Waves CLA classic compressors or Waves SSL?

[Ialsoeathummus]

The only EQ/Comp plugins I regularly use besides Logic stock plugs are IK Fairchild and IK Pultec emulations which I find to both be excellent, especially for the price. But it's upgrade time!

I'm debating between the Waves SSL and Waves CLA classic compressors. My gut is saying that the CLA compressors collection could round out my mixes so that I have SOLID compression for everything in a rock/pop arrangement. The Waves SSL on the other hand, would give me a unique and classic EQ. But in terms of compression, I think I'll have a less varied palate to work with, which could make things difficult in certain applications.

The vocal and acoustic guitar compression just blew my mind on the CLA Waves video. Whereas I was originally ready to buy the Waves SSl bundle, I'm now restrategizing.

So what do you guys think? CLA compressors (possibly adding in The Glue to have solid buss compression) or SSL bundle? I know neither are end-all solutions, but what's the best route to go for now, considering I won't have cash for another bundle soon?

[Marando]

Originally Posted by Ialsoeathummus

The only EQ/Comp plugins I regularly use besides Logic stock plugs are IK Fairchild and IK Pultec emulations which I find to both be excellent, especially for the price. But it's upgrade time!

I'm debating between the Waves SSL and Waves CLA classic compressors. My gut is saying that the CLA compressors collection could round out my mixes so that I have SOLID compression for everything in a rock/pop arrangement. The Waves SSL on the other hand, would give me a unique and classic EQ. But in terms of compression, I think I'll have a less varied palate to work with, which could make things difficult in certain applications.

The vocal and acoustic guitar compression just blew my mind on the CLA Waves video. Whereas I was originally ready to buy the Waves SSl bundle, I'm now restrategizing.

So what do you guys think? CLA compressors (possibly adding in The Glue to have solid buss compression) or SSL bundle? I know neither are end-all solutions, but what's the best route to go for now, considering I won't have cash for another bundle soon?

Difficult, since the SSL bundle will give you the channelstrip and the bus compressor, 2 plugins I use in every mix, but on the other end, we have the CLA compressors, wich I believe are nothing less then amazing! I can't compare them with the real hardware, but I do love the sound, they really sound so fantastic!

So yes.. I believe it's a difficult scenario, since you can't really compare the 2 bundles. If I HAD to chose, I chose the Waves SSL bundle, but that's because I can't live without the SSL channel and I do love the bus compressor on the 2bus.

[The MPCist]

If I had to choose, it would be the SSL.. since you get EQ and comps with it whereas with CLA, it's only comps/limiters. But yeah, it's a hard decision to make.

Or get the Waves SSL and the new Tubetech plugin...

[Ialsoeathummus]

Originally Posted by Marando

Difficult, since the SSL bundle will give you the channelstrip and the bus compressor, 2 plugins I use in every mix, but on the other end, we have the CLA compressors, wich I believe are nothing less then amazing! I can't compare them with the real hardware, but I do love the sound, they really sound so fantastic!

So yes.. I believe it's a difficult scenario, since you can't really compare the 2 bundles. If I HAD to chose, I chose the Waves SSL bundle, but that's because I can't live without the SSL channel and I do love the bus compressor on the 2bus.

Yeah that is the difficulty of it. It's like saying, "should I get a new snare drum or bass drum?" You really can't compare the two, but I'm still trying to make the wise decision.

SSL bundle seems like it could make more sense but the CLA bundle just sounds soooo good. I don't even know that I could afford both, but if I spent the cash, would it be a combo that I could really go to town with and avoid other plug-in purchases for a while?

And I find the IK Pultec EQ works well in a lot of situations, except surgical applications and the lower-mid range. If I buy the CLA bundle, what practical EQ applications am I missing out on?

[Resistance]

As of right now, it looks like you can still pick up the Waves SSL bundle from music123.com for only $478. This is a good deal but won't last long. The Waves 25% off special technically ended yesterday --- so, if you want it, go grab it ASAP.

[Skip Burrows]

Originally Posted by Resistance

As of right now, it looks like you can still pick up the Waves SSL bundle from music123.com for only $478. This is a good deal but won't last long. The Waves 25% off special technically ended yesterday --- so, if you want it, go grab it ASAP.

We Have both, The SSL is more versatile IMVHO. I like the CLA comps. I have the real hardware and they did a fairly good job. However the SSL is VERY VERY GOOD!! You will get more out of that if you know how to gain stage you system.

Good Luck

[BigEvil]

I've got all the Waves plugs, Studio Classics, CLA, JJP etc. the SSL plugs I reach for the least of all of my waves plugs in that collection. the only exception is using the BusComp on the master bus but there are so many other great plug-ins you could use instead. I'd get CLA and save the money for API & or other good EQs

[saovi]

IMO, if you're going Waves, get CLA for compression and V-Series or API for EQ.

[TonyBelmont]

This is an impossible decision... You have to get both.

[Ialsoeathummus]

Though the CLA bundle is much more flashy and exciting at the moment, I think it makes more sense to get the SSL first and work from there.

Unless there are any more opinions, I'll be going that route at AES this friday.

: )

[Ernest Buckley]

I`m late to the party, what did you end up getting?

For me... CLA for compression... API for EQ.

[RiF]

I had to make the same decision a few days ago and bought the SSL. 3 days later I added the CLA comps... They complement each other very well. and ask Tony for a price!

