Is CA-2A really the best ProChannel Leveling Amp?

The CA-2A is one of the most useful comps on the PC.  The only 3rd party PC comp is the FET, as part of the Softube bundle.  So you are basically stuck w/ the CA-2A, 4K and the 76.  The 4K is a buss compressor, and I use it all over my busses - guitar, drums etc.  It really shines there.  The 76 emulates the 1176 FET comp (softube FET is modeled on the same hardware).  I use it a lot on tracks and it works great for stabilizing levels.  On lead stuff, esp. vocals, I'll use it and the CA-2A, which is modeled on the LA-2A optical comp.  The CA has more "tone" than the FET models, or maybe it is because I have the Warm 76 here at home and none of the soft comps deliver the tone I can ladle on in the hardware.  The CA also has a gentler touch on dynamics.
 
I find all 3 valuable - the 4K ssl comp is perfect on the guitar buss.  Or I've found it so.  I'd suggest getting the CA - tho calling it the best is probably not right.  It is a great tool and does some things the other 2 Cake PC comps don't.  But running your guitar (or whatever instrument) through a nice analog comp (or channel strip) really helps the digital sound.  Not only does it do tone (if you get a Warm or Neve etc.), it also helps stabilize your signal going in.  You don't have to squash it, but just do a little shaping going in.  Then the PC comps can fine tune the tame dynamics and will sound their best doing it.
 
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Have you heard a price on that yet scook?

Probably the same as the current boz promo. Those who already purchased the bundle will get the PC format for free in an update.

Wow, a lot of very helpful information in such a short time. Thanks, everyone! There is much I have yet to learn about compression, and this is all good. I like that BOZ bundle. Time to try it out.
 
Am I correct in assuming it will be added to Platinum, or will it be another add-on I need to purchase?

Thank you, scook.
 
I'm assuming something else from what AT told me above. It's best to have the compressor first in the chain, not last, as far as single instruments are concerned. That would mean I also need to buy the strip model of of the 4K, or do some convoluted routing.

UAD LA2A. Hands down.
 

AT, that's a helpful outline of your process, thanks! I don't use any amps, just direct in. I do live mic only on my mandolin, and sometimes an acoustic I want dual tracks on (my acoustics are electric).
 
I agree about serial compression. That's what I've been working toward, and finding out which compression works best where in the chain is the goal. I'm torn right now between adding the CA-2A to my arsenal, or waiting for Bendeth's bundle. The decision is probably win/win.

I really like the CA2A. Great on piano, too.

A question about Bendeth's compressor... I downloaded the demo. It only gets into the ProChannel of a bus via FX Chain. Is that correct? I placed it into a strip, then drug it to the bus. Sonar dropped it there inside an FX Chain. If that's the case, will the Cakewalk-specific version (assuming) be a module? I'd much rather have the module.
 
It sounds amazing on a drum track. Wow.

scook, I downloaded the Windows version of the demo. It works on my PC, but only through the method I tried. Looking forward to a true module. There's probably no point in buying it before Cakewalk's release.

Ha. One more piece of the local lingo I need to pick up on. :)

There are ample compressors out there and even a bunch ready for the ProChannel. Each may have their own merits on top of being one more compressor.

The CA2A works really well. Whenever you try it out you might just choose that one for the track because it smooths really seamlessly. Or, you might add it after you've already piled up other effects prior in the signal chain.

It's simply a really excellent module in the ProChannel collection.

I use the CA2A on guitars, bass, etc.  Great at just smoothing things out.  When I use it on bass, I use it as a limiter. One of the best PC compressors in my opinion.

It is a very popular rack extension for Reason users. Only if I could get a bundle deal where you can use it in Sonar and Reason.

I really like the CA2A.  It does what it is supposed to do. It levels a track nicely.