Rupert Neve Designs is proud to introduce the OptoFET: an analog compressor and wave shaper that combines a newly-designed FET compression circuit with an optimized Optical compression circuit in a single rack space. This versatile unit includes unique controls that allow the circuits to be deployed in a range of creative and practical configurations.
Designed for tracking, touring, mixing, mastering, and sound design, the OptoFET features two primary compression modes:
- Dual Stage Mode: Combines the FET and Optical compressors in series for full-spectrum dynamic control — a common recording and mixing technique now easily accessible in one unit.
- Dual Band Mode: Assigns each compressor to a separate frequency band (low or high), allowing independent dynamic processing and tonal shaping across the spectrum.
“From transparent vocal smoothing to extreme envelope shaping with massive harmonic texture, the OptoFET offers seemingly infinite creative control,” says Rupert Neve Designs.
Each compressor section features fully variable controls for attack, release, threshold, make-up gain, and parallel blend, plus side-chain high-pass filters and unique GRIT and BLOOM harmonic modes. Global controls enable users to:
- Flip the compressor order in Dual Stage mode – switch between FET into Opto, or Opto into FET.
- Use a variable crossover control in Dual Band mode to shape dynamics precisely across upper and lower frequency bands.
“For example, users can gently smooth high frequencies with the Optical circuit while using the FET to aggressively control the low-end. There are many possible combinations, and we encourage creative experimentation,” the company adds. Though OptoFET is a single-channel unit, a matched pair with 31-position detented controls enables powerful stereo processing for stems, buses, or full mixes.
While the new GRIT and BLOOM modes may echo the company’s renowned SILK circuitry, Rupert Neve Designs notes they are distinctly different. “With SILK, we rely on custom-designed transformers to generate musical harmonics. With GRIT and BLOOM, harmonics are produced by the FET and Optical circuits themselves, specifically in how they interact with the side chain. This creates a unique sonic character — different from SILK, but equally useful across applications.”
Visit https://rupertneve.com
