CLA-2A Compressor / Limiter - and alternatives

[J_J_Breeze]

I've used the Waves CLA-2A Compressor / Limiter at a commercial facility a few times and want something similar for my set up.

It actually in sale at the moment:
http://www.waves.com/plugins/cla-2a-compressor-limiter

However I've heard bad things about the WUP. How does the WUP work?

And what other alternative plug-ins are comparable to the Waves CLA-2A?

[Combo]

I hear bad things about the WUP all the time. But in my experience, Waves tend to put out a product and then leave it as is forever. As a proud owner of the Renaissance bundle, I only pay the Wuppity when something like VST 3 or the end of I Lok comes along. Also one time when the Waves installer would not play nice with the latest Sound Toys installer. And Waves seems to get along just fine with me only paying the upgrade fee every 3 or 4 years. Fair enough, its more money than they would get out of me if they struck a pose about being all up to date, all the time.

Can't say I've ever noticed a difference. But because you get upgrades for a year, you get a few minor bug fixes from those upgrades when you do pay the fee.

Edit: Never tried the Waves LA 2A. But I do love the UAD versions.

[J_J_Breeze]

Okay, a small fee every 3 years is fine, especially if it increases the likelihood of support for the plug in in the future.

How much was the last WUP for your Renaissance bundle?

[Combo]

Believe it's capped at $200 and a low something US. As I say, its not on the radar often enough to stick in the memory.

[J_J_Breeze]

Thanks should be around 30-50 quid in 4 years time when I upgrade my OS... Cheaper than hardware maintenance on a vintage unit and less change of obsolescence than a boutique VST developer.

The USD is so weak at the moment too so I'm sold! And I buy very few plugins

[The_BPP]

As been mentioned, UAD do amazing versions of the LA-2A, however, if you want to keep it native, I own the IK Multimedia version, and I would say it's on par with the UAD version, IMHO

[ConcertinaChap]

I've not used any of the others so I have nothing to compare it with but I also have the IK Multimedia TR White2A and I use it a lot. I think highly of it.

CC

[alexis]

As been mentioned, UAD do amazing versions of the LA-2A, however, if you want to keep it native, I own the IK Multimedia version, and I would say it's on par with the UAD version, IMHO

Hi The Big Piano Player - are you comparing the IK Multimedia White 2A to the UAD LA-2A Legacy product, or the newer UAD LA-2A versions?

I've read UAD's Legacy LA-2A is lacking harmonics and non-linearity that their newer version has. I have the UAD LA-2A Legacy product, but might be interested in the IK 2A if it were like the newer UAD LA-2A versions in that way (the IK version is much less expensive than the new UAD versions, $99 vs $299, and also I'd rather go native at this point, assuming it's 64-bit).

Thanks!

[ConcertinaChap]

FWIW the SoS review here makes a similarly favourable comparison to the UAD plugins and is dated February 2012. It's certainly a 64 bit AU on my Mac. Also, at $99 the choice is nearly a no-brainer, I should have said

CC

[J_J_Breeze]

FWIW the SoS review here makes a similarly favourable comparison to the UAD plugins and is dated February 2012. It's certainly a 64 bit AU on my Mac. Also, at $99 the choice is nearly a no-brainer, I should have said

I'm still on the Waves trial (cautious as ever!). What's the IK Multimedia update policy like? Do they just roll them out for free or is there a small charge?

[djangodeadman]

Keep in mind that, if you are a registered UAD user, which I take it you must be, and already own the original LA 2A, the new collection is only $149, which is somewhat closer in price. Not native, of course.

[alexis]

Keep in mind that, if you are a registered UAD user, which I take it you must be, and already own the original LA 2A, the new collection is only djangodeadman49, which is somewhat closer in price. Not native, of course.

I did not know that, thanks djangodeadman!

Makes it harder to decide now ... especially knowing the UAD Christmas sale will probably drop it to $99. I'm starting to have to be careful about how many UAD instances I load up ... that's what's making me think native.

BTW - Does anyone know from that SOS review of the IK White 2A (thank you for posting!) whether the comparison was to the Legacy UAD LA-2A, or the newer UAD-2 version? I couldn't tell from the article ...

Thanks!

[muzines]

That would almost certainly have been the original version for comparison.

I was never massively happy with UA's original LA2A (had much more success with the LA-3A which I loved)...

At least if you already have a UAD card you can demo both and see what you prefer...

