Compress Creatively.
There are two primary compression modes of the Rupert Neve Designs OptoFET: in Dual-Stage mode, the FET and OPTO compressors are used in series for complete dynamic control over critical sources, accomplishing a common recording & mixing technique with ease. In Dual-Band mode, each compressor is assigned to either a low or high frequency band that can then be processed independently, which expands the tone-shaping and dynamic control of the OptoFET into uncharted territory.
A Better FET Compressor Design
For many years, the engineering team at RND has experimented with FET compressor designs - but it wasn't until the OptoFET concept was solidified that releasing our first FET circuit felt 'right'. While this FET compressor has some familiar characteristics, including ultra-fast attack times and common ratio settings, there are also several features that make it instantly feel like a Rupert Neve Designs product and nothing else.
To start with, all variable controls for the OptoFET are via high quality, 31-detent potentiometers, standard to most of our current products. The FET compressor includes variable Attack (with the fastest time being a blazing 100 microseconds), Release, Threshold, +20 dB of Make-up Gain and a parallel Blend control from 0% (dry) to 100% (wet). Ratio can be set to either 4:1 or 8:1 and the 125Hz S/C high pass filter can be toggled on to leave the low end of a source untouched
To further expand the OptoFET's creative capabilities, a unique 'GRIT' mode transforms the FET compressor into a powerful wave shaper, introducing ample harmonic distortion focused in the upper frequency range.
GRIT can be used to either slightly accentuate sources so they 'pop' in just the right way or transform them into something entirely new. GRIT is also especially useful when combined with the Blend control to achieve an exacting amount of distortion character for a wide range of sources.
Please note: The S/C HFP on the FET is disabled when in GRIT mode.
Optimized Optical Compressor Design
RND has created several optical compression circuits over the years - including the Color Comp in the wildly popular MBT (Master Bus Transformer) - but the circuit in the OptoFET was further developed to be the ideal complement to the faster, high-frequency focused FET compressor. In contrast, the OPTO compressor generates low-end harmonics while also having much slower attack and release settings.
Dual Stage or Dual Band? You Decide.
Some of the OptoFET's most unique & powerful features lie in the global control section. In this section, the serial order of the 2 compressors can be 'flipped' while in Dual Stage mode: i.e. FET > OPTO or OPTO > FET. However, the OptoFET can also become a Dual Band compressor by simply pressing the 'X-OVER IN' button, which engages the Crossover filters and the corresponding 'CROSSOVER' variable frequency control. With this mode engaged, each compressor is assigned to either the low or high frequency band, allowing for independent processing of both bands simultaneously. The variable frequency selection control dials in exactly where the crossover is applied, from 50Hz to 500Hz.