WAVES CLA-2A User Guide
TABLE OF CONTENTS Chapter 1 – Introduction ....................................................................................................... 3 1.1 Welcome....................................................................................................................................... 3 1.2 Product Overview ......................................................................................................................... 3 1.3 About the Modeling ..............................................
Chapter 1 – Introduction 1.1 Welcome Thank you for choosing Waves! In order to get the most out of your new Waves plugin, please take a moment to read this user guide. To install software and manage your licenses, you need to have a free Waves account. Sign up at www.waves.com. With a Waves account you can keep track of your products, renew your Waves Update Plan, participate in bonus programs, and keep up to date with other important information.
Widely known among audio pros and listeners alike for his punchy sound and extreme compression techniques, Chris gave us exclusive access to model his most prized processors, and worked closely with Waves through every phase of development. Together with many of his personal presets, these precision models deliver the distinctive sound of CLA’s favorite classic compressors. 1.3 About the Modeling Many different elements contribute to the unique sonic behavior of analog gear.
• T4 In the original hardware units, the T4 optical device is responsible for the amount of overall compression and compression characteristics. These components are quite vulnerable to wear and tear, and need to be replaced, ideally, every 2 to 3 years. Depleted T4 devices result in up to 80% less compression as compared to newer components. In the course of our research, we discovered that up to 90% of T4 components in use today have never been replaced.
Chapter 2 – Quick Start Guide The CLA-2A offers 2 main controls for compression, as well as additional controls for fine-tuning. • Using the Compress/Limiter toggle, select Compressor (approximately 3:1 ratio) or Limiter (approximately 100:1 ratio). • Use the Peak Reduction control to set the amount of compression desired. • Use the Gain control to adjust make up level after the compression. • Use the VU Meter to monitor Input, Output, and Gain Reduction levels.
Chapter 3 – Interface and Controls 3.
3.2 CLA-2A Controls Gain controls the makeup gain. Range: 0 to 100 (in 0.01 steps) Initial Value: 40.00 Reset Value: 32.28 (unity gain) Peak Reduction controls the amount of signal compression. Please note: The scale is not linear and has been adjusted to conform to the exact scaling of the modeled unit. Thus, there may be more compression than expected at certain steps, as withanalog gear (most common Peak Reduction range of the LA-2A is between 30 to 50). Range: 0 to100 (in 0.
HiFreq increases voltage amplifier gain in the peak reduction circuit, for frequencies above 1 kHz, leaving lower frequencies unaffected. When set to Flat, the CLA-2A will provide equal reduction to all frequencies. The more you move away from the Flat position, the less sensitive the compressor is to lower frequencies, resulting in less compression. This control may also be used as sort of a de-esser. Range: 0 to 100 (in 0.1 steps) Initial Value: 50.
VU Display toggles between Input, Gain Reduction, and Output metering. Range In, GR, Out Default GR 3.3 The WaveSystem Toolbar Use the bar at the top of the plugin to save and load presets, compare settings, undo and redo steps, and resize the plugin. To learn more, click the icon at the upper-right corner of the window and open the WaveSystem Guide. Appendix: CLA-2A Controls Control Gain Range 0–100 (0.01 steps) Peak Reduction 0–100 (0.01 steps) HiFreq 0–100 (0.