Combining a newly engineered FET circuit with an optimised optical circuit, the Rupert Neve Designs OptoFET Dual-Stage FET/Opto Compressor emerges as a highly adaptable dual-stage, dual-band compressor and wave shaper. In Dual-Stage mode, you can cascade the FET and optical stages for comprehensive dynamic control, while Dual-Band mode allows you to blend high and low frequencies between the circuits for intricate tone sculpting.
Each compressor circuit features fully independent controls, including attack, release, threshold, make-up gain, and blend knobs for parallel processing. Each stage is equipped with a 150 Hz side-chain high-pass filter to provide further flexibility. Global input and output trim controls streamline gain staging across the unit. The FET circuit offers a Grit mode, which produces robust wave shaping complemented by substantial high-frequency harmonic distortion. Conversely, the Bloom feature on the optical circuit enhances low-order harmonics, adding warmth and reinforcing the bass response.
The OptoFET compressor incorporates an adjustable crossover section ranging from 50 to 500 Hz. This crossover can be employed to reverse the signal path of the compression stages in Dual-Stage mode or to tailor the circuit blend in Dual-Band mode. Each compressor section is equipped with its own 8-stage LED gain-reduction meter for detailed visual feedback. For connectivity, the unit features an XLR-1/4" combo input, an XLR output jack, and the capability to link two units together for true stereo processing—allowing for either stereo or dual-mono operation.
