Rupert Neve Designs OptoFET Dual Stage Compressor

The Rupert Neve Designs OptoFET is a one-of-a-kind dual compressor and waveshaper that artfully combines the precision and punch of FET compression with the smooth, musical nature of optical compression in a streamlined single-channel unit. Use the two compressors in series for total dynamics control, process low and high frequencies separately, or introduce harmonic richness with the Bloom and Grit modes. Both circuits feature fully variable Attack, Release, Threshold, Gain, and Blend controls, plus thoughtfully selected ratio options and sidechain filters. A central set of controls allows you to toggle between routing modes, flip the order of processing, and set a crossover anywhere between 50 and 500 Hz. Incredibly flexible for a 1U compressor, the RND OptoFET is an excellent all-purpose tool for shaping dynamics and adding analog harmonics to any track.

NEWLY DESIGNED FET COMPRESSION

The FET compressor section provides fast attack and precise transient control, ideal for adding punch to any source or extreme envelope shaping. Variable Attack, Release, Threshold, and Gain controls make it easy to dial in gain reduction, while the Ratio switch gives you the option of moderate compression (4:1) or limiting (8:1). Grit mode introduces harmonic saturation for subtle enhancement or aggressive bite, while the Blend control gives you access to instant parallel compression.

OPTIMIZED OPTO-COMPRESSOR DESIGN

The Opto section delivers program-dependent optical compression with a gentler touch and slightly slower action that's perfect for transparent vocal smoothing or adding sustain to instruments like bass and guitar. The Attack, Release, Threshold, Gain, and Blend controls are identical to the FET stage, while the Ratio switch offers 2:1 and 5:1 settings for ultra-transparent leveling or stronger envelope-shaping. The Bloom control adds even-order harmonics that make any track pop, whether you want a touch of analog saturation or a bolder sound.

DUAL STAGE MODE FOR SERIAL COMPRESSION

Of the OptoFET's two primary compression modes, the default setting routes signals through the FET and Opto circuits in series, giving you the best of both worlds. Dial in a tight, punchy sound with the FET compressor, then run it through the Opto stage for extra "glue." For an alternative sound, hit the Flip switch to use the Opto compression circuit first, then use the FET stage for peak limiting. Serial compression provides maximum dynamic control, gives you multiple gain stages to work with, and lets you quickly A/B different mixing techniques.

DUAL BAND MODE FOR MULTI-BAND COMPRESSION

The X-OVER IN switch splits the signal into low and high frequency bands, which are then processed independently through the FET and Opto compressors and recombined at the output. The variable frequency selection control lets you adjust the crossover anywhere between 50-500 Hz, and the Flip switch swaps which compressor is used for the lower and upper frequency ranges. Try using the Opto stage on the lower frequency band for gentle compression while the FET stage adds upper harmonics, or swap them at any time for a different sound. You'll quickly see how flexible a dual-band compressor can be!

ALL-NEW GRIT AND BLOOM MODES FOR ADDING HARMONICS

The Grit button on the FET side and Bloom on the Opto side add harmonic enhancement to the signal. Depending on how hard you hit the compressor, Grit can add a subtle edge or significant bite to your sound, while Bloom brings out musical harmonics reminiscent of vintage opto-compressors. Use the makeup gain and parallel blend controls to thicken vocals, add sheen to guitars, or crush a drum bus without losing its natural dynamics.

COMPREHENSIVE CONTROLS

For such a versatile unit, the OptoFET is remarkably easy to use. Each compressor section offers variable controls for Attack, Release, Threshold, Ratio, and Gain; while the center section offers global controls for flipping the order of processing, adjusting the crossover, and bypassing the unit. Input and output trim controls on either side of the unit allow you to tweak the incoming signal level and add just the right amount of make-up gain after processing.

RUPERT NEVE DESIGNS OPTOFET FEATURES:

• Combines a new FET compressor design and an optimized optical compression circuit in a single 1U unit
• All-new GRIT and BLOOM modes add harmonic enhancement
• Independent Blend controls make parallel processing a breeze
• Dual-stage routing enables serial compression for maximum control
• Dual-Band compression processes low and high frequency bands independently, with an adjustable crossover control
• Flip switch swaps the order of compression in both modes
• Ideal for tracking, touring, mixing, mastering, and more