[Squawk]

Originally Posted by Ernest Buckley

I`m late to the party, what did you end up getting?

For me... CLA for compression... API for EQ.

I'm leaning towards that as well. I preferred the API Eq's over the SSL. CLA 76 I found almost has a 3d'ish quality when driven, certainly more so than other plugin comps I've used. Or else I'm just hallucinating..

[Ernest Buckley]

Originally Posted by Squawk

I'm leaning towards that as well. I preferred the API Eq's over the SSL. CLA 76 I found almost has a 3d'ish quality when driven, certainly more so than other plugin comps I've used. Or else I'm just hallucinating..

I hear the same thing as you: call it dirt, grit, bite... whatever, I have not heard any plugs do that except the CLA. And then you can get the CLA plugs nice and creamy, like butter. So its a nice variety in those 3 (4) plugs.

The new H Comp is awesome too...

[mobilemozart]

If you're after some variety in high quality compression, get CLA. I own some 1176s and I could match hardware and plug-in - didn't hear a difference.

I wouldn't have a problem selling my 1176s now that there's the CLA bundle.

[thedigitalgod]

Originally Posted by Skip Burrows

We Have both, The SSL is more versatile IMVHO. I like the CLA comps. I have the real hardware and they did a fairly good job. However the SSL is VERY VERY GOOD!! You will get more out of that if you know how to gain stage you system.

Good Luck

could you expand on the specifics of gain staging with regard to the SSL plugs and your usage? thanks.

edit:
or i suppose the question would be -- do you hit the ssl plugs at a particular level that youve found to be optimal? or are you referring to the "crank the input, turn down the output" trick on the channel strip? or just proper staging so as to not overdrive anything in the chain?

[Lazz]

Originally Posted by Skip Burrows

We Have both, The SSL is more versatile IMVHO. I like the CLA comps. I have the real hardware and they did a fairly good job. However the SSL is VERY VERY GOOD!! You will get more out of that if you know how to gain stage you system.

Good Luck

yes, could you elaborate on this please?

[Ddjembe Mutombo]

I have just began demoing both... I use the SSL channel strip on practically every track. It is outrageous how much better it sounds than any other digital EQ I have used so far. The CLA compressors are nice too. I seem to have been using them slightly less, but still a lot.

If I were you, I would get the SSL. The bus compressor is super useful in busses (who would have thought). I use the channel strip on practically everything. I use the dynamics to slightly compress each track, but nothing really noticeable. From there I follow the channel strip with a different compressor more suited to the instrument.

Also, check the prices at sweetwater. They are much cheaper than most other retailers ($480 for the SSL native, $390 for the CLA native). About 4 months ago waves was charging $1k for the SSL native. I wonder what is with the substantial price cut.

[Ialsoeathummus]

Originally Posted by Ernest Buckley

I`m late to the party, what did you end up getting?

For me... CLA for compression... API for EQ.

Out of town so can't elaborate now but Duende for EQ + Comp, CLA for Comp. I'm very happy.

[Squawk]

Originally Posted by Ddjembe Mutombo

Also, check the prices at sweetwater. They are much cheaper than most other retailers ($480 for the SSL native, $390 for the CLA native). About 4 months ago waves was charging $1k for the SSL native. I wonder what is with the substantial price cut.

There are much better prices out there than that at the moment until tomorrow.. (DutchMuzik/Tony B.)

[kim olesen]

Get them both. Seriously. They are the perfect companions and they are quite different beasts.

[dullfangs]

Originally Posted by Skip Burrows

However the SSL is VERY VERY GOOD!! You will get more out of that if you know how to gain stage you system.

Can you explain what you mean here? I use the SSL plugs, and you don't have to worry about them clipping.

[Flying_Dutchman]

i´d get softube fet

[Jantex]

Originally Posted by Flying_Dutchman

i´d get softube fet

I wouldn't.

[Flying_Dutchman]

Originally Posted by Jantex

I wouldn't.

why?

[Jantex]

I have both, also have Softube Tube-tech. I find that on more than 80% of material I do Waves CLA fit better (CLA-76 better than FET, and LA-2A better than Tube-tech). Softubes are great, but if I needed to choose on of the two it would be CLA without a doubt.

But between SSL and CLA the decision would be based on my needs. SSL offers two great channel strips with RQ & dynamics and a super bus comp. If you have your eq's covered and aren't too nuts about SSL choose CLA. If you're looking for one package, that can beautifully cover most of your needs, choose SSL. My waves collection consist of studio classics, CLA, ren bundle and vocal rider. These cover 99% of my mixes, other than Sonnox SuperEsser (which is IMHO the best and most powerfull deesser I have ever tried). If I had to buy one, it would be Ren-bundle and later SSL. Ren-bundle is imho still one of the most versatile and best sounding bundles, with many upgrade paths for the future.

[everythinglouder]

If anyone's interested, I posted a shootout between the Waves CLA-76 and the Softube FET Compressor.

1176 Plug-in Shootout: Waves CLA-76 vs Softube FET Compressor

[Tom Hakala]

SSL channel is my favorite thing right now. It's pretty much on all of my tracks. I was *this* close to order myself a CLA bundle, but I bought a new mic instead (Beyerdynamic M500).

[czarthp]

I chose the SSL last month and I love it. Now I'm looking at the CLA or API bundle

[jacko]

I got both bundles and these are the most used plugins right now.
They are simply excellent.