Free two-knob character compressor for effortless gentle-to-heavy leveling.
VST3supportedAUsupportedAAXsupportedCLAPnot supportedWINsupportedMACsupportedLNXnot supported
Checked September 2026
DC1A vs CLA-76 Compressor / Limiter (2026)
DC1A is best for fast, simple compression with analog-style character; CLA-76 Compressor / Limiter is best for fast, aggressive FET-style compression on vocals and drums. DC1A starts at Free 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
| DC1A | CLA-76 Compressor / Limiter | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | fast, simple compression with analog-style character | fast, aggressive FET-style compression on vocals and drums |
| Starting price | Free | $14.99/mo (Waves Essential) |
| Free version | Yes | No |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Formats | VST3, AU, AAX | VST3, AU, AAX |
| OS | Windows, macOS | Windows, macOS |
| Key features | Two-control (input/output) design, Negative ratio and overcompression modes, Parallel compression option, Dual Mono switch for independent stereo channel compression, DEEP mode high-pass filter to reduce bass pumping | 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 | Klanghelm | Waves |
Questions people ask
DC1A starts at Free; CLA-76 Compressor / Limiter starts at $14.99/mo (Waves Essential).
Two-control (input/output) design, Negative ratio and overcompression modes, Parallel compression option, Dual Mono switch for independent stereo channel compression, DEEP mode high-pass filter to reduce bass pumping.
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.