OptoRED V3
"Transparent" Optical Compressor
Optical Attenuator based on the classic American unit — Sidechain, Lo-Cut Filter, Autogain, Wet/Dry Mix, A/B Compare & Up to 8x Oversampling
VST3 · AU · AAX | Windows & macOS
★ Full version trial for the first 15 Days
* License Authorization needs an internet connection
True Optical Circuit
Based on a meticulous 1:1 emulation of the famous American Classic Tube Optical Compressor — then taken far beyond. The optical gain element gives OptoRED its signature smooth, musical compression character that gels sources together without squashing their life. Unlike the original, OptoRED is super clean and does not impart any unwanted coloration.
- Smooth, musical optical gain reduction — no pumping
- Classic American tube optical compressor emulation
- Zero unwanted coloration — pure transparency
- Works beautifully on Vocals, Bass, Drums & more
- Enhanced Classics series — beyond original intent
Sidechain & Lo-Cut Filter
The built-in sidechain circuit lets you key the compression from an external source — for pumping effects, ducking, or frequency-conscious gain reduction. The Lo-Cut Filter is designed to let you use OptoRED as a tracking compressor, removing unwanted low frequencies at the time of tracking while still delivering a low-latency compressed signal perfect for live monitoring.
- Built-in sidechain circuit for external keying
- Lo-Cut Filter keeps low-end from triggering compression
- Works perfectly as a tracking compressor
- Low latency — suitable for real-time monitoring
- Opens up use on Drums, Synths & Electronic instruments
Autogain & Wet/Dry Mix
Automatic gain compensation keeps your output level consistent as you dial in compression — so you're always making tonal decisions, not volume decisions. The Wet/Dry Mix knob unlocks parallel compression without any additional routing, letting you blend the punchy compressed signal with the open, dynamic original for the best of both worlds.
- Autogain keeps output consistent at any setting
- Wet/Dry Mix for instant parallel compression
- No routing tricks needed — all inside OptoRED
- Blend full transparency with full squash
- Output knob for final level trim
See It In Action
A complete walkthrough of the OptoRED V3 compressor
Overview
Works On Everything
Vocals, bass, drums, synths, acoustic instruments — anywhere you need musical, transparent compression
Vocals & Voice
The classic home of optical compression. Smooth, invisible gain riding that sits vocals perfectly in any mix without artifacts.
Drums & Percussion
The Lo-Cut Filter and sidechain make OptoRED a natural fit for drums — control the low-end trigger for clean, punchy compression.
Bass & Guitar
Even, musical sustain on bass. Transparent glue on acoustic and electric guitar. Never squashed, always controlled.
Synths & Keys
Tame dynamic synth patches and pads without removing their expression. Parallel mix keeps the attack alive.
Mix Bus & Groups
Low ratio settings with autogain make OptoRED ideal for gluing stems and busses together with classic optical vibe.
Tracking & Live
Low-latency design and Lo-Cut filter make OptoRED an excellent tracking compressor for real-time monitoring.
Get The Full Bundle
OptoRED is also included in the Virtual Analogue Studio Bundle — the complete Tone Empire collection at one outstanding price.
View Bundle DealPremium Benefits
Every feature you need for professional optical compression
Autogain
Automatic level compensation keeps your output consistent as you dial in compression — focus on tone, not volume.
A/B Compare
Instantly compare two settings with built-in A/B comparison. Make confident decisions every time.
Undo / Redo
Full undo and redo history. Experiment freely and step back to any previous state without worry.
50+ Factory Presets
Get started instantly with 50+ professionally crafted presets. Save your own and mark your favorites.
3 Activations
Use on up to 3 machines simultaneously — studio, laptop, and home setup all covered with one license.
Up to 8x Oversampling
Clean, alias-free processing with oversampling options up to 8x for pristine, transparent results.
Specifications
Plugin Formats
macOS: VST3 / AU / AAX (64-bit)
Windows: VST3 / AAX (64-bit)
macOS 10.13 High Sierra or later
Windows 10 or later
Apple Silicon Native
System Requirements
Intel i3 / AMD Ryzen or equivalent
Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3/M4) supported
2 GB RAM minimum
300 MB disk space
Internet for license activation
Processing
Type: Optical Compressor / Attenuator
Oversampling: Up to 8x
Sidechain: Built-in circuit
Filter: Lo-Cut (tracking mode)
Workflow: A/B Compare, Undo/Redo, Autogain
Presets: 50+ factory, save/favorites
Resizable GUI: 50% – 150%
Trial: Full version, first 15 days