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Waves CLA-76 Compressor / Limiter Plug-in

Limiting Amplifier Plug-in with Preamp Distortion Modeling - Mac/PC AAX Native, AudioSuite, VST, AU, SoundGrid
4 Write review Item ID: CLA76
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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.

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Waves CLA-76 Compressor / Limiter Plug-in
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Killer Plug-in Based On an Iconic Limiter

Waves' CLA-76 compressor/limiter plug-in is inspired by the legendary mid-'60s limiting amplifier, beloved by Sweetwater Sales Engineers for its lightning-quick attack and release times and the sound of its Class A output amplifier. The CLA-76 gives you both iconic revisions of the the classic hardware unit, each delivering attacks as quick as 50 microseconds. The All control replicates the original's explosive performance when all the ratio buttons were depressed, while modeled pre-amp distortion gives you the extra edge you need to put your drum tracks over the top. Waves' CLA-76: it's essential kit.

Related Videos: CLA-76 Compressor / Limiter Plug-in

Waves CLA-76 Compressor/limiter plug-in Features at a Glance:
  • Modeled compressor/limiter plugin
  • Based on the famed mid-'60s Class A line-level limiting amplifier
  • Lightning fast attack lets you control your dynamics with an iron fist
  • Sounds stunning on drums; great for vocals, guitars, and bass
  • Exclusive All control delivers punchy overdrive
  • Pre-amp distortion modeling
  • Zero latency
Install an essential classic in your studio, with Waves' CLA-76!
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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: CLA76TDM

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Customer Reviews

4.5 out of 5

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Wonderful, Colorful Compressor

Simply put, this is a wonderful compressor that I use all of the time, especially on vocals and guitars. Would highly recommend to those looking for a quality 1176 emu or to expand their 1176 emulation collection.
by B. Warsaw from Nashville, TN on
Music background: Recording/mixing engineer, producer, musician

For Aggressive Compressing

After using stock compressors in my DAWs, using the CLA-76 took some getting used to. Its behavior requires some time to experiment with, but the results are good. It is a brutally aggressive compressor. Once you learn how it responds to your recordings, though, and can fine tune its settings, it can yield some satisfactory results. I'm not sure it can be a replacement for stock DAW compressors, but what it does, it does well.
by Matthew Peak from Hamptonville, NC on
Music background: Amateur mixer. Podcaster.

Great Plugin

I got this plugin after lots of research on which plugins best emulate the real thing. I own only one reissue Universal Audio 1176LN and needed a plugin to apply to other heavy guitar tracks so I could get a realistic idea on how the overall mix would sound since I don't own enough hardware units to accomplish this. After comparing the real thing to the plugin, I laughed and thought, that's cute. Although the plugin doesn't sound anywhere near the real thing it seems Waves at least attempted to convey the unique tone characteristics of the original unit which they accomplished to a minor degree. The real unit compresses much more naturally while the attack and release controls allows for transient detail to shine through in a unique way while not only retaining bass response but even adding to it. It acts similar to an EQ but without using an EQ. The Waves plugin only slightly mimics this at BEST. The CLA-76 has a tone of it's own that falls short of the real thing. The good thing is that once I get to where I'm happy with the plugin and real 1176, I know once all hardware insert tracks are recorded it will only sound that much better! With that said I've come to like this plugin. As a plugin alone, it compresses and adds an interesting tone, but don't expect real hardware results. For what it is it's still a great plugin, and I'd recommend it to those starting up their home studios or those in my shoes who can't afford a rack of 3+ 1176's.
by Chuck from USA on
Music background: 23 years

Use it on everything

one of the few plugins that sound good on almost everything - vocals, guitars, drums
by Winston from Los Angeles on

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.

See also: Dynamics Plug in , Waves, Waves Dynamics Plug-ins
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