Rupert Neve Designs OptoFET
The Rupert Neve Designs OptoFET is a highly advanced analog compressor and wave shaper that combines an all-new FET compressor with an optimized Optical compressor in a single 1U rack unit. Designed by Rupert Neve Designs, the OptoFET delivers unprecedented flexibility, offering both precision dynamic control and bold harmonic shaping for modern recording, mixing, mastering, and sound design workflows.
At its core, the OptoFET features two fully independent compression engines that can be configured in either Dual Stage or Dual Band mode. In Dual Stage mode, the FET and OPTO compressors are placed in series, allowing complete control over complex dynamics using a classic studio technique. In Dual Band mode, the signal is split into low and high frequency bands, with each compressor assigned to a band for independent processing — opening the door to creative dynamics and tonal control that goes far beyond traditional compression.
From transparent vocal leveling to aggressive envelope shaping and harmonic saturation, the OptoFET offers deep creative control. Each compressor includes fully variable attack, release, threshold, make-up gain, parallel blend, side-chain high-pass filtering, and unique harmonic enhancement modes. Global controls allow the compressor order to be flipped in Dual Stage mode, or the crossover point to be precisely tuned in Dual Band mode, making the OptoFET equally powerful as a surgical tool or a creative instrument.
All-New FET Compressor Design
The FET compressor features ultra-fast response times — with attack speeds down to 100 microseconds — making it ideal for transient control, punch, and presence. Familiar FET characteristics are paired with signature Rupert Neve Designs refinements, including 31-position detented controls for precise recall and repeatability.
A standout feature is the exclusive GRIT mode, which transforms the FET compressor into a wave-shaping circuit that introduces harmonics focused in the upper frequency range. GRIT can be used subtly to help sources cut through a mix, or pushed harder for bold, distorted textures. Combined with the parallel blend control, it enables extremely fine control over harmonic character.
Optimized Optical Compressor Design
The OPTO compressor complements the speed and edge of the FET section with slower, smoother dynamics and enhanced low-order harmonics. Featuring attack times starting at 5 ms, the OPTO circuit excels at natural leveling and musical compression.
The exclusive BLOOM mode significantly increases low-order harmonic content, adding warmth, roundness, and low-end presence. BLOOM is especially effective for shaping tone without the need for traditional EQ, particularly when combined with parallel compression.
Dual Stage or Dual Band Compression
The OptoFET’s global control section allows the compressors to be used in series or split into frequency bands. With the crossover engaged, the signal is divided into low and high bands with a fully variable crossover frequency from 50 Hz to 500 Hz. Each compressor can be assigned to either band, allowing detailed control over bass fundamentals, midrange texture, and high-frequency articulation.
This flexibility makes the OptoFET exceptionally powerful on bass instruments, drum buses, vocals, and stereo stems. While the unit is single-channel, using two OptoFETs as a matched dual-mono pair provides enormous impact and control on stereo material.
Features
- All-new FET compressor and optimized OPTO compressor in one unit
- Dual Stage (serial) or Dual Band (multiband) compression modes
- Independent control sets for each compressor
- Exclusive GRIT and BLOOM harmonic enhancement modes
- Parallel blend controls on both compressors
- Variable crossover control (50 Hz – 500 Hz)
- Flip compressor order or band assignment instantly
- Extensive gain staging options for tone shaping
- 31-position fully detented controls throughout
Technical Specifications
- Format: 1U rackmount
- Input Impedance: 10 kΩ
- Output Impedance: 40 Ω
- Maximum Input Level: +24 dBu
- Maximum Output Level: +24 dBu
- Noise (22 Hz – 22 kHz): -96 dBu (bypassed)
- Frequency Response: 6 Hz – 70 kHz ±0.1 dB
- THD+N @ 1 kHz: 0.002% @ 0 dBu
- FET Attack Time: 100 μs – 50 ms
- OPTO Attack Time: 5 ms – 50 ms
- Dimensions: 19” × 8.25” × 1.75” (1U)
- Weight: 3.6 kg