Always use the "Gain" (Makeup) knob to match your output volume with your input volume so you aren't fooled by "louder is better."
The genuine CLA-2A is a paid plugin by Waves. This post directs users to legal, high-quality free alternatives that work the same way. Cla 2a Compressor Vst Free Download
| Plugin Name | Developer | Type | Notes | |-------------|-----------|------|-------| | | Analog Obsession | LA-2A emulation | Free, open-source, excellent quality. | | Dead Duck Software Channel Strip | Dead Duck | Compressor module | Includes optical compression style. | | VladG Limiter No.6 | Vladislav Goncharov | Limiter/compressor | Not identical but covers similar dynamic control. | | Coda | Spectral Plugins | Optical compressor | Free with iLok (no dongle required). | Always use the "Gain" (Makeup) knob to match