The Waves CLA-2A compressor is a plugin that models the original LA-2A hardware unit, which was designed by James F. Lawrence and manufactured by Universal Audio. The LA-2A was renowned for its unique, electro-optical design, which utilized a light-dependent resistor to control the gain reduction. This design allowed for a uniquely smooth and natural compression response, making it ideal for a wide range of audio applications.

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: Because the optical cell has a relatively slow attack, it allows the first few milliseconds of a sound (the transient) to pass through uncompressed before it clamps down. This results in a roughly 1dB volume "pop"

optical tube compressor, specifically modeled from the "golden" unit belonging to mix engineer Chris Lord-Alge The "Why" Behind the Sound

: A "pre-emphasis" control that makes the compressor more sensitive to frequencies above 1 kHz. Increasing this can help manage sibilance or high-frequency transients without squashing the low end. Analog Character : Includes modeled Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)