The OVNIFX Smoothie Opto Compressor is an optical compressor pedal from OVNIFX, a maker described as not the most well known, with the Smoothie as the company's only creation at the time of the coverage. It is packed with features: a clean blend, a tilting EQ, super low noise, a very wide frequency range, and an LED that indicates the amount of compression1.
How it works and what it does
The Opto models use an optical circuit instead of the OTA (operational transconductance amplifier) topology found in the original Smoothies. Paolo De Gregorio, writing on Delicious Audio, said of the change: "This batch uses an optical circuit instead of OTA, and we are really happy with the results!" He added that the new optical ones have essentially the same tone and action as the OTA originals, apart from the charge pump and Sustain details1.
With the new Opto models, the Sustain knob covers a wide range of behavior: at its maximum setting you can get a serious dip-and-swell effect, while lower settings get a more natural and unobtrusive action1.
Controls
Besides conventional controls like Attack and Sustain, the pedal features a Tone knob, unusual for compressors. It is a "tilt-shift control" that affects only the compressed signal, so the clean blend passes through untouched1.
Power and headroom
The Smoothie uses a charge pump to boost the 9V supply to a higher internal voltage, to reduce the chance of clipping. De Gregorio noted this specifically for players with high-output basses1.
Versions: Tough, Suave, and the DIP-switch model
The Smoothie Opto was first released in two versions, and the differences lie in how the compressor reacts to the start of a note1:
| Version | Response to note attack | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Tough | Responds more strongly and quickly | Gives the start of the compression more of a funky character |
| Suave | Softens the reaction to the initial peaks | A little more transparent-sounding action, reducing artifacts |
The Tough and Suave Opto versions are now retired. They are replaced by a newer version that incorporates both models, with interior DIP switches toggling Tough, Suave, and two "in between" positions1.
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Questions
What is the difference between the Tough and Suave Smoothie versions?
The Tough versions respond to your note attack more strongly and quickly, giving the start of the compression more of a funky character. The Suave versions soften the compressor's reaction to the initial peaks of your notes, which gives a more transparent-sounding action and reduces artifacts. Both versions are now retired, replaced by a newer version that incorporates both models with interior DIP switches that also offer two in-between positions.
Is the OVNIFX Smoothie optical or OTA?
The Smoothie Opto models use an optical circuit instead of OTA. According to Delicious Audio's Paolo De Gregorio, the new optical ones have essentially the same tone and action as the OTA originals, apart from the charge pump and Sustain details, and he reported being really happy with the results of the optical circuit.
What does the tilt-shift control do?
The Smoothie's Tone knob is a tilt-shift control, unusual on compressors, and it affects only the compressed signal. Because the clean blend carries the unaffected signal, the Tone control lets you shape the tone of the compressed portion of your sound without altering the dry signal blended alongside it.
Does the Smoothie have a clean blend?
Yes. Delicious Audio lists a clean blend among the Smoothie's features, alongside a tilting EQ, super low noise, a very wide frequency range, and an LED that indicates the amount of compression. The Tone knob affects only the compressed signal, so the clean blend stays untouched by it.
Sources (1)
- OVNIFX Smoothie Opto Compressor, Delicious Audio, 2019-03-22