In a major "Mac exclusive" style move, Universal Audio is currently offering their own Teletronix LA-2A Tube Compressor plugin for free until September 1, 2025. This plugin runs natively on Mac and PC without requiring UAD hardware. Key Features of the CLA-2A
If you missed a limited-time giveaway, these "always free" plugins offer similar optical compression characteristics:
A widely praised clone that includes extra features like an external sidechain and a mix knob for parallel compression.
The tube emulation adds musical harmonic saturation that helps vocals sit perfectly in a mix.
The Waves remains one of the most popular optical compressor plugins for Mac and PC users, favored for its ability to add "mojo" and "glue" to vocals and bass. While it is a paid product, there are legitimate ways to get it or high-end alternatives like the Universal Audio (UAD) LA-2A for free during specific promotional windows. How to Get the CLA-2A for Free (Legitimately)
Currently, users who spend $50 or more at Waves Audio can choose a free plugin from a rotating list of 100, which often includes the CLA-2A .
It features a two-knob design— Peak Reduction and Gain —making it nearly impossible to get a bad sound.