AI-driven mixing channel strip with dynamics, EQ, and a Visual Mixer.
VST3supportedAUsupportedAAXsupportedCLAPnot supportedWINsupportedMACsupportedLNXnot supported
Checked September 2026
Neutron 5 vs CLA-76 Compressor / Limiter (2026)
Neutron 5 is best for dynamics-focused channel strip mixing with AI assistance; CLA-76 Compressor / Limiter is best for fast, aggressive FET-style compression on vocals and drums. Neutron 5 starts at $299.00 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
| Neutron 5 | CLA-76 Compressor / Limiter | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | dynamics-focused channel strip mixing with AI assistance | fast, aggressive FET-style compression on vocals and drums |
| Starting price | $299.00 one-time | $14.99/mo (Waves Essential) |
| Free version | No | No |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Formats | VST3, AU, AAX | VST3, AU, AAX |
| OS | Windows, macOS | Windows, macOS |
| Key features | AI-powered Mix Assistant, Clipper, Density, and Phase modules, Mid/Side and Transient/Sustain channel modes, Visual Mixer for spatial track arrangement, Delta buttons to isolate module effect | 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 | iZotope | Waves |
Questions people ask
Neutron 5 starts at $299.00 one-time; CLA-76 Compressor / Limiter starts at $14.99/mo (Waves Essential).
AI-powered Mix Assistant, Clipper, Density, and Phase modules, Mid/Side and Transient/Sustain channel modes, Visual Mixer for spatial track arrangement, Delta buttons to isolate module effect.
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.