sound of classic compression to your digital workstation. Crafted in collaboration with the renowned mixing engineer Chris Lord-Alge, this suite captures the essence of vintage gear with unmatched precision and warmth.

At the heart of this collection are the iconic CLA-2A, CLA-3A, and CLA-76 compressors, delivering the lush dynamics and character that have shaped countless hit records. Whether you're looking to add smoothness to your vocal tracks, punch to your drums, or glue to your mix, these plugins provide the tools to achieve professional results effortlessly. The CLA-76 Blacky and CLA-76 Bluey variations offer distinct tonal colors, giving you the flexibility to find the perfect match for your sound.

With an intuitive interface that mirrors the original hardware and a seamless integration into your favorite DAW, these plugins ensure that your creative flow remains uninterrupted. Perfect for producers, engineers, and musicians alike, this bundle is a must-have for anyone serious about their craft.

Key Features:

Includes CLA-2A, CLA-3A, CLA-76 Blacky, and CLA-76 Bluey plugins
Faithful emulations of classic compressors renowned for their warmth and character
Intuitive interface for easy operation
Developed in collaboration with Chris Lord-Alge, a legendary mixing engineer
Seamless integration with major DAWs

Product specs

Available since	October 2016
Los artikel / bundelartikel	Bundle
Delay	No
Dynamics	Yes
Effect Filter	No
Encoder/Decoder	No
Equalizer	No
Guitar amps/-effects	No
Channel Strip	No
Metering / Analysis / Correction	No
Modulation Effects	No
Multieffect / Plugin-Host	No
Overdrive/Distortion	No
Preamp / Saturation	No
Psychoacoustic tool / Enhancer / Exciter	No
Restauration	No
Reverb	No
Special FX	No
Summer / Mixing Consoles	No
Tape Simulation	No
Pitch Shifter / Harmonizer / Timestretching	No
Transient Processing	No
Vocoder / Vocal effect	No
Mastering Tools	Yes
Hardware Controller	No
Download	1

FAQs

What plugins are included in the Waves CLA Classic Compressors bundle?: The Waves CLA Classic Compressors bundle includes the CLA-76, CLA-2A, and CLA-3A compressors, each modeled after classic hardware units known for their unique compression characteristics and sound.
Are the Waves CLA Classic Compressors suitable for mixing vocals?: Yes, the Waves CLA Classic Compressors are highly regarded for mixing vocals, providing warmth, clarity, and dynamic control, particularly with the CLA-2A known for its smooth, vocal-friendly compression.
Can the Waves CLA Classic Compressors be used in all major DAWs?: The Waves CLA Classic Compressors are compatible with all major DAWs that support VST, AU, and AAX plugin formats, including Ableton Live, Pro Tools, Logic Pro, and others.
How do the CLA-76 and CLA-2A compressors differ in sound?: The CLA-76 offers fast attack and release times ideal for drums and aggressive compression, while the CLA-2A provides a smooth, warm sound with a slower release, perfect for vocals and instruments needing subtle compression.
Do the Waves CLA Classic Compressors require an iLok for activation?: Waves plugins, including the CLA Classic Compressors, do not require an iLok. They can be activated using the Waves License Center, which allows for flexible management of your licenses across devices.

Videos

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Waves Audio

CLA live at Mix LA Part 1/2

Waves Audio

Vocal Compression Shootout: CLA Classics Compared

Waves Audio

Waves CLA Classic Compressors Review - TheRecordingRevolution.com

recordingrevolution

Waves CLA Compressors - Sound Comparison

ProToolsEducation

Waves Hot Products: Artist Reviews - 01. Chris Lord-Alge Classic Compressors

macProVideoDotCom

Reviews

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PROS

Offers legendary compressor emulations like UA 1176, LA2A, and LA3A
High-quality sound that rivals hardware equivalents
Efficient CPU usage, making it suitable for mobile setups
Seamless integration with major DAWs like Logic and Studio One
Excellent tonal character for vocals, snare drums, and guitars
Great for parallel compression techniques
Visual interface mimics real hardware compressors
Available at competitive prices, often on sale
No need for proprietary hardware, runs natively on computers
Provides classic 60’s compression and modern versatility

CONS

Uses computer resources, though efficiently on newer machines
Some find the "bluey" version of 1176 less precise than the "blacky" version
Attack times on 1176 can be too fast, risking transient loss

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Waves Classic Compressors by Chris Lord-Alge.

Software and compatibility

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MacOS updates frequently disrupt Waves plugins, requiring costly updates to maintain compatibility.
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Comparisons

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Softube Tape is reported to be smoother and wider compared to the grainier Kramer Tape.
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The Waves Puigchild is recommended for a Fairchild 670-like sound, but some users feel the CLA compressors perform better.
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The UAD 670 compressor is noted for having a darker tonal quality compared to the Waves Puigchild.
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Features and functionality

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RBass enhances bass by adding frequencies above the fundamental, aiding small speaker performance; Submarine is recommended for actual subharmonics.
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H-Delay's analog noise feature can be a resource hog, but it's easy to use and preferred for its speed over Valhalla Delay.
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CLA-3A is favored over CLA-2A for its performance, with the API 2500 being another top choice from Waves.
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Input levels should be kept in the yellow zone; running tracks too hot into CLA plugins causes hiss.
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The treble knob on CLA plugins affects hiss, but the compressor settings may also alter noise behavior.
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CLA 2A includes a 50Hz/60Hz/off switch to eliminate hiss and mains hum.
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Use cases and applications

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Kramer Tape excels at adding dirt to individual tracks or buses rather than entire mixes.
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Setup and maintenance

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A stock Gain plugin can be used before CLA plugins to manage input levels, preventing excessive hiss.
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User experience

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Some owners suggest using a noise gate after CLA plugins to manage unwanted noise effectively.
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Value and pricing

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IK Multimedia's Vintage Compressor collection is considered a more affordable alternative to Waves plugins, with satisfactory sound quality.
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