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CLA-3A
User Guide
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Waves Audio CLA-3A User Guide

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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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Chapter 2 – Quickstart Guide

The CLA-3A 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 (approximat
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.
ely 100:1 ratio).
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Chapter 3 – Interface and Controls

3.1 CLA-3A Interface

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3.2 CLA-3A Controls

Gain controls the output level of the audio path.
Range: 0 to 10 (in 0.01 steps) Initial Value: 5.50 Reset Value: 4.08 (unity gain)
Peak Reduction controls the amount of signal compression.
Range: 0 to10 (in 0.01 steps) Initial Value: 4.00 Reset Value: 0
Please note: The scale is not linear and has been adjusted to conform to the exact scaling of the modeled analog gear.
unit. Thus, there may be more compression than expected at certain steps, as with
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Compressor Mode selects compression or limiting.
Range: Comp, Limiter Default: Comp
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-3A will provide equal reduction to all frequencies. The more you mo
the compressor is to higher frequencies, resulting in heavier compression.
used as sort of a de-esser.
Range: 0 to 100 (in 0.1 steps) Initial Value: 50.00 Reset Value: 100 (flat)
supplies of the original units.
Analog controls analog characteristics caused by noise floor and hum, based on the power
ve away from the Flat position, the
This control may also be
more sensitive
Range: Off, 50Hz, 60Hz Initial Value: 60Hz Reset Value: Off
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VU Display toggles between Input, Gain Reduction, and Output monitoring.
Range
In, GR, Out
Default
GR
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Chapter 4 – The WaveSystem

4.1 The WaveSystem Toolbar

All Waves processors feature the WaveSystem toolbar which takes care of most administrative functions yo toolbar are the same on practically all Waves processors, so familiarity with its features will be helpful whichever processor you are using.

Toolbar Functions

Undo Undoes the last 32 actions. Redo Redoes the last 32 undone actions. Setup A/B Toggles between two presets. This is useful for close comparison of different parameter
Copy A->B Copies the current settings to the second preset register Load Recalls presets from file Save Saves presets in the Waves file formats ? Opens the manual for the processor you are using.
u will encounter while working with your Waves software. The features of the WaveSystem
settings

4.2 Preset Handling

Preset Types

Factory Presets are permanent presets in the Load menu. Factory presets cannot be over-written
deleted. When applicable, different component plug-ins may have different factory presets. User Presets are your favorite settings of the plug-in saved as a preset in the Load menu, under ‘User
Presets’. User Presets can be over-written and deleted. Setup Files may contain more than one preset. For example, a single file can contain all the presets for
a sessio access. This can be particularly useful with multiple instances of a plug-in in a single session. By saving all the settings you create into a single Setup File, they can all be quickly available for every instance of that plug-in.
When you open a Setup File, all its setups become part of your Load pop-up menu for fast
n.
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or

Loading Presets and Setups

Click-and-hold on the Load button to see the Load pop-up menu. The menu is divided into four
sections. If a section
Open Preset File… Select to open any setup or preset file, whether from the Library or your own ‘Filename.xps’: Displays any currently loaded Setup File and it
Factory Presets: Displays the default Factory Presets. User Presets: Displays any loaded User Presets.
is not currently available it will not appear in the Load pop-up menu.
creations.
s presets.

Saving Presets and Setups

Click-and-hold on the Save button to see the Save pop-up menu. Four options are available. If an option is not currently available it will be grayed out and inaccessible.
Save to New
Save ‘File Name’ – “Preset Name” Overwrites the settings of the loaded preset (whether a User
Save to ‘File Name’ As… Saves the current settings as a new preset into the Setup file that
Put into Preset Menu As… Save the current settings into a User Preset that will always be in
File… Select this t
for the setup filename, then for the preset name. You must provide a name for both the setup file and the preset. Click OK (ENTER) to complete the save. It is a good idea to create a folder in which to save several setup files for a project.
Preset or a preset from a Setup File) with the cu Setup File is currently loaded, the name of the Setup File is displayed followed by the name of the preset itself. If a User Preset is loaded, its name is displayed.
is open (if one is not op prompted to give the preset a name.
your Load menu (until deleted). You will be prompted to give this preset a na file.
o start a ne
me. User Presets are stored in the plug-in’s preference
w Setup file. There are two prompts - first
rrent settings. If a
en, the option is grayed out). You will be
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Deleting Presets