[ConcertinaChap]

What's the IK Multimedia update policy like? Do they just roll them out for free or is there a small charge?

Interesting question. My plugin was at v4.1, so I logged onto my account at IK Multimedia where I saw it is now at 4.6 so I downloaded the upgrade file and upgraded it. No money asked for at any time. Dunno what happens when they have major version changes but certainly point changes appear to be free.

CC

[Combo]

I have the UAD LA-2A Legacy product, but might be interested in the IK 2A if it were like the newer UAD LA-2A versions in that way (the IK version is much less expensive than the new UAD versions, $99 vs I have the UAD LA-2A Legacy product, but might be interested in the IK 2A if it were like the newer UAD LA-2A versions in that way (the IK version is much less expensive than the new UAD versions, $99 vs 99, and also I'd rather go native at this point, assuming it's 64-bit).99, and also I'd rather go native at this point, assuming it's 64-bit).

If you own the older UAD version, you should be able to pick up the new version for $149. Other considerations notwithstanding. Seems to be the standard price for upgrading legacy plug-ins.

Edit: As Django helpfully pointed out. Sad to say, I believe that the discount for the upgrade don't go down just coz there is a sale. Nothing to stop you using one of the discount coupons they always seem to be offering though.

[The_BPP]

As been mentioned, UAD do amazing versions of the LA-2A, however, if you want to keep it native, I own the IK Multimedia version, and I would say it's on par with the UAD version, IMHO

Hi The Big Piano Player - are you comparing the IK Multimedia White 2A to the UAD LA-2A Legacy product, or the newer UAD LA-2A versions?

I've read UAD's Legacy LA-2A is lacking harmonics and non-linearity that their newer version has. I have the UAD LA-2A Legacy product, but might be interested in the IK 2A if it were like the newer UAD LA-2A versions in that way (the IK version is much less expensive than the new UAD versions, $99 vs

As been mentioned, UAD do amazing versions of the LA-2A, however, if you want to keep it native, I own the IK Multimedia version, and I would say it's on par with the UAD version, IMHO

Hi The Big Piano Player - are you comparing the IK Multimedia White 2A to the UAD LA-2A Legacy product, or the newer UAD LA-2A versions?

I've read UAD's Legacy LA-2A is lacking harmonics and non-linearity that their newer version has. I have the UAD LA-2A Legacy product, but might be interested in the IK 2A if it were like the newer UAD LA-2A versions in that way (the IK version is much less expensive than the new UAD versions, $99 vs 99, and also I'd rather go native at this point, assuming it's 64-bit).

Thanks! 99, and also I'd rather go native at this point, assuming it's 64-bit).

Thanks!

I have all three (the old and new UAD versions, and the IK version). The IK White 2A is better than the original UAD version, I guess. It probably lacks the authenticity of the later UAD LA-2A, but it's not far off for sound quality - I use it quite a lot, to preserve my UAD processing power, and it's not much of a compromise.

[alexis]

As been mentioned, UAD do amazing versions of the LA-2A, however, if you want to keep it native, I own the IK Multimedia version, and I would say it's on par with the UAD version, IMHO

Hi The Big Piano Player - are you comparing the IK Multimedia White 2A to the UAD LA-2A Legacy product, or the newer UAD LA-2A versions?

I've read UAD's Legacy LA-2A is lacking harmonics and non-linearity that their newer version has. I have the UAD LA-2A Legacy product, but might be interested in the IK 2A if it were like the newer UAD LA-2A versions in that way (the IK version is much less expensive than the new UAD versions, $99 vs

As been mentioned, UAD do amazing versions of the LA-2A, however, if you want to keep it native, I own the IK Multimedia version, and I would say it's on par with the UAD version, IMHO

Hi The Big Piano Player - are you comparing the IK Multimedia White 2A to the UAD LA-2A Legacy product, or the newer UAD LA-2A versions?

I've read UAD's Legacy LA-2A is lacking harmonics and non-linearity that their newer version has. I have the UAD LA-2A Legacy product, but might be interested in the IK 2A if it were like the newer UAD LA-2A versions in that way (the IK version is much less expensive than the new UAD versions, $99 vs 99, and also I'd rather go native at this point, assuming it's 64-bit).

Thanks!

