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Rupert Neve Designs OptoFET®: Dual-Stage Compression Without Compromise
Jan
Rupert Neve Designs OptoFET®: Dual-Stage Compression Without Compromise
The Rupert Neve Designs OptoFET® is not just another analog compressor – it’s a creative dynamics powerhouse designed for engineers who want total control over tone, punch, and harmonic character. By combining a newly designed FET compressor with an optimised optical compressor in a single 1U unit, the OptoFET opens up an entirely new approach to compression, wave shaping, and musical dynamics.
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Two Compressors. One Vision. Infinite Control.
At its core, the OptoFET® houses two distinct compression circuits with complementary personalities. The ultra-fast FET compressor delivers aggressive control, articulation, and transient shaping, while the optical compressor provides smooth, musical gain reduction with rich low-order harmonics. Used together, they form a system capable of everything from transparent vocal levelling to bold, character-driven sound design.
Dual Stage Mode: Precision Dynamic Sculpting
In Dual Stage mode, the FET and OPTO compressors are connected in series, allowing you to shape dynamics with surgical accuracy. This mirrors a classic studio technique – fast compression followed by slower, musical control – but with modern flexibility. The OptoFET even allows you to flip the order of the compressors instantly, letting you fine-tune how energy, punch, and sustain interact across a signal.
Dual Band Mode: Frequency-Focused Compression
Engaging Dual Band mode transforms the OptoFET® into an advanced frequency-dependent compressor. With the crossover engaged, one compressor handles low frequencies while the other processes highs. The variable crossover control (50Hz–500Hz) lets you define exactly where the split occurs, opening the door to controlled low-end power alongside articulate mids and highs – without the complexity of multi-plug-in chains.
GRIT & BLOOM: Harmonics With Intent
The OptoFET® goes beyond dynamics into harmonic shaping. GRIT mode in the FET compressor introduces upper-frequency harmonic distortion, transforming the circuit into a powerful wave shaper for presence, aggression, or edge. BLOOM mode in the OPTO compressor enhances low-order harmonics, delivering warmth, weight, and fullness – often eliminating the need for additional EQ.
Parallel Compression Made Effortless
Both compressors feature independent Blend controls, making parallel compression fast, intuitive, and perfectly phase-aligned. Whether you want subtle enhancement or extreme impact, blending compressed and dry signals has never been more precise – or more musical.
Designed for Every Stage of Production
From tracking and touring to mixing, mastering, and sound design, the OptoFET® adapts effortlessly. Multiple gain-staging options, transformer-balanced outputs, and fully detented 31-position controls ensure repeatability, recall, and stereo pairing when two units are used in dual mono. This is a compressor built for professional environments where sound quality and flexibility matter most.
Compress Creatively with the OptoFET®
The Rupert Neve Designs OptoFET® redefines what a single-channel compressor can do. Whether you’re shaping vocals, drums, bass, synths, stems, or full mixes, the OptoFET delivers depth, clarity, and character – all with unmistakable Rupert Neve Designs sonic integrity.
👉 Explore the Rupert Neve Designs OptoFET® – Dual-Stage Compressor today! 👇