Compression Tips & Tricks for Waves CLA76

With an overabundance of plug-ins and compressors available, it can be overwhelming to choose what is best for one’s studio. The Waves CLA76 provides a powerful reproduction of analog hardware that is ideal for many workflows and situations.

Two distinct models in one

Users of the Waves CLA76 can choose between two distinctly different hardware models, ‘Bluey’ or ‘Blackey,’ included in the single plugin. These two distinct color stripes were carefully designed to reproduce the warmth and control of the original hardware while allowing producers to quickly switch between the two designs with ease. While both color stripes can serve well on a variety of sounds and uses, the ‘Bluey’ will distort a bit more than its counterpoint, but will also provide less ‘hiss’ in the analog setting. The designers worked alongside Chris Lord-Alge, dissecting his collection of hardware to help replicate the plugin.

Precise Attack and Release

No matter what element of a project is being worked on, controlling transients and punctuating dynamics is a crucial element to ensuring that a track hits properly. With a meticulously designed control, the Attack and Release knobs quickly help to control transients while enhancing dynamics. Even just minor adjustments to either parameter provide powerful results that bring percussion to life or add warmth to any vocal.

Analog Setting

The CLA76 is equipped with three distinct settings, allowing producers and engineers to control the Analog feel of the output of the compressor. Toggling between OFF, 50Hz, and 60Hz will provide different saturations and warmth to the track. Depending on whether the ‘Bluey” or ‘Blackey’ color stripe is in use, the amount of tape hiss will differ, giving even more options for shaping each sound.

Ratio

The Ratio selection allows users to simply click four numerical options, 4, 8, 12, or 20, as well as the ability to choose ALL. Enabling the ALL button is equivalent to enabling all four settings at once and helps give an extra punch to a track, especially when working on drums.

With incredible attention to detail in terms of providing an ultra-fast response, a warm tube-like distortion, and easy controls for parallel compression, it’s not hard to see why the CLA76 is a staple of so many producers’ mix chains. As just one of many great Waves plugins, the time and effort, as well as dedicated help from world-renowned producer Chris Lord-Algae make this a must-have plugin.