Rupert Neve Designs has announced the release of its first product of 2026: the OptoFET Dual-Stage Compressor. Housed in a compact 1RU chassis, the OptoFET combines two classic compression circuits, FET and optical, into a single unit, providing flexible dynamics control for engineers working in tracking, mixing, mastering, and sound design. With this launch, Rupert Neve Designs continues its legacy of building studio tools that combine precision with character, this time offering dual compression paths and crossover-based frequency shaping in one processor.
At the core of the OptoFET is the ability to switch between two operational modes. In Dual Stage mode, the FET and optical compressors are arranged in series, allowing the signal to pass through both circuits consecutively for detailed and layered control over dynamic range. In Dual Band mode, each compressor handles a separate frequency range, made possible by an adjustable crossover network that splits the signal between low and high bands. This makes the OptoFET not just a dynamics tool but also a tone-shaping processor, capable of handling complex sources like vocals, drums, and synths with independent control over different areas of the frequency spectrum.
Both compressor sections feature fully variable controls for attack, release, threshold, gain, and parallel blend, as well as sidechain high-pass filters to prevent low-end energy from overdriving the compression. The OptoFET also introduces two specialized tone controls: GRIT, which enhances harmonic content in the upper mids and highs when using the FET compressor, and BLOOM, which adds harmonic weight to the lows through the optical stage. Global controls include a FLIP switch for reversing the compressor order and a sweepable crossover from 50 Hz to 500 Hz for tuning Dual Band operation.
Connectivity on the rear panel includes a balanced XLR/TRS combo input and a custom transformer-balanced XLR output. The unit accepts 100–240 VAC power and includes a ground lift switch for reducing noise in complex studio setups. With 31-position detented controls, the OptoFET offers precise recall and matching between units, ideal for dual mono or stereo applications.
Rupert Neve Designs has also included a range of suggested settings for vocals, bass, drums, guitars, keys, and synths. These examples offer starting points for users exploring the unit’s flexibility, whether aiming for transparent control or more aggressive, character-driven compression.
Positioned as a single-channel compressor that can function like two, the OptoFET offers a high level of control for studios looking to streamline dynamic processing without sacrificing sonic depth or customization.