Tone Empire has launched the first title in its new Enhanced Classics series of vintage audio devices. OptoRED is a transparent compressor based on a classic American optical tube compressor unit used on countless hit records.

OptoRED aims to bring a 1:1 emulation of the original with additional features.

As the name suggests, this is an optical compressor based on the famous American Classic Tube Optical Compressor, found on literally every hit record ever made. The idea was to start with a 1:1 emulation and then take things way beyond the original functionality.

This optical compressor has a built-in side chain circuit, A Low pass filter, automatic gain, wet/dry mix, and other features. This allows it to go beyond the original intent of just being suitable for vocals and bass. OptoRED kills on Drums, Synths, Percussion, and both Electronic & Acoustic instruments.

The Lo-Cut Filter is designed to let the artist use this as a tracking compressor as well, getting rid of unwanted low frequencies at the time of tracking, yet get a low latency compressed signal perfect for tracking.

Available in VST3, AU and AAX plugin formats for Windows and macOS, OptoRED is on sale at Plugin Boutique for the intro price of £29.95 GBP / $39 USD until October 1st, 2020 (regular $79 USD).

More information: Tone Empire