Shop Keyboard Deals, Financing, and More

Waves CLA-3A Compressor / Limiter Plug-in

Native Compressor/Limiter Plug-in Modeled After Famous Hardware, with Analog Behavior Modeling - Mac/PC AAX Native, AudioSuite, VST, AU, SoundGrid
$29.99
Delivered In Minutes!

Delivered by download. Our unique partnership with Waves delivers your license code within minutes.

Software Is Not Returnable
Sorry, Software cannot be returned once it has been delivered. Contact your Sales Engineer or give us a call at (800) 222-4700 if you need any help with ensuring compatibility or finding the right version.
Add to Cart
Notify me about deals

Compatible with:

Mac
Windows
AAX
AudioSuite
VST
AU
SoundGrid

Software Compatibility

Most software is compatible with both Mac and Windows computers, but check to make sure.

If you're using Pro Tools, AAX plug-ins (or RTAS for older versions) are what you need. Most other Mac DAWs support AU plug-ins. VST is compatible with a number of Mac and Windows programs. Be sure you choose plug-ins that work with your DAW!

To learn more about software compatibility, check out our buying guide.

Ask An Expert

Our expertly trained Sales Engineers are ready to help!

What is a Sales Engineer?

Most Popular Accessories & Related Items

Waves CLA-3A Compressor / Limiter Plug-in
Delivered In Minutes!
$29.99
Add to Cart
Add to list
Back to navigation

This article was Written By

Our Product Research Team

Get to know them!

Classic Solid State Compressor, with Custom Presets by CLA!

The CLA-3A native compressor/limiter plug-in is a stellar studio tool from Chris Lord-Alge and Waves! You hear Chris Lord-Alge's work practically anytime you turn on a radio, and now, you can use some of his favorite tools of the trade in your recording studio - complete with many of his personal presets! Based on an early '70s solid-state compressor, the CLA-3A works great on all kinds of instruments and vocals. It's got a fast response and smooth sound, just like the famous hardware it's painstakingly modeled after. And because it's a native plug-in, you can use CLA-3A on as many tracks as your host computer can handle! Bottom line, the CLA-3A native compressor/limiter plug-in gives you world-class dynamics control at a sweet price.

Waves CLA-3A Native Compressor/Limiter Plug-in Bundle Features at a Glance:
  • Model of a classic studio compressor/limiter with the convenience of a plug-in
  • Fast response makes this an ideal dynamics controller for uptempo music
  • Maintains your sound quality even with extreme settings
  • Features both compressor and limiter modes for multiple applications
  • Up to 24-bit/192kHz resolution
  • Mono and stereo components
The Waves CLA-3A Native compressor/limiter plug-in brings a legendary producer's tools and settings to your home studio!
Back to navigation

Tech Specs

  • Software Type: Compressor/Limiter
  • Platform: Mac, PC
  • Upgrade/Full: Full
  • Download/Boxed: Download
  • Bit Depth: 64-bit
  • Format: AAX Native, AudioSuite, VST, AU, SoundGrid
  • Hardware Requirements - Mac: Intel Core i7 or higher (M1 support), 8GB RAM minimum
  • Hardware Requirements - PC: Intel Core i5 / AMD Quad-core or higher (AVX required), 8GB RAM minimum
  • OS Requirements - Mac: macOS 10.15.7 or later
  • OS Requirements - PC: Windows 10 or later (21H2), 64-bit
  • Manufacturer Part Number: CLA3ATDM

What Makes Our Sales Engineers Great?

Sweetwater Sales Engineers are a world-class team of experts dedicated to you. Hand selected from across the globe, each brings a wealth of experience and expertise in the world of music gear to provide you with unparalleled service completely free of charge. Friendly relationships, real trust, and the right gear are only a call or a click away!

Back to navigation

Customer Reviews

Write your review
Rated 5/5

Terrific and versatile. Plays well with others!

I love these style compressors, as they are dead simple to use, and are perfect when used on sources that benefit from a nice, smooth leveling. Works great with other compressors in a serial compressor chain. I used to use a different company's 2A plugin model, but I now reach for the Waves CLA-3A more often. It's a little bit warmer and smoother. It's a subtle difference, but one I can definitely appreciate. Definitely a terrific and versatile tool to have in your toolbox.
Music background: Songwriter, recordist, guitarist, tinkerer.

Since the early days of DAW software, Waves has been a dominating force in music and audio production. For those of us here at Sweetwater who've been recording since the industry switched over to computer-based studios, it's impossible to imagine sessions without L series Ultramaximizers, MaxxBass, and other staples. Since then, we've been impressed every time Waves has brought top producers such as Jack Joseph Puig and Chris Lord-Alge to Sweetwater to show off their next cutting-edge creations, and Waves is constantly adding new and innovative plug-ins to their catalog. And with cool new gear such as their SoundGrid series, Sweetwater engineers have discovered just how easy it is to use Waves plug-ins live.

Close Close $2,000 Pick Your PRS Giveaway -- input your email address below to enter or click here to learn more.

See giveaway details & rules or check out our past winners!

Success!

Your email, has been entered to win this giveaway. Good Luck!