CLA MixHub by Waves brings Chris Lord-Alge’s console workflow into your DAW, letting you mix up to 64 channels from one plugin window using modeled channel strips, buckets, and flexible processing.
Purpose and Core Concept
CLA MixHub is a mixing plugin that replicates the console workflow of legendary engineer Chris Lord-Alge. Unlike typical plugins that process one channel at a time, MixHub groups channels into buckets, allowing up to eight channels per bucket and eight buckets total, for a maximum of 64 channels in a single window.
This design gives you a song-level perspective, letting you hear how adjustments on one track affect the others in the mix. The channel strips are modeled from Lord-Alge’s personal console, capturing its analog character and smooth workflow.
Key Capabilities
Each channel strip in CLA MixHub includes input, dynamics, EQ, output, and an insert section. The input provides high- and low-pass filters plus harmonic distortion via a line amp model, with an optional mic pre for more drive. Dynamics include a gate, expander, ducker, and two compressor flavors: the console’s built-in compressor and the favored ‘Bluey’.
The four-band parametric EQ retains the console’s original ballistics and Q curves. The output features VU and PPM meters, a stereo imaging control, and a fader. In Channel View, the insert slot lets you add another Waves plugin into the chain.
Workflow and View Modes
CLA MixHub supports two view modes. Bucket View shows up to eight channels at once, ideal for balancing tracks side by side and making quick, musical decisions. Channel View focuses on a single channel’s full processing chain, allowing deeper edits.
You can reorder the processing modules within each channel to suit your signal flow. Sidechain options are flexible, enabling creative envelope shaping. Presets from Chris Lord-Alge are included for starting points.
Practical Applications
This plugin suits mixing sessions where speed and context matter. Use it for drums, vocals, or full band projects that need cohesive processing. The bucket approach helps you hear how a guitar solo sits against the rhythm section, or how backing vocals blend with the lead.
For touring engineers or producers on tight schedules, MixHub reduces the need to switch plugin windows constantly. Its saturation and compressor models add analog warmth, while the insert slot allows integrating other Waves tools without leaving the window.
Key features
- Mix up to 64 channels from a single plugin window via 8 buckets of 8 channels
- Switch between Bucket View and Channel View for global or focused control
- Channel strip with input, dynamics, EQ, output, and insert slot
- Two compressor models: console built-in and ‘Bluey’
- Gate, expander, and ducker with hold control and flexible sidechaining
- Four-band parametric EQ with original console ballistics
- Includes Chris Lord-Alge’s personal presets
Best for
Mixing engineers seeking a console-style workflow for full sessions, especially drums, vocals, and rock or pop productions. Ideal for fast, context-aware mixing decisions, adding analog saturation, and consolidating multiple channel processing into one window to speed up the mixing process and maintain a cohesive sound.