If you specifically need the "2A" sound (smooth, optical tube compression), these highly-rated free plugins model the same legendary hardware as the Waves version:
The Waves CLA-2A is a digital emulation of the classic Teletronix LA-2A optical compressor. It is famous for its "set it and forget it" workflow, featuring only two main knobs: Peak Reduction and Gain. Its appeal lies in its program-dependent release waves cla 2a compressor free exclusive download
If you need a permanent free solution, these three plugins emulate the same optical circuitry as the CLA-2A. If you specifically need the "2A" sound (smooth,
: Other manufacturers occasionally offer their versions of the LA-2A for free. For example, Universal Audio offered their Teletronix LA-2A Go to product viewer dialog for this item. for free during a 2025 Labor Day promotion. Key Features of the CLA-2A User Manual - PRO MUSIC, s.r.o. : Other manufacturers occasionally offer their versions of