• SONAR
  • The Thank You Thread for CA -2A (p.9)
2016/10/16 14:29:23
Beepster
Oh, doods. They gave everyone the full version (which IIRC comes with a the PC version as well)?
 
That's awesome. Cripes I think I said a few months ago it would be really could if they did something like this (or included it in the SPlat suite).
 
I do not own a lot of extra plugs because I have to be really careful with money but I did indeed buy this one back when it was still the Prochannel exclusive version then upgraded (with free Cake bucks in the X2 days) to the full CA2A version and for my tastes it is one of the most useful and best sounding dealymadoodles out of EVERYTHING I own.
 
I don't even really think of it as a compressor. To me it's the "flavor" dial.
 
To those who didn't have it before, congrats.
 
...
 
hmm, I just went to check something on the VST version of CA2A and it's not in my plugin list (I always use it as PC module). I think I may have neglected to install the full version (which I bought like 2 years ago... lulz).
 
Anyway, what I was looking for was to see if this little "Easter Egg" setting from the PC version had actual controls on the GUI.
 
And it's not really an "Easter Egg" so much as just a hidden function.
 
Right Click on a grey area of the PC2A and a little context menu will pop up that lists "Photocell Memory" and underneath "About" (the "About" option is just version info). In the "Photocell Memory" menu tree there are two options for "Classic" and "Fast Reset". These (IIRC) affect the Attack/Release times of the compression where "Classic" mimics the original hardware's attack/release characteristics and the Fast Reset is a faster/more modern Attack/Release. "Fast Reset" is the default and probably the better of the two for most applications (at least to me) but it's worth noting that "Classic" option is available.
 
Also don't ignore that R37 screw. It is very subtle but I find focuses a sound quite nicely. Particularly tracks with a lot of high freqs going on. IIRC it kind of acts like a REALLY subtle EQ sweep to compress certain frequencies more than others. Like if I use it on a squealy high gain guitar track when I turn the R37 screw I can make it so the distortion is getting accentuated or smoothed out how I like a little better. Like if I want something to screech a little more I'll turn to more to "HF" (like for a high rhythm/lead part). If I want that sizzle slightly tamed with a bit more meat I'll turn it more toward the "Flat" side (good for chunky low rhythms when there are other guits going nuts on top).
 
There is an exact reason/explanation of what exactly is happening with that knob that I forget. All I know is it's extremely subtle but I hear it and I like it.
 
And now I'll go be weird somewhere else. Just wanted to point out some cool things abotu this dealydoodle.
 
Very very nice piece of kit.
 
Cheers.
2016/10/16 14:48:09
JGMusic
Thanks very much Cakewalk!
2016/10/16 14:55:59
John
Passive Drift
I love free stuff just as much as anyone but side by side the IK version is 100% better sounding, at least on real drums.
(what I happen to be working on)
 
BUT, I think that it being incorporated into the ProCh is a nice FREE addition for ProCh users. I can't wait to step into the ProCh and play! :) A+
 
Thanks again Bakers!


100% better? That has to be an exaggeration. For what its worth from what I have read is the version CW has sounds just like the original. This may be of interest http://www.attackmagazine.com/features/long-read/model-behaviour-uad-la-2a-emulations-hardware/3/ Here is another https://dawfreak.wordpress.com/2013/04/28/cakewalk-ca-2a-leveling-amplifier-review/ 
  
2016/10/16 15:25:25
Unknowen
John
Passive Drift
I love free stuff just as much as anyone but side by side the IK version is 100% better sounding, at least on real drums.
(what I happen to be working on)
 
BUT, I think that it being incorporated into the ProCh is a nice FREE addition for ProCh users. I can't wait to step into the ProCh and play! :) A+
 
Thanks again Bakers!


100% better? That has to be an exaggeration. For what its worth from what I have read is the version CW has sounds just like the original. This may be of interest http://www.attackmagazine.com/features/long-read/model-behaviour-uad-la-2a-emulations-hardware/3/ Here is another https://dawfreak.wordpress.com/2013/04/28/cakewalk-ca-2a-leveling-amplifier-review/ 
  


Good thing I use my ears, I don't know how to read... lol ;)
EDIT: Just went to look for a shootout, but the CW CA - 2A was not included... :(
I went over My IK with the CA 2A and like I said I will use it in the ProCH.
Playing with both and why I like the IK is because it has a subsonic tube thing going on that I can't hear in the CW ver.
 
peace!
2016/10/16 15:40:43
Canopus
And here's another happy user. Thanks, sounds great!
 
However, the aluminum front plate didn't mix well with the dark theme I'm using so I took it to a paint shop for a respray. Didn't come cheap (at least 15 minutes of hard labor) but now it mixes better. Yes, pun intended.
 

2016/10/16 15:56:25
Jari
Just updated but when I open the plugin I get this nag screen: "CA-2A is running in Demo Mode. Saving programs is disabled and periodic random silence will be produced." :/
 
I've purchased my CA-2A back in 2014.
 
edit: SOLVED (I just had to open Command Center once and that issue disappeared)
2016/10/16 16:01:58
Unknowen
Canopus
And here's another happy user. Thanks, sounds great!
 
However, the aluminum front plate didn't mix well with the dark theme I'm using so I took it to a paint shop for a respray. Didn't come cheap (at least 15 minutes of hard labor) but now it mixes better. Yes, pun intended.
 



Nice!
2016/10/16 16:34:56
jyoung60
vdd
Well done!
I like the fact that there is even a useful user manual! 



Where do I find the manual?
2016/10/16 16:52:30
John
jyoung60
vdd
Well done!
I like the fact that there is even a useful user manual! 



Where do I find the manual?


For the 64 bit version it should be in the Cakewalk folder under the CA2A doc folder
2016/10/16 17:11:43
jyoung60
duh.... lol.  Thanks,  John. I guess I was brain farting without realizing it.
© 2026 APG vNext Commercial Version 5.1

Use My Existing Forum Account

Use My Social Media Account