CLA Nx by Waves headphone mixing plugin interface

CLA Nx: Headphone Mixing Plugin by Waves

CLA Nx is a headphone mixing plugin from Waves that recreates the acoustics of Chris Lord-Alge's Mix LA studio using Waves Nx spatial imaging technology. It is available in VST2, AU and AAX formats.

VST2AUAAXWindowsmacOS

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01Overview

Mixing on headphones has long been a compromise compared with a well-tuned room and quality monitors. CLA Nx aims to close that gap by building a three-dimensional soundfield modeled on Chris Lord-Alge's Mix LA studio. The plugin also includes EQ correction curves for over 270 headphone models, which addresses the coloration and unnatural stereo image that headphones typically introduce. Its goal is to help producers judge a mix on headphones with more confidence before it reaches speakers.

Best for

Headphone mixing
Checking mix translation
Small-speaker mix checks
Remote mix collaboration
Stereo image checking

Developer: Waves
Category: Utilities
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Recreates Chris Lord-Alge's Mix LA studio acoustics on headphones
EQ correction curves for over 270 headphone models
Corrects unrealistic headphone stereo imaging
Powered by Waves Nx immersive audio technology
CLA Boombox test for small-speaker translation
NS10-modeled and custom Ocean Way monitor options
Adjustable studio ambience level
Personalized head anatomy calibration

03In depth

Studio Acoustics and Monitor Modeling in CLA Nx

CLA Nx recreates the acoustics of the Mix LA studio, and Waves describes the result as a three-dimensional soundfield. You can check mixes on Chris Lord-Alge's NS10-modeled monitors and on custom Ocean Way studio monitors. A CLA Boombox test is included to check how a mix translates to small-speaker devices.

The plugin is designed to help you judge depth, balance, stereo imaging and reverb on headphones. Adjustable studio ambience lets you control how much room character is added to what you hear.

Headphone Correction and Calibration

The EQ correction covers over 270 headphone models. CLA Nx also works to correct the unrealistic stereo imaging that headphones commonly produce. A personalized head anatomy calibration is available for a more precise response.

Optional head tracking adds extra realism. It works via webcam or the Nx Head Tracker, which is sold separately.

04Specs

Will it run?

Formats, systems and requirements as listed by Plugin Boutique. Missing details are left out, not guessed.

Developer	Waves
Type	Plugin
Category	Utility
Formats	VST2, AU, AAX
Operating systems	Windows, macOS

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What formats and operating systems does CLA Nx support?

CLA Nx is available in VST2, AU and AAX formats. It runs on Windows and macOS.

What do I need to run CLA Nx on a Mac?

CLA Nx supports macOS Monterey 12, Ventura 13, Sonoma 14 and Sequoia 15 in VST, AU and AAX formats. On a PC, Windows 10 and later is supported in VST and AAX formats.