Now shipping from FEA Labs, the new Opti-FET Compressor offers sidechain EQ with an external loop and a number of other audiophile-quality features.

The Opti-FET Compressor has a 100 percent Class-A discrete audio path with a passive gain reduction element and no op-amps. Going further, the Opti-FET Compressor uses a minimum- or zero-feedback discrete Class-A FET amplifier circuit -- one of the more popular designs, notes the manufacturer -- in the final output amplifier stage. The input amplifier stage, on the other hand, is a high-impedance Class-A FET buffer amplifier designed to have minimal signal distortion and maximum headroom for all input signal levels.

In addition, the new compressor has an extensive set of sidechain controls for shaping tones, a three-band equalizer that affects only the amplitude of frequencies of the signal in the compressor control circuits, and a sidechain loop feature.

Check out the Opti-FET Compressor's other features:

• Threshold, Ratio, Attack, Release, and Gain controls optimized for use on both bass and guitar
• Soft-knee compression at lower Ratio settings and hard-knee at maximum Ratio settings
• Compressor sidechain uses precision full-wave rectification of the audio signals in the Threshold circuit to improve tracking and also reduce the possibility of "pumping" with very low frequencies
• Activate footswitch places the compressor unit in the signal chain or in Direct Bypass mode
• Equalizer footswitch enables the sidechain control circuit's three-band equalizer, which only affects the amplitude of frequencies of the signal in the sidechain control circuit
• Loop Send / Return jacks let you place external processors or EQs in the compressor sidechain control circuit
• Minimal components in the signal path ensure the highest signal quality
• Onboard voltage charge pump allows the circuitry to operate at 18V from a single 9V battery or AC power adapter of 9V or greater
• Onboard power supply can accommodate power adapter voltages up to 25V DC with protection from reversed polarity
• Power and grounds for the signal path circuitry are separated from the sidechain power and grounds to protect the audio signal from spurious noise
• Compact size: 4.5 x 3.5 inches

The Opti-FET Compressor is now available for $245 (MSRP). For more information, please visit FEA Labs at fealabs.com.