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moosers
Published on 09/08/10 at 17:09
The Waves Ltd. CLA-2A is a compressor/limiter plug-in that is part of the Waves Classic Compressors bundle. The CLA-2A is modeled after the classic Teletronix/Universal Audio LA-2A compressor that has been used on so many different recordings over the years and is known as one of the best compressors out there. I'm not sure if you can purchase this plug-in individually or if it's only available in the bundle, as I've got the full Waves bundle that contains this plug-in. Installing it and all that is really simple and not unlike installing any other software, so as long as you have a properly compatible system to run it on, I can't foresee users having any installation problems. The interface of the CLA-2A is a dead match for the original LA-2A, as it's got the same exact make up. Even if you aren't familiar with an LA-2A's make up, which is the simplest of all compressors, you'll be able to figure out this one on your own without the help of a manual. The only parameters that it has are for gain (make up) and peak reduction (compression), as well as a switch to use it as either a limiter or a compressor.
SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE
Right now I'm running the Waves Ltd. CLA-2A and the Classic Compressor in Pro Tools LE 8 on my home recording rig. I'm running the software on a Mac Book Pro that has a 2.2 Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo processor and 4 GB of RAM, along with a Digi 002R audio interface for Pro Tools and a set of Adam A7 monitors for listening. This configuration has been able to handle a good work load, and the CLA-2A hasn't presented it with any performance issues thus far. I also haven't had a need to run more than one or two of them at a time, as this isn't a great all purpose compressor in my opinion.
OVERALL OPINION
It's definitely cool to have a plug-in version of the LA-2A, which is probably my favorite compressor, but having the Waves Ltd. CLA-2A really just makes me long for having a real LA-2A. The sound definitely isn't comparable by any means, but it's still cool to have the same make up and ease of use going on here. The sound certainly isn't terrible, but it's nothing too noteworthy. I find myself using it every now and again, but it lacks a certain fullness in my opinion. Perhaps it's because it will be judged according to the LA-2A, which isn't really fair, but there are definitely other plug-in compressors out there that I will use before this one. I don't think I'd purchase the Classic Compressors bundle or the CLA-2A if it didn't come with the entire Waves package, but I'm definitely not complaining about having it around...
SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE
Right now I'm running the Waves Ltd. CLA-2A and the Classic Compressor in Pro Tools LE 8 on my home recording rig. I'm running the software on a Mac Book Pro that has a 2.2 Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo processor and 4 GB of RAM, along with a Digi 002R audio interface for Pro Tools and a set of Adam A7 monitors for listening. This configuration has been able to handle a good work load, and the CLA-2A hasn't presented it with any performance issues thus far. I also haven't had a need to run more than one or two of them at a time, as this isn't a great all purpose compressor in my opinion.
OVERALL OPINION
It's definitely cool to have a plug-in version of the LA-2A, which is probably my favorite compressor, but having the Waves Ltd. CLA-2A really just makes me long for having a real LA-2A. The sound definitely isn't comparable by any means, but it's still cool to have the same make up and ease of use going on here. The sound certainly isn't terrible, but it's nothing too noteworthy. I find myself using it every now and again, but it lacks a certain fullness in my opinion. Perhaps it's because it will be judged according to the LA-2A, which isn't really fair, but there are definitely other plug-in compressors out there that I will use before this one. I don't think I'd purchase the Classic Compressors bundle or the CLA-2A if it didn't come with the entire Waves package, but I'm definitely not complaining about having it around...