Professional compressor plug-in with 14 compression styles and full Dolby Atmos support.
VST3supportedAUsupportedAAXsupportedCLAPsupportedWINsupportedMACsupportedLNXnot supported
Checked September 2026
FabFilter Pro-C 3 vs CLA-76 Compressor / Limiter (2026)
FabFilter Pro-C 3 is best for transparent to characterful compression across mixing and mastering; CLA-76 Compressor / Limiter is best for fast, aggressive FET-style compression on vocals and drums. FabFilter Pro-C 3 starts at $199 one-time and CLA-76 Compressor / Limiter at $14.99/mo (Waves Essential).
FET compressor/limiter modeling Chris Lord-Alge's hand-picked 1176-style hardware.
VST3supportedAUsupportedAAXsupportedCLAPnot supportedWINsupportedMACsupportedLNXnot supported
| FabFilter Pro-C 3 | CLA-76 Compressor / Limiter | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | transparent to characterful compression across mixing and mastering | fast, aggressive FET-style compression on vocals and drums |
| Starting price | $199 one-time | $14.99/mo (Waves Essential) |
| Free version | No | No |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Formats | VST3, AU, AAX, CLAP | VST3, AU, AAX |
| OS | Windows, macOS | Windows, macOS |
| Key features | 14 compression styles, Character modes with analog saturation and coloring, Side-chain EQ up to 6 bands, Dolby Atmos support up to 9.1.6, Auto Threshold, Auto Gain, Auto Release | Models two hand-picked 1176-style hardware units ("Bluey" and "Blacky"), Ultra-fast FET attack response, Tube-like distortion character, Included in Waves Essential and Ultimate subscriptions |
| Developer | FabFilter | Waves |
Questions people ask
FabFilter Pro-C 3 starts at $199 one-time; CLA-76 Compressor / Limiter starts at $14.99/mo (Waves Essential).
14 compression styles, Character modes with analog saturation and coloring, Side-chain EQ up to 6 bands, Dolby Atmos support up to 9.1.6, Auto Threshold, Auto Gain, Auto Release.
Models two hand-picked 1176-style hardware units ("Bluey" and "Blacky"), Ultra-fast FET attack response, Tube-like distortion character, Included in Waves Essential and Ultimate subscriptions.