Rupert Neve Designs OptoFET

Sound shaping instead of pure level control

The Rupert Neve Designs OptoFET is an analog compressor for anyone who wants to do more than simply control dynamics and instead actively shape them. It brings together two fundamentally different compressor concepts in a single 1U unit, opening up a wide sonic range that extends from subtle level control to clearly defined waveshaping. Designed for modern production environments, it remains clear, musical and consistently easy to control.

Two compressors, one musical idea

A newly developed FET compressor and an optimized optical compressor operate side by side within the OptoFET. Both are fully featured with variable controls for attack, release, threshold, make up gain and parallel blend. The FET compressor responds extremely fast and with great precision, making it ideal for handling transients, enhancing presence and adding control in the upper frequency range. The OPTO compressor works more deliberately, delivering smooth, organic compression with a strong focus on fundamental tone and musical flow.

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

In Dual Stage mode, both compressors are connected in series. This allows even demanding signals to be controlled gracefully without sacrificing energy or character. Thanks to the FLIP function, the processing order can be changed at will, depending on whether control or character should take priority.

In Dual Band mode, the OptoFET becomes a frequency dependent processing tool. Each compressor handles its own frequency range via a continuously adjustable crossover frequency between 50 and 500 Hz. This makes it possible to shape low and high frequencies independently, offering exceptional creative flexibility, especially for vocals, bass, drums or complex bus signals.

In addition, both compressors feature a switchable sidechain high pass filter. This prevents low frequency energy from dominating the detection circuit unnecessarily and ensures that compression remains stable, musical and controlled even when working with bass heavy material.

GRIT and BLOOM - targeted shaping of harmonics

​​​​​​​With the GRIT and BLOOM harmonic modes, the OptoFET goes far beyond traditional compression. GRIT in the FET section introduces aggressive, overtone rich textures and turns transients into bold, characterful statements. BLOOM in the OPTO section emphasizes low order overtones, adding body, warmth and depth to the signal. Combined with the blend controls, this creates a highly precise tool that covers everything from subtle enhancement to intentional sound design.

Gain structure with feeling

Input and output trimming, individual make up gains for each compressor and a high quality transformer balanced output stage allow the OptoFET to be used either transparently or as a tone shaping device. All key parameters feature 31 stage detented controls, enabling extremely precise adjustment, reliable recall and accurate matching when using two units. The OptoFET encourages intentional gain staging, inviting you to explore each compressor and find the sweet spot of every source without upsetting the overall mix balance.

A tool for studio, stage and mix bus

Whether used for tracking, mixing or mastering, the Rupert Neve Designs OptoFET adapts to your workflow rather than forcing you to adapt to it. As a single unit, it excels on mono sources. As a stereo pair with detented controls, it becomes a precise solution for groups, stems or full mixes. For those who want to shape dynamics musically rather than simply reduce them, the OptoFET is a compressor with depth, character and genuine creative range.

Technical data:

Controls on the front panel