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CLA-3A
User Guide
16 pgs194.15 Kb0
Table of contents
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Waves Audio CLA-3A User Guide

WAVES
CLA-3A
User Manual

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.1 WELCOME...........................................................................................................................................................3
1.2 PRODUCT OVERVIEW ..........................................................................................................................................3
1.3 ABOUT THE MODELING ........................................................................................................................................4
1.4 COMPONENTS.....................................................................................................................................................5
3.1 CLA-3A INTERFACE............................................................................................................................................7
3.2 CLA-3A CONTROLS............................................................................................................................................8
4.1 THE WAVESYSTEM TOOLBAR ............................................................................................................................11
Toolbar Functions..............................................................................................................................................................11
4.2 PRESET HANDLING............................................................................................................................................11
Preset Types .....................................................................................................................................................................11
Loading Presets and Setups..............................................................................................................................................
Saving Presets and Setups
Deleting Presets................................................................................................................................................................
A/B Comparison and Copying ...........................................................................................................................................
4.3 INTERFACE CONTROLS ............................................................................................................................... .......13
Toggle Buttons ..................................................................................................................................................................14
Value Window Butt
Sliders ...............................................................................................................................................................................14
Hover Box..........................................................................................................................................................................14
TAB Functions...................................................................................................................................................................15
ons ...................................................................................................................................................... 14
...............................................................................................................................................12
12 13
13
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Chapter 1 – Introduction

1.1 Welcome

Thank you for choosing Waves! In order to get the most out of your Waves processor, please take the time to read through this manual.
In conjunct an extensive Answer Base, the latest Tech Specs, detailed Installation guides, new Software Updates, and current information on Authorization and Registration.
By signing up at www.wavesupport.net products, reminders when updates are available, and information on your authorization status.

1.2 Product Overview

The CLA-3A is modeled on an acclaimed solid-state compressor origin tube-based predecessor, the inspiration for the CLA-3A featured a simple control set, the T4 optical attenuator for gain reduction, and powerful program-dependent compression characteristics. Embraced by engineers and producers the world over due to their unmistakable compression behaviors and unique sonic signatures, the original hardware units are widely used to this day.
Chris Lord-Alge considers these among his favorites of all vintage compressors.
About Chris Lord-Alge
Grammy®-winner Chris Lord-Alge is the mixing engineer of choice for pop and rock royalty. Green Day | U2 | Dave Matthews Band | Daughtry | Pink | Leona Lewis | Avril Lavigne |
My Chemical Romance | All American Rejects | Nickelback | Rob Thomas | Snow Patrol | Ray LaMontagne | Miley Cyrus | Jonas Bros. | Tim McGraw | Faith Hill | Tina Turner | Rod Stewart | Celine Dion | Santana
For almost thirty years, Chris has energized the sound of popular music. His hard-hitting mixes have transformed the radio soundscape, a massive hardware arsenal includes racks and racks of the most coveted compression units in music history.
ion, we also suggest that you become familiar with www.wavesupport.net
, you will receive personalized information on your registered
ally introduced in 1969.
Steve Winwood | James Brown
|
nd introduced a new sonic vocabulary along the way. CLA’s
. There you will find
Like its
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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. Waves painstakingly modeled and incorporated the chara and replicate the sound and performance of the original equipment. The hardware was modeled at reference levels of -18 dBFS = +4 dBu, meaning that a signal of -18 dBFS from the DAW to the hardware unit will display a meter reading of 0 VU (+4 dBu).
These are some of the most important elements of the CLA-3A’s analog behavior:
•
Total Harmonic Distortion
Perhaps the most important analog behavior is Total Harmonic Distortion or THD, which is defined as the ratio of the sum of the powers of all harmonic compon frequency. THD is usually caused by amplification, and changes signal shape and content by adding odd and even harmonics of the fundamental frequencies, which can change the overall tonal balance. THD can also change peak output gain, usually by no more than +/- 0.2-0.3 dB.
•
Variable Release Times
In the original modeled hardware, a T4 optical device determines compression behavior. When strong signals are introd seconds may result. In certain cases, this may cause the same passage to sound different during successive playbacks, as the Release does not return to the unity position. This behavior is identical to that of the original hardware, and should not be a cause for concern.
•
Hum
Waves modeled both 50Hz power current and 60Hz power current. If you listen closely, you will hear that there is a diffe region and dependent upon the local electrical conditions, you may find that the modeled hum is different than the hum already present in your studio, and may not be suitable for your particular use.
uced to the compressor input, release time constants lasting several
rence in hum level between 50Hz and 60Hz. Since hum is unique to each
cteristics of the hardware into the CLA-3A, in order to fully capture
ents to the power of the fundamental
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• 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. This means that the majority of users are working with devices that compress far below the original manufacturer specifications.
If you are used to the performance and behavior of an original unit, and find that the modeled plug­in provides more aggressive compression than accustomed to a worn-out T4 component.
you are used to, it may be that you have grown

1.4 Components

WaveShell technology enables us to split Waves processors into smaller plug-ins, which we call components. Having a choice of choose the configuration best suited to your material.
The CLA-3A has two component processors:
CLA-3A Stereo – Two channel compressor, with one detector for both channel paths CLA-3A Mono – One channel compressor
mponents for a particular processor gives you the flexibility to
co
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