Product details
The OptoFET is a high-quality analog dual-stage compressor and waveshaper that combines two classic dynamic principles in a single 1U rack unit: a completely redesigned FET compressor and an optimized optical compressor. By cleverly combining these two circuits, the OptoFET offers an exceptionally wide range of dynamic and tonal control, suitable for tracking, mixing, mastering, sound design, and live applications. In Dual Stage mode, the FET and OPTO compressors work in series, making a commonly used studio technique easy and reproducible for maximum control over critical signals such as vocals, drums, and buses.
In addition to serial compression, the OptoFET can also be used as a Dual Band compressor. In this mode, the low and high frequency ranges are split via a variable crossover, after which each compressor independently processes its own frequency band. This opens up new creative possibilities for tone shaping and dynamics, for example by keeping the low end controlled and tight while giving the mid and high frequencies extra definition, attack, or character. The crossover frequency is continuously adjustable, allowing the OptoFET to be precisely tuned to the source material.
Both compressors feature fully variable attack, release, threshold, make-up gain, and parallel blend, complemented by side-chain high-pass filters. Unique harmonic modes enhance the character: GRIT transforms the FET compressor into an expressive waveshaper with extra overtone structure, while BLOOM in the optical compressor provides richer low-order harmonics and an audibly fuller low end. Thanks to global input and output trims and multiple gain stages, the OptoFET can be used transparently or aggressively, without unwanted clipping of the transformer-balanced output. For stereo applications, two units can be linked in dual mono, with fully detented controls for accurate recall.
Analog dual stage/dual band compressor and waveshaper
1U 19" rack unit, mono, linkable for dual mono
Combination of newly designed FET compressor and optimized optical compressor
Dual Stage mode with serial compression and reversible order
Dual Band mode with variable crossover from 50 Hz to 500 Hz
Fully variable attack, release, threshold, and make-up gain (up to +20 dB) per compressor
Parallel blend control per compressor and side-chain high-pass filter at 125 Hz
FET compressor: attack 100 µs – 50 ms, release 50 ms – 1.5 s, ratio 4:1 or 8:1, GRIT harmonic mode
OPTO compressor: attack 5 ms – 50 ms, release 50 ms – 1.5 s, ratio 2:1 or 5:1, BLOOM harmonic mode
Global input and output trim of ±12 dB and hard-wire bypass
Transformer-balanced XLR inputs and outputs
31-position detented potentiometers for accurate recall
Maximum input and output levels: +24 dBu
Frequency response: 6 Hz – 70 kHz (±0.1 dB)
THD+N: 0.002% at 0 dBu
Dimensions: 48.3 × 21 × 4.5 cm
Weight: 3.6 kg