Rupert Neve Designs OptoFET (Model 5046) is a high-quality analog dual-stage compressor and waveshaper housed in a 1U rack unit. It combines two legendary dynamic topologies: an ultra-fast, newly designed FET compressor and an optimized optical (Opto) compressor. This powerful combination allows engineers to bridge the gap between aggressive transient shaping and smooth, musical gain reduction, making it a versatile tool for tracking, mixing, mastering, and live applications.
The unit features two distinct operating modes: Dual Stage, which places the compressors in series with a reversible order, and Dual Band, where a variable crossover (50 Hz – 500 Hz) splits the signal for independent processing of low and high frequencies. Tone shaping is further enhanced by unique harmonic modes—GRIT adds expressive overtone structure to the FET circuit, while BLOOM provides richer low-order harmonics in the Opto section. With transformer-balanced I/O and 31-position detented potentiometers, the OptoFET ensures pristine audio quality and precise setting recall.
KEY FEATURES
- Combines a newly designed FET compressor with an optimized Optical compressor
- Dual Stage Mode: Serial compression with reversible signal chain order
- Dual Band Mode: Frequency-dependent processing with variable 50 Hz – 500 Hz crossover
- GRIT Mode: Adds harmonic saturation and character to the FET section
- BLOOM Mode: Enhances low-end warmth and richness in the Optical section
- Fully variable controls for Attack, Release, Threshold, and Make-up Gain (+20 dB)
- Side-chain High-Pass Filter (125 Hz) for both compressor stages
- 31-position detented controls for accurate and repeatable settings
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Frequency Response: 6 Hz – 70 kHz (±0.1 dB)
- Maximum Input/Output Level: +24 dBu
- FET Attack: 100 µs – 50 ms / Release: 50 ms – 1.5 s
- Opto Attack: 5 ms – 50 ms / Release: 50 ms – 1.5 s
- THD+N @ 0 dBu: 0.002%
- I/O: Transformer-balanced XLR
- Form Factor: 19" Rack, 1U
- Weight: 3.6 kg (7.9 lbs)
