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Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Waves CLA-3A Compressor/Limiter Plugin". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Experience the magic of a legendary studio sound in your own setup with the Waves CLA-3A Compressor/Limiter Plugin. This plugin is a faithful emulation of the iconic '70s solid-state compressor, renowned for its fast response and smooth tonality. Designed in collaboration with the legendary mix engineer Chris Lord-Alge, the CLA-3A offers not just the classic sound, but also exclusive custom presets crafted by CLA himself. Whether you're working on vocals, guitars, or any other instrument, this plugin ensures that your tracks have the same polished finish as professional studio recordings.
The CLA-3A is a versatile tool that integrates seamlessly into your workflow. Its compressor and limiter modes allow for flexible dynamics control whether you're aiming for subtle smoothing or assertive punch. The plugin maintains pristine audio quality, even when pushed to its extremes, thanks to its high-resolution support up to 24-bit/192kHz. Best of all, as a native plugin, it operates efficiently within your DAW, letting you harness its power across as many tracks as your system can handle.
With the CLA-3A, you’re not just getting a plugin; you're tapping into the expertise of one of the industry's top producers, bringing a piece of studio history to your digital audio workstation.
Key Features:
- Authentic emulation of a classic '70s solid-state compressor
- Includes custom presets by Chris Lord-Alge
- Fast response ideal for dynamics control in uptempo music
- Compressor and limiter modes for versatile applications
- Maintains sound quality even at extreme settings
- High-resolution audio support up to 24-bit/192kHz
- Available in mono and stereo components
Product specs
| Software Type | Compressor/Limiter |
| Platform | Mac, PC |
| Upgrade/Full | Full |
| Download/Boxed | Download |
| Bit Depth | 64-bit |
| Format | AAX Native, AudioSuite, VST, AU, SoundGrid |
| Hardware Requirements - Mac | Intel Core i7 or higher (M1 support), 8GB RAM minimum |
| Hardware Requirements - PC | Intel Core i5 / AMD Quad-core or higher (AVX required), 8GB RAM minimum |
| OS Requirements - Mac | macOS 10.15.7 or later |
| OS Requirements - PC | Windows 10 or later (21H2), 64-bit |
FAQs
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What makes the Waves CLA-3A Compressor/Limiter Plugin unique compared to other compressor plugins?
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The Waves CLA-3A is modeled after the classic LA-3A hardware, known for its smooth optical compression and fast attack, making it ideal for vocals and guitars. It combines the warmth of tube-based compressors with the fast response of solid-state technology.
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Is the Waves CLA-3A suitable for beginners in music production?
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Yes, the CLA-3A is user-friendly with a simple interface, making it accessible for beginners. Its preset options and straightforward controls allow users to achieve professional-sounding compression without a steep learning curve.
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Can the Waves CLA-3A Compressor/Limiter Plugin be used on both Mac and PC?
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Yes, the CLA-3A is compatible with both Mac and PC platforms. It supports various plugin formats including AAX Native, AudioSuite, VST, AU, and SoundGrid, ensuring wide compatibility with different DAWs.
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Does the Waves CLA-3A support M1 Macs?
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Yes, the Waves CLA-3A Compressor/Limiter Plugin supports M1 Macs, ensuring compatibility with the latest Apple hardware for optimal performance.
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What are the system requirements for running the Waves CLA-3A on a PC?
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To run the Waves CLA-3A on a PC, you need Windows 10 or later (64-bit), an Intel Core i5 or AMD Quad-core processor or higher, AVX support, and at least 8GB of RAM.
Videos
Waves Audio
Vocal Compression Shootout: CLA Classics Compared
Reviews
PROS
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Simple to use, perfect for quick and effective compression
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Provides a tight, emphasized pick attack without sacrificing low end
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Smooth leveling makes it ideal for mastering
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Versatile, works well in serial compressor chains
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Warmer and smoother compared to other emulations
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Excellent for both guitars and kicks
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Offers a middle ground between CLA-76 and CLA-2A
CONS
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Analogue emulation adds unnecessary hiss
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Some find the sound too similar to other vintage emulations
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Waves CLA-3A Compressor/Limiter Plugin.
Comparisons
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The CLA-3A is described as a solid state version of the LA-2A with a noticeable midrange push, distinct from the 1176's fast attack and aggressive saturation.
