OPT4

OPT4

A free opto leveling amplifier inspired by the 1965 Teletronix LA-2A for authentic analog character.

Free
Developer
Platforms
macOSWindows
Release date

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Niviem OPT4 is a free opto leveling amplifier inspired by the legendary 1965 Teletronix LA-2A. Built around an authentic feedback compression topology, it faithfully recreates the smooth, program dependent response that made electro optical compressors the gold standard for vocals, bass, and mix bus processing. At its core is a detailed T4 opto cell model, complete with electroluminescent panel behavior, CdS photoresistor gamma curve, multi stage release, and memory effect. The audio path includes 12AX7 and 12BH7 tube stage emulation with selectable Dark/Bright tone character, UTC-style input and output transformer coloration, and selectable oversampling up to 32x for pristine harmonic generation. Beyond the original two-knob design, OPT4 adds creative control: Attack and Release character shaping, a sidechain high-pass (the famous R37 emphasis trimmer, extended to 1000 Hz), a sidechain low-pass filter, wet/dry mix for parallel compression, output trim, sidechain listen, and switchable MODERN/VINTAGE opto response. Natural COMP and LIMIT behaviors emerge directly from the circuit topology, not from fixed ratios. A/B comparison buttons let you toggle between two parameter snapshots without losing either. Nivipedia, the in-plugin encyclopedia, covers every control, mode, and concept at the depth the original 1965 design deserves - right-click any knob for "What is this?" to jump straight to its article. 38 factory presets across 9 categories. Cream chassis interface.

What OPT4 offers

True Feedback Compression: Authentic topology where the sidechain monitors the output signal, producing natural COMP (~3:1) and LIMIT (~10:1+) behaviors
T4 Opto Cell Emulation: Electroluminescent panel, CdS photoresistor gamma curve, two-stage release, and program-dependent memory effect
MODERN/VINTAGE Opto Response: Two distinct compressor characters: clean and precise or warm and aged
Dark/Bright Tone Switch: Selectable 12AX7 + 12BH7 tube harmonic character - restrained warm vs hotter present
Attack & Release Character: Shape the opto cell's timing from fast and snappy to slow and smooth
Tube & Transformer Modeling: 12AX7 and 12BH7 tube stages with UTC-style input and output transformer coloration

What’s new

  • Added Nivipedia - in-plugin encyclopedia covering every control, mode, and concept. Press the NIVI button or right-click any control for "What is this?".
  • Added A/B comparison buttons in the header - instantly toggle between two parameter snapshots.
  • Fixed an audible click on the first transient after a pause longer than a couple of seconds.
  • Fixed clicks and peak-meter spikes during long silent passages - the plugin now runs the full DSP path continuously like premium hardware references.
  • Fixed Windows multi-instance compatibility.
1.1.1

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