Rupert Neve Designs OptoFET

Sound shaping instead of pure level control

The Rupert Neve Designs OptoFET is an analog compressor for all those who not only want to control dynamics, but also shape them. It combines two completely different compressor worlds in a 1U device, opening up a sonic playing field that ranges from the finest level work to clear Waveshaping. Developed for modern productions, it remains clear, musical and always controllable.

Two compressors, one musical idea

A newly developed FET compressor and an optimized optical compressor work side by side in the OptoFET. Both are fully equipped with variable controls for attack, release, threshold, make-up gain and parallel blend. The FET compressor reacts extremely quickly and precisely and is perfect for transients, presence and control in the upper frequency range. The OPTO compressor works deliberately slower and produces a soft, organic compression with a focus on fundamental tone and musical flow.

Dual Stage or Dual Band - signal flow to suit your taste

In dual stage mode, both compressors run in series. This allows demanding signals to be elegantly tamed without losing any of their life. Thanks to the FLIP function, the order can be switched flexibly, depending on whether control or character is required first.

In dual-band mode, the OptoFET becomes a frequency-dependent tool. Each compressor processes its own frequency band via a continuously adjustable crossover frequency between 50 and 500 Hz. This allows depth and treble to be shaped independently, which offers enormous creative freedom, especially with vocals, bass, drums or complex bus signals.

In addition, both compressors have a switchable sidechain high-pass filter. This prevents low-frequency energy from unnecessarily dominating the control work and ensures that the compression remains stable, musical and controlled even with bass-heavy material.

GRIT and BLOOM - targeted shaping of harmonics

With the GRIT and BLOOM harmonic modes , the OptoFET goes far beyond classic compression. GRIT in the FET range brings aggressive, overtone-rich textures into play and transforms transients into characterful statements. BLOOM in the OPTO section emphasizes low-order overtones and gives signals more body, warmth and depth. In combination with the blend controls, a precise tool is created for everything between subtle refinement and deliberate sound design.

Gain structure with feeling

Input and output trimming, separate make-up gains per compressor and a high-quality, transformer-balanced output stage ensure that the OptoFET can be used both transparently and to shape the sound. All central parameters work with 31-stage detented controls, which enables extremely precise adjustment, reliable reproducibility and clean tuning when using two devices. The OptoFET invites you to work with levels, consciously approach the compressors and find the sweet spot of each source without unbalancing the Mix.

A tool for studio, stage and mix bus

Whether for tracking, Mix or mastering, the Rupert Neve Designs OptoFET adapts to the way you work and not the other way around. As a single device it is convincing on mono tracks, as a stereo pair with detented controls it becomes a precise solution for groups, stems or complete mixes. If you don't just want to reduce dynamics, but want to shape them musically, the OptoFET is a compressor with depth, character and real scope.

Technical data:

Controls on the front panel