Well, it’s that time again: we get to check out another incredible, studio-quality compressor in a pedal from our friends over at FEA Labs. We’ve been privileged to peruse the DB-CL Dual Band Compressor Limiter and the DE-CL Dual Engine Compressor Limiter (as well as the killer Photon Fuzz II), and today we get to investigate the Opti-FET Compressor. This effect was designed with both audiophile and studio quality features that many musicians enjoy, and continues the FEA Labs trend of amazing compressors right at your feet.
The Opti-FET features a new audio path has been redesigned with the FEA 3S output amplifier circuit for warm tone, excellent noise rejection and a “class A” FET output driver. The 3S amplifier utilizes an audiophile grade Texas Instruments™ (formerly Burr-Brown™) SoundPlus™ operational amplifier and a class-A Fairfield™ FET driver for outstanding performance as well. Basically, this little box sounds incredible. Threshold, Ratio, Attack, Release and Gain are the main controls here, with the Gain helping to push any low-output pickups to the right sound levels, but without coloring your signal. The controls have also been optimized to work perfectly with both guitar and bass, making the Opti-FET a multi-functioning tool for stage or studio.
Another big feature of this pedal is the EQ/Loop footswitch. The EQ section only affects the amplitude of frequencies of the signal in the compressor control circuits, allowing the user to modify the threshold setting by frequency band. The Opti-FET also has a side-chain loop feature, similar to many rack compressors, allowing you to be more creative with the use of other outboard pedals. Multi-band EQ or buffered volume pedals are a few that can make this pedal even more versatile when used in the side-chain loop. An onboard voltage charge pump allows the circuitry to operate at 18volts (+9 and –9 volt rails) from a single 9-volt battery or DC power adapter. This allows the audio signal plenty of headroom from active electronic guitars and aggressive playing techniques (i.e. pop and slap).
There are also internal DIP switches to select the output amplifier mode of operation, or to switch on a 12KHz filter for an ‘old school’ tone or to reduce the hiss from pedals proceeding the compressor. Compression is accomplished with only a resistive component (Light Dependent Resistor or Photocell), and all resistors in the circuit are low noise metal film type. The audio signal coupling capacitors are tight tolerance, quiet, multi-layer and metallized polyester film type, and the transistors utilized in the audio signal path are popular low noise audiophile grade devices. Again, this thing sounds warm and wonderful, and has a bunch of different options for any style or musical situation. Thanks to the FEA Labs team once again for another sick creation – check out our reviews of their other pedals, be sure to watch all the demos and then head over to their site to pick up some great gear!
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