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Use cases and applications
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The CLA-3A is favored for its adaptive attack and release, making it versatile for various voice styles and instruments, unlike the more specific use cases of CLA-2A and 1176.
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User experience
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Users appreciate the CLA-3A for its midrange emphasis and adaptive characteristics, with some preferring it over the CLA-2A and 1176 for consistent vocal compression.
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Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 15 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
In this article by Waves, Mark Ronson states :
"In terms of plugins, Waves have been part of my workflow since I ran my first session in Pro Tools back in 2000 with Nikka Costa. The Waves stuff was our bread and butter on those, especially the Renaissance series. The Renaissance EQ and Renaissance Vox plugins are things I learned on; I know them so well, they’re engraved in me like muscle memory. They’re great, they don’t take up a load of my CPU and I can use them quickly and move along with what I’m doing.
The one plugin I use the most is probably the CLA-3A compressor. That was something I picked up from [producer] Jeff Bhasker when we were working on “Uptown Funk.” You throw it on a vocal or a bass track, and it makes everything a little tougher and also makes the mix just a little more centered."
I added relatively few effects on the guitars and the keyboards. Some of the guitars have the Waves C4 and CLA-3A, and I sent three guitar tracks to the Altiverb plate reverb and two to the Altiverb bathroom space.
Sound on Sound article, 2013.
Used for "How to Talk", as stated by mix engineer Kesha Lee in this December 2017 Sound on Sound article.
“The intro track was a voice note Uzi had recorded on his phone, and he played it in the booth on his phone, and we recorded it through the mic like that. It sounded really telephone-y, which we wanted, but I tried to take out some of the highs with the Waves OneKnob. All audio vocal tracks apart from the intro have Antares Auto-Tune as the first plug-in. Uzi hears his Auto-Tuned vocals in his headphones while singing. We used to just have it on default, with a Retune speed of 20, but lately he has been like: ‘Give me more Auto-Tune!’ so now we have the Retune Speed set to anywhere from 12 to 5. The ‘D’ after Auto-Tune is the Waves De-Esser, the ‘Q’ the Avid EQ3 seven-band, and the ‘1’ is the Waves C1 gate. All vocal audio tracks also have sends to the delay and the reverb aux tracks. The delay aux track has the Avid Mod Delay II set to half notes, with feedback at 43 percent, the Waves Renaissance Reverberator, set to ‘Hall 1’ reverb, with the highs cut on the reverb EQ, and the Waves S1 stereo imager. The reverb aux has the Renaissance Reverberator.
“All audio vocal tracks go to the vocal aux track. I had two vocal aux tracks in this session, because I wanted to try something different, using plug-ins I don’t normally use. That’s why one of the aux tracks is muted. The vocal aux track that I did use has the Waves De-Esser acting around 4230Hz, then the EQ3 seven-band which has a high-pass at 96.4Hz, and I’m dipping out muddiness at 200 and 500 Hz. I’m also adding some high end at 6.52kHz. I don’t normally add EQ with the seven-band, but Seth would add some high end on Future’s voice and that worked well, so I tried it here. Next is the Waves Renaissance Compressor, to keep the dynamics in check, and then the Waves SSL E-channel, on which I am again dipping out various frequencies. The latter plug-in is more for colour and character. The Waves CLA-3A is more for the sound, and the RN Digital Detailer made Uzi’s vocals sound fuller and wider.
"The final plug-in in the chain is the Nomad Factory MCL-2269 limiter and compressor, again for the sound and for more volume. We always go for a warm, full, loud, in-your-face vocal sound, also because we like the vocals to be louder than the beat. I always turn the beat down 1-2 dB. There are no plug-ins on the master track, because I used to work for a producer who didn’t want that, as the mix would go to the mastering engineer. So I’m still used to doing it like that. I turn the master volume down anywhere between -7 to -9 dB before it goes to mastering, so they have room to work with.”
Waves CLA-3A Compressor/Limiter Plugin is listed under third-party plugins that Greg Kurstin uses in his interview with Apple on Logic Pro X.
In this Instagram video, the plugin can be seen open in their DAW. This is confirmed to be the Waves version because the Waves logo can clearly be seen near the top left of the plugin
At 00:23:00 in this Twitch stream, Jackson can be seen using a Waves CLA-3A plugin.
Genre Usage
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Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Waves CLA-3A Compressor/Limiter Plugin, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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