Waves sale on the 2A and 3A compressors is still on for about 8 more hours. I am trying to round out my compressor selection. Other that the stock comps that come with Sonar I have the softube FET which is based on the 1176 and the Focusrite Red 3 for my VCA needs so I guess I need an opto style, which do you guys think is better for modern Rock music, the 2A or 3A? I can really only get 1.

Thanks for your opinions!

Try to get both!  

Ideally I would like to but I really only need to spend the money on 1 right now.

the CLA-2A is the classic LA-2A..the 3A is a more modern version
so it would depend on what you were after...

So I've read a lot about both tonight. I lean towards the 3A because from everything I've read it seems to have more depth and dimensionality to it, but I lean towards the 2A because in reading it seems to have more character. Most of what I do is modern Hard Rock/ Metal type stuff.

Are either of them good to use on a master bus for gluing a mix?

Though Modern Hard Rock is what I am into doing I'm not a fan of the over the top super squashed mixes where instruments seem smeared all over eachother as opposed to glued together..

Thought it'd be worth mentioning that.

Just wondering if Slate's upcoming FG-Stress (authorized Distressor plugin) wouldn't be a better choice. Note that you need iLok though. Intro price will be $149 but it covers all sorts of comps including opto.

I have only used the CLA-2A. It odes have some great "character" with it. Especially on vocals and clean guitar. If this helps, do you have the CW CA-2A plug? If so, then it's a real close (I think better) to the CLA-2A. So you have that covered. Grab the 3A and see what you think. You can demo them (CLA-2a/3A) both also.

stm113cw
Waves sale on the 2A and 3A compressors is still on for about 8 more hours. I am trying to round out my compressor selection. Other that the stock comps that come with Sonar I have the softube FET which is based on the 1176 and the Focusrite Red 3 for my VCA needs so I guess I need an opto style, which do you guys think is better for modern Rock music, the 2A or 3A? I can really only get 1.

Thanks for your opinions!

You may want to check out this thread. ;)
http://forum.cakewalk.com/Waves-CLA-Signature-m3492611.aspx
 
Brian