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Published on 12/28/12 at 07:03Waves CLA Classic Compressors is bundle a software plug-ins to be used in a DAW. The compressors was modeled off of the actually hardware compressors owned by Chris Lord-Alge. This plug-in actually contains four different models, two different 1176 models - a black-face (most popular model), and a blue-stripe (less common), an LA-3A, and an LA-2A.
Waves plug-ins are easy to install and authorize. Version 9 of their plug-ins has moved away from using an iLok. Now any USB stick can be used as the dongle, or the authorization can be done without a dongle if your computer connects to the internet.
SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE
Each of these compressors have different applications, and it is hard to imagine mixing without any one of them. The 1176 is the 'go-to' compressor for drums. It definitely adds character to drums, and helps them punch. I have read that Chris Lord-Alge swears by the CLA blue stripe for vocals. The LA-2A is the best compressor for smoothing out levels for many instruments in a mix - bass, piano, acoustic guitar, strings, etc. The LA-3A is great for electric guitars. However, I have also found that I like what the CLA-76 black-face does to electric guitars. I recommend getting the entire bundle and experimenting.
OVERALL OPINION
Compressors are the most essential tool in music production/mixing (Eq might also be equally as important). The most popular compressors from the past 50 years have been the 1176, LA-3A, and LA-2A. They all sound a little different and are useful for different reasons. Unless you can afford a rack of these compressors in the hardware form, the software models offer a useful alternative. Waves models have been around for a while, and I would love to see them release updated versions of these plug-ins since their modeling technology has (hopefully) advanced since the release of this bundle. Universal Audio has released new models of the 1176 compressor for their UAD-2 platform, however they require the use of their DSP chips. For native plug-ins, the Waves models are better sounding than the other ones I own (Native Instruments/Softube, IK Multimedia, Bomb Factory).
Waves plug-ins are easy to install and authorize. Version 9 of their plug-ins has moved away from using an iLok. Now any USB stick can be used as the dongle, or the authorization can be done without a dongle if your computer connects to the internet.
SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE
Each of these compressors have different applications, and it is hard to imagine mixing without any one of them. The 1176 is the 'go-to' compressor for drums. It definitely adds character to drums, and helps them punch. I have read that Chris Lord-Alge swears by the CLA blue stripe for vocals. The LA-2A is the best compressor for smoothing out levels for many instruments in a mix - bass, piano, acoustic guitar, strings, etc. The LA-3A is great for electric guitars. However, I have also found that I like what the CLA-76 black-face does to electric guitars. I recommend getting the entire bundle and experimenting.
OVERALL OPINION
Compressors are the most essential tool in music production/mixing (Eq might also be equally as important). The most popular compressors from the past 50 years have been the 1176, LA-3A, and LA-2A. They all sound a little different and are useful for different reasons. Unless you can afford a rack of these compressors in the hardware form, the software models offer a useful alternative. Waves models have been around for a while, and I would love to see them release updated versions of these plug-ins since their modeling technology has (hopefully) advanced since the release of this bundle. Universal Audio has released new models of the 1176 compressor for their UAD-2 platform, however they require the use of their DSP chips. For native plug-ins, the Waves models are better sounding than the other ones I own (Native Instruments/Softube, IK Multimedia, Bomb Factory).