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Writer's pictureThe Studio Brew

Unleash the Explosive Power of the Waves CLA-76 Compressor/Limiter

Updated: Dec 27, 2023

Crafted to capture the legendary sound of the iconic 1176 Limiting Amplifier, the Waves CLA-76 Compressor/Limiter plugin is a powerhouse tool for adding punch, presence, and aggressive control to your tracks.



Waves CLA 76 Compressor Limiter
Waves CLA-76 Compressor/Limiter


This versatile plugin meticulously emulates two highly sought-after revisions of the 1176, the "Blacky" and "Bluey" models, each known for their distinct sonic characteristics. Whether you're looking for the smooth and punchy character of the Blacky or the more aggressive and biting sound of the Bluey, the CLA-76 delivers the perfect sonic palette for sculpting your audio.


Here's what makes the CLA-76 stand out:


  • Unparalleled sonic fidelity: Waves' meticulous modeling process captures the essence of the original hardware, including its unique compression characteristics, warm analog saturation, and signature "All Button In" mode for explosive transient control.

  • Dual-mode operation: Switch between the Blacky and Bluey models to explore different sonic textures, adding versatility to your compression arsenal.

  • Ultra-fast attack times: Tame even the most aggressive transients with lightning-fast attack times as low as 50 microseconds, making the CLA-76 ideal for drums, vocals, and other percussive instruments.

  • Program-dependent release: The CLA-76's intelligent release time automatically adjusts based on the incoming audio, ensuring natural-sounding compression that avoids pumping and breathing artifacts.

  • Flexible controls: A comprehensive set of parameters allows you to fine-tune the compression to your exact specifications, including input gain, threshold, ratio, attack, release, and output gain.

  • Sidechain input: Sculpt your compression response further by using an external signal as a sidechain input, allowing for creative ducking and gating effects.

  • Mid/side processing: Apply different compression amounts to the mid and side channels independently, allowing you to control stereo width and add depth to your mix.

  • Full surround support: Craft immersive audio experiences with full support for Dolby Atmos 7.1.

The Waves CLA-76 is more than just a compressor; it's a sonic sculpting tool. From adding punch to drums and vocals to taming harsh transients and controlling dynamics, the CLA-76 empowers you to shape your sound with precision and character.


Here's what industry professionals say:


  • "The CLA-76 is my go-to compressor for drums. It adds that extra punch and aggression that makes them sit right in the mix." - Jack Joseph Puig, Grammy Award-winning mix engineer

  • "This plugin is a must-have for any serious engineer. It's incredibly versatile and can be used on a wide variety of instruments and sources." - Chris Lord-Alge, Grammy Award-winning mix engineer

Ready to unleash the explosive power of the CLA-76?


Visit the Waves website today and download a free trial. Experience the legendary sound of the 1176 and take your audio productions to the next level!

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