CLA Guitars is a multi-effect plugin from Waves for processing guitar tracks. It combines 6 effects with 3 modes, Clean, Crunch and Heavy, and was developed in close association with engineer Chris Lord-Alge.
CLA Guitars is a multi-effect plugin designed around guitar sounds, from delicate acoustic parts to hard rock. Waves developed it in close association with Chris Lord-Alge, and the plugin is built around his approach to guitar tones. Its six effects are organized into three modes, so you can move from a clean sound to a heavier one without rebuilding your chain. The developer describes the aim as getting usable guitar sounds quickly. The plugin is available in VST2, AU and AAX formats for Windows and macOS.
The plugin offers three modes, Clean, Crunch and Heavy, which cover a range from acoustic-style delicacy to driven rock tones. Each of the six effects has three optimized tonal colors, so you can shape the character of a part without building a new signal chain.
Waves says the effects cover the core sounds needed for current music. The modes are a practical starting point when you need a guitar to sit in a specific place in a mix.
Editing is built around faders. Turning up a fader increases the amount of an effect, which keeps adjustments fast during tracking and mixing. You can choose between DI and re-amping options, depending on how your guitar was recorded.
Pro-level presets are included to give mixing a quick start. The plugin also offers stereo imaging through pitch processing, which can widen a guitar part.
Formats, systems and requirements as listed by Plugin Boutique. Missing details are left out, not guessed.
| Developer | Waves |
|---|---|
| Type | Plugin |
| Category | Multi Effect |
| Formats | VST2, AU, AAX |
| Operating systems | Windows, macOS |
CLA Guitars is available in VST2, AU and AAX formats. It runs on Windows and macOS.
On Mac, the listed requirements are macOS Monterey 12, Ventura 13, Sonoma 14 or Sequoia 15, with VST, AU or AAX formats. On PC, Windows 10 or later is required, with VST or AAX formats.
CLA Guitars lets you choose between DI and re-amping options. The choice depends on how your guitar part was recorded.