I have all three (the old and new UAD versions, and the IK version). The IK White 2A is better than the original UAD version, I guess. It probably lacks the authenticity of the later UAD LA-2A, but it's not far off for sound quality - I use it quite a lot, to preserve my UAD processing power, and it's not much of a compromise. 99, and also I'd rather go native at this point, assuming it's 64-bit).

Thanks!

I have all three (the old and new UAD versions, and the IK version). The IK White 2A is better than the original UAD version, I guess. It probably lacks the authenticity of the later UAD LA-2A, but it's not far off for sound quality - I use it quite a lot, to preserve my UAD processing power, and it's not much of a compromise.

Thanks, Big Piano Player!

Re: the IK White 2A -When you "push it hard", does it sound quite close to the new UAD-2 LA-2A in terms of what I've read described as "non-linear response"?

Thanks again!

[The_BPP]

I can get some pretty authentic-sounding gain when I push the input to IK's 2A, but you're right, this is where the new UAD version comes into it's own... on extreme settings.

When just doing the everyday levelling/smoothing, they sound very similar, and in a mix, identical.

[ConcertinaChap]

Ah, well can't comment on that. With the sort of music I record my customers just don't do "extreme" anything

[muzines]

I'm not even sure the LA-2A lends itself to be pushed to extreme settings.

The 1176 - sure, it's great for some outrageous smashage in the proper context, but, for me at least, the LA-2A lends itself to fairly transparent uses (even with more gain reduction than you might expect) but I don't find it ever being that pleasant taken to extremes. When I use it, source depending of course, I'm typically somewhere with the peak reduction knob in the 20-40 range, certainly hardly ever over 50...

So, is there anyone out there who is getting good use out of turning the LA-2A up to 11? What for..?

[ConcertinaChap]

When I use it, source depending of course, I'm typically somewhere with the peak reduction knob in the 20-40 range, certainly hardly ever over 50...

Likewise. Used in this way it's one of the two or three plugins I really don't want to be without.

CC

[alexis]

...
So, is there anyone out there who is getting good use out of turning the LA-2A up to 11? What for..?

Well, I was thinking of turning it to 11 to be used in a parallel path ...

Got the UAD-1 version, not super easy to get it to sound like it's being pushed hard.

[Zukan]

I hear bad things about the WUP all the time. But in my experience, Waves tend to put out a product and then leave it as is forever. As a proud owner of the Renaissance bundle, I only pay the Wuppity when something like VST 3 or the end of I Lok comes along. Also one time when the Waves installer would not play nice with the latest Sound Toys installer. And Waves seems to get along just fine with me only paying the upgrade fee every 3 or 4 years. Fair enough, its more money than they would get out of me if they struck a pose about being all up to date, all the time.

Can't say I've ever noticed a difference. But because you get upgrades for a year, you get a few minor bug fixes from those upgrades when you do pay the fee.

Edit: Never tried the Waves LA 2A. But I do love the UAD versions.

I hear you Britney but me, personally, I draw the line at having to pay for a software again and again. Unless it is an update with new features I don't see why I have to keep paying for the product I have already paid their asking price for. This is akin to a 'rental'.

[The_BPP]

I'm not even sure the LA-2A lends itself to be pushed to extreme settings.

The 1176 - sure, it's great for some outrageous smashage in the proper context, but, for me at least, the LA-2A lends itself to fairly transparent uses (even with more gain reduction than you might expect) but I don't find it ever being that pleasant taken to extremes. When I use it, source depending of course, I'm typically somewhere with the peak reduction knob in the 20-40 range, certainly hardly ever over 50...

So, is there anyone out there who is getting good use out of turning the LA-2A up to 11? What for..?

I've read that some people like to crank up the input on the LA2A until it distorts. This effect is quite obvious on the White Stripe's "Seven Nation Army", for example. I'm guessing for that, you'd need UAD's latest version.

[Combo]

When you pay my way, it is an upgrade. If there's no shiny stuff for me, I don't pay. Waves will still authorise you clunky outdated plugins on a new hard drive if you need them to. Least they did years ago when it came up for me. I have seen nothing to make me think that policy has changed. I suspect the Wupty doo dah is a big money spinner for them from pros who need to have their platinum bundle right up to date all the time to distinguish themselves from the competition. I expect Waves is smart enough to realise that nickel and dime users like myself are more inclined to fire up bittorent or find replacements than pour endless money down the Wup gurgler. Apart from the reverb I no longer use, Waves does nothing for me that fabfilter can't do. I just like using different toys on different tracks.