Waves CLA-3A

Bring Instruments Up Front with Tight, Transparent Compression The CLA-3A combines solid-state circuitry's fast attack with the gentle release of optical-based compression. A favorite on guitar, bass, and drums, the CLA-3A models the tight, punchy compression effect that played an important role in high-end studios of

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  • $309.00 87% off
  • $39.99
    USD
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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 VST3 Format
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Windows Logo

Bring Instruments Up Front with Tight, Transparent Compression

The CLA-3A combines solid-state circuitry's fast attack with the gentle release of optical-based compression.

A favorite on guitar, bass, and drums, the CLA-3A models the tight, punchy compression effect that played an important role in high-end studios of the 1970s.

Without the coloration of tubes, and only a slight hint of harmonic distortion, the CLA-3A handles high-level transients and pushes out punch - especially with midrange instruments.

Features

  • Transparent sound quality, even with significant compression
  • Solid-state design responds superbly to transients
  • Choose Limiter mode to increase instrument sustain
  • Perfect for bass, overhead drum mics, keyboards, guitar
  • Modeled from studio legend Chris Lord-Alge’s personal favorite unit
  • Includes custom presets by Chris Lord-Alge
  • Mix control for easy parallel compression
  • For extra authenticity, optionally add subtle hiss and hum
  • Trim control for quick level adjustment
  • Zero latency for mixing both in the studio and live

Compression with an Edge

Sometimes you don't want smooth and warm compression - but tight, clean, and responsive dynamics control.

Whether for drums or rock vocals, the CLA-3A gives the compression you need, for the attitude you want.

Super Speedy Setup

Save time: with two main controls and one switch, the minimalist— yet highly effective - user interface makes it easy to dial in the desired settings, and keep your creativity flowing.

Solid-State, and Rock-Solid

Rock wants a responsive, big sound, and the CLA-3A's solid-state design is a perfect match for music that requires transparent compression - even when you’re slamming peak reduction hard.

Beyond the Basics

Keep the sound clean, or add subtle noise and hum.

Use the sidechain input to lock the CLA-3A's compression to other tracks, and tame harshness by choosing whether the compression favors high frequencies.

The added Mix control allows easy parallel compression, and the added Trim lets you adjust levels quickly.

Chris Lord-Alge's Personal Presets

The CLA-3A is an exact model of Chris Lord-Alge's original hardware version, from his personal collection.

It includes his favorite custom presets for the CLA-3A, based on what he’s used for mixing Foo Fighters, Green Day, and Bruce Springsteen.

System Requirements

  • MacOS 12 Monterey and above
  • Officially supported up to MacOS 15 Sequoia
  • 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, 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.