Rupert Neve Designs 5046 OptoFET Dual‑Stage Analog Compressor
Brand
RUPERT NEVE
The Rupert Neve Designs OptoFET Dual‑Stage Analog Compressor is a professional studio compressor and dynamic wave shaper combining two distinct compression circuits — a newly developed FET compressor and an optimized optical compressor — into a single 1‑RU rackmount unit. Designed for tracking, mixing, mastering, and sound design, the OptoFET provides flexible dynamics control and creative tone shaping by operating in either Dual‑Stage mode (serial FET and optical compression) or Dual‑Band mode (independent low‑ and high‑frequency processing). Its broad set of detented controls supports precise adjustment of attack, release, threshold, make‑up gain, and parallel blend for each stage. The unit also introduces dedicated harmonic‑enhancement modes (GRIT for upper harmonics and BLOOM for low‑frequency warmth), enabling both transparent compression and rich character shaping.
Rupert Neve Designs OptoFET Compressor
The Rupert Neve Designs OptoFET is a professional studio compressor designed to deliver musical, program‑dependent dynamics control with vintage character and modern precision. Combining a classic opto compression circuit with an FET‑style input gain stage, the OptoFET provides smooth leveling with punch and clarity while retaining low noise and high headroom.
Engineered for tracking, mixing, and mastering applications, the OptoFET is capable of subtle program enhancement as well as more aggressive compression when needed. Its optical control element responds naturally to varying signal levels, producing smooth gain reduction with minimal artifacts. The FET input stage adds sensitivity and dynamic response, making the unit versatile across sources such as vocals, bass, drums, and full mixes.
The compressor features intuitive controls for Threshold, Ratio, Attack, Release, and Make‑Up Gain, allowing precise tailoring of dynamics. A blend control enables parallel compression techniques without the need for external routing, and sidechain high‑pass filtering supports frequency‑selective compression. A large, clear meter displays gain reduction, providing visual feedback for accurate adjustment.
Key Features
- Optical compressor with FET input stage for musical dynamics
- Program‑dependent optical control for smooth gain reduction
- Blend control for parallel compression techniques
- Sidechain high‑pass filter for frequency‑sensitive compression
- Controls: Threshold, Ratio, Attack, Release, Output Gain
- Large analog-style meter for gain reduction monitoring
- High headroom and low noise performance
- Versatile across vocals, bass, drums, and full mixes
Specifications
- Type: Opto/FET hybrid stereo compressor
- Audio Path: Fully discrete Class A design
- Input: Balanced TRS/XLR
- Output: Balanced TRS/XLR
- Sidechain: High‑pass filter
- Controls: Threshold, Ratio, Attack, Release, Make‑Up Gain, Blend
- Metering: Dual gain reduction meters
- Power: External PSU
- Format: 2U rackmount
Official Video
| Manufacturer | RUPERT NEVE |
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