CLA-76 Compressor / Limiter is a compressor plugin by Waves that models two hand-picked CLA-76 hardware units. It uses FET-style control circuitry for fast, aggressive dynamic control.
Waves says the CLA-76 models FET control circuitry rather than the smoother optical design common in compressors. The plugin models two hardware units, "Blacky" and "Bluey," which represent different tonal colors. Each unit is based on a carefully chosen hardware example. The result is a compressor aimed at producers who want tight, forceful dynamics and a bold character on drums, vocals and full mixes. It is available in VST2, AU and AAX formats for Windows and macOS.
Waves describes the CLA-76 as a tight, aggressive compressor with a big, bold character. Its FET-style circuitry is modeled to deliver ultra-fast response along with tube-like distortion.
The plugin includes a modeled preamp distortion that adds an extra-aggressive edge. Two models, Blacky and Bluey, let you choose the tonal color that suits the source. Switching between them changes the sound rather than only the amount of compression.
Attack and release times are designed to track drum dynamics closely. A super-fast attack time keeps transients under control, and the exclusive ALL ratio mode produces what Waves calls an explosive compression sound.
A leveling-amp design gives consistent control on vocals. A mix control supports parallel compression, and a trim control allows quick level adjustment. Waves states the plugin has zero latency, so it can be used for both studio mixing and live mixing.
Formats, systems and requirements as listed by Plugin Boutique. Missing details are left out, not guessed.
| Developer | Waves |
|---|---|
| Type | Plugin |
| Category | Compressor |
| Formats | VST2, AU, AAX |
| Operating systems | Windows, macOS |
It is a compressor plugin by Waves that models two CLA-76 hardware units. It is designed for fast, aggressive compression with tube-like distortion.
The plugin is available in VST2, AU and AAX formats. It runs on Windows and macOS, with macOS Monterey 12 through Sequoia 15 listed as supported versions.
Waves states that the plugin has zero latency, which it says makes it suitable for both studio and live mixing.
The plugin is a VST2, AU or AAX effect, so you need a compatible host DAW that supports one of these formats on Windows or macOS.
