Wrap Your Tracks in Classic Silky Smooth Compression
The CLA-2A models what may be the most coveted and popular hardware compressor/limiter ever made. A favorite of studio engineers everywhere, this studio mainstay has graced countless vocal, bass, guitar, and other instrument tracks for over half a century with its alluring, warm sound.
Behind the strikingly simple interface, the original hardware’s optical-based dynamics processing relies on complex circuit interactions. Modeled from studio legend Chris Lord-Alge’s personally favorite hardware unit, CLA-2A perfectly emulates the original’s response and sound.
Superb Dynamics—Simple Interface
Choose compression or limiting, dial in gain reduction with the Peak reduction knob, add makeup gain with the Gain control—done. Superb dynamics control doesn’t get any simpler, or more effective, than this.
Legendary Attack and Release
The CLA-2A’s design sweetens attacks, yet lets consonants through so that vocal (and instrument) attacks retain their clarity. The release decelerates over time, for a smooth decay that never sounds choppy.
Warmth without Compromise
The CLA-2A is legendary for its warm sound, but it combines that with clarity and definition. Although tracks blend beautifully within a mix, pushing the peak reduction further adds punch and presence.
Added Extras for Flexible Mixing
Apply dynamics control across all frequencies, or just high frequencies to keep treble under control. Use the sidechain to lock compression to other tracks. Choose a totally clean sound, or add authentic-sounding hiss and hum. Dial in the MIX knob for parallel compression—and the TRIM knob for quick level adjustments.
Supervised by Chris Lord-Alge—With His Presets
The CLA-2A models legendary mix engineer Chris Lord-Alge’s favorite hardware unit, perfectly maintained in his studio for optimal performance. Chris supervised the modeling and created plugin presets for vocals, guitar, bass, drums and more, giving you superb starting points for your mixing.
requirements:
mac:
cpu: Intel or Silicon Architecture
ram: 8
disk: 16
version: macOS Catalina 10.15, Big Sur 11, Monterey 12, Ventura 13, Sonoma 14
additional_requirements: Minimum: 1024×768
Recommended: 1280×1024 / 1600×1024
USB displays are not supported as the primary display.
internet required: no
windows:
cpu: X64 compatible Intel or AMD CPU
ram: 8
disk: 16
version: Windows 10 64 bit and Windows 11
additional_requirements: Minimum: 1024×768
Recommended: 1280×1024 / 1600×1024
internet required: no
trial: no
notes: Legendary Tube Compression, Modeled to Perfection
feature: The legendary electro-optical tube compressor
Natural-sounding even with heavy compression
Tube emulation adds musical, harmonic saturation
Mix control for easy parallel compression
Trim control for quick level adjustment
Modeled from Chris Lord-Alge’s personal vintage hardware
Optimum attack/release times fit vocals like a glove
Limiter mode increases instrument sustain
Presets by Chris Lord-Alge for vocals, guitar, bass, drums, more
Zero latency for both studio and live mixing
Optional subtle analog hiss and hum for total authenticity
Includes sidechain frequency filter
licensing methods:
computer
usb
platforms: mac
windows
1178-2803