You may delete User Presets and presets within a Setup File. Factory Presets and Setup Library files cannot be deleted or overwritten.
1. Hold the Command (Mac)/Contro
2. Click-and-hold the Load button to see the pop-up menu.
3. While still holding the Command/Control key, select the preset or setup to delete.
4. A confirmation box will appear, allowing you to cancel or ‘OK’ the deletion.
l (PC) key down.

A/B Comparison and Copying

The Setup A/Setup B button may be clicked to compare two settings. If you load a preset in the Setup B position, this will not affe
If you want to slightly modify the settings in Setup A, you can copy them t Copy to B button, then alter Setup A and compare with the original Setup B.
The name of the current setup will be shown in the title bar (on platforms which support it), and will switch as you change fro
Note: an asterisk will be added to the preset name when a change is made to the preset.
ct the preset loaded into the Setup A position, and vice-versa.
o Setup B by clicking on
m Setup A to Setup B.
the

4.3 Interface Controls

Controls can be in one of three states:
• Not Selected where the control is
• Selected where the con
• Selected and Active where the control is the tar
trol is the target of mouse control entry only
not the target of any user entry
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Toggle Buttons

Toggle buttons display the state of a control, and allow switching between two or more states. Single­click to cha
current setting, and others (bypass, solo, or monitoring toggles) illuminate when the control is active. Some processors have l
adjustment while retaining the offset between the controls.
nge the control’s state. Some toggle buttons have a text display which updates with the
ink buttons between a pair of toggle buttons, allowing click-
and-drag

Value Window Buttons

Value windows display the value of a control and allow click-and-drag via the keyboard.
• Using the mouse, click-and-drag left/right, so direction of movement that button supports).
• Using the arrow left/right (depending on the direction supported by that button) to move in the smallest incremental steps across the button’s range (holding down the arrow keys will move faster through the range).
• Using key value from your keyboard. If you enter an out of range number, the button stays selected but remains at the current setting (system beeps? If system sounds are on?)
Some processors have l adjustment while retaining the offset between the controls.
me up/down (as you hover over a button, arrows will appear to let you know which
s, click once with mouse to select the button, and then use up/down –
key
entry, double click on the button to open the value window, and directly enter the
ink buttons between a pair of value windows, allowing click-
on the value window to adjust. Some value windows support
adjustment, or direct control
and-drag

Sliders

Click on the slider itself or anywhere within the sliders track. The numerical value of the slider se is displayed in a hover window above the slider path.

Hover Box

Hovering boxes will appear and display the control value when hovering with the mouse over the control.
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ttings

TAB Functions

TAB moves the ‘selected’ status to the next control, with shift-TAB moving in the reverse direction. Additionally, the Mac has an option-TAB function for ‘down’ movement and shift-option-TAB for ‘up’
movement where If you have several Value Window Buttons selected, TAB functions will take you through the selected
controls on
ly.
applicable.
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Appendix A – CLA-3A Controls

Control Range Default
Gain
Peak Reduction
HiFreq
Compressor Mode
Analog
VU Display
0-10 (0.01 steps) Initial Value: 5.50
0 to 10 (0.01 steps) Initial Value: 4.00
0-100 (0.1 steps) Initial Value: 50
Comp, Limiter Comp
Off, 50Hz, 60Hz Initial Value: 60Hz
In, GR, Out GR
Reset Value: 4.08 (unity gain)
Reset Value: 0
Reset Value: 100
Reset Value: Off
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