Plugin comparison
Specs, price and the Dubspot Score, side by side — with our verdict on which effect to buy.
Independent score / workflow fit / buying signal
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Contenders
Analog Obsession LALA is a free LA-2A-style optical compressor/limiter with sidechain filters and mix control for vocals, bass, and buses.
CLA-2A is a compressor plugin from Waves. Score 8.4/10, price $35 to $149, formats and comparisons.
Score verdict
On the Dubspot Score, CLA-2A comes out ahead (8.4). That said, the right pick depends on your workflow and budget — read both reviews before deciding.
Technical matrix
| Signal | Analog Obsession LALA | CLA-2A |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | $35 to $149 |
| Dubspot Score | 8.2 | 8.4 |
| Formats | VST3, AU, AAX | VST3, AU, AAX |
| Type | Optical compressor / limiter | — |
| Price | Free (developer supported via Patreon) | — |
| Inspiration | LA-2A-style optical leveling | — |
| Extra features | Sidechain filtering and dry/wet mix (per product feature set) | — |
| Formats | VST3, AU, AAX (per current builds) | VST3, AU, AAX |
| Platforms | macOS and Windows | — |
| Product type | — | effect from Waves |
| Developer | — | Waves |
| Typical price | — | $35–$149 |
| Primary job | — | focused effect work in modern sessions |
| Catalog status | — | Current as of 2026 |
See the full plugin database for more comparisons.