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Optocomp by Monomono

COMPRESSOR WITH ANALOG SOUND AND DIGITAL PRECISION

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Optocomp is a vintage-inspired compressor, infused with the warm character of classic gear like the LA-2A. Uniquely designed for Max for Live, it merges analog nuances with digital precision.



Employing a feedback design, Optocomp “listens” and adjusts for smooth, musical compression. Its program-dependent nature automatically fine-tunes attack and release based on the input, ensuring optimal results on everything from individual instruments to full mixes.

  • Easy to set up: Just push the input to get more compression and makeup with the Output gain. Everything else is taken care of.
  • Vintage Tone: Emulates renowned optical compressors.
  • Analog Output Stage: Capture the magic of transformer and tube saturation.
  • Flexible Controls: High-pass sidechain, channel summing for stereo operation, and blend dial for parallel compression.

USER GUIDE: VOLUME ONE

Additional information

MaxforLive

Audio Devices

Ableton Live Compatibility

Ableton Live 10 Standard with MaxforLive, Ableton Live 10 Suite, Ableton Live 11 Standard with MaxforLive, Ableton Live 11 Suite, Ableton Live 12 Standard with MaxforLive, Ableton Live 12 Suite

Min. Requirements

Ableton Live 10 Standard with MaxforLive Installed or Ableton Live 10 Suite

OS

Mac, Windows

PRICE: £18.00
Optocomp MaxforLive Device for Ableton Live by Monomono

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Showing 2 of 2 reviews
July 18, 2025
Francesco Visconti
Verified Purchase

The sound quality and stability of monomono devices are just insane, opto and tape are maybe the mixing tools i use most at the moment!!

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May 30, 2025
Oussama
Verified Purchase

Another top device from Monomono

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Optocomp by Monomono

Optocomp: A Deeper Dive into Vintage Optical Compression

In the vast world of audio compression, optical compressors have always occupied a unique niche. Characterized by their smooth, musical compression, these devices have been favored for decades by engineers seeking an organic touch. Optocomp brings this heritage into the digital realm, combining meticulous design principles with MaxforLive integration.

FEEDBACK COMPRESSOR

At its core, Optocomp employs a feedback compression design. Unlike feed-forward designs in stock Ableton compressors, where the compressor responds to the incoming signal directly, a feedback compressor takes its cue from the output. This feedback loop naturally results in a more musical and smooth response, as the compressor is effectively “listening” to what it has already done and making adjustments accordingly.

This design inherently produces compression that feels more in tune with the musical content. Transients are managed delicately, preserving the dynamic nuances of the original material. The feedback approach offers a holistic approach to compression, taking into account the resultant audio post-processing.

PROGRAM-DEPENDENT DESIGN EXPLAINED

The term “program-dependent” refers to a compressor’s ability to adjust its behavior based on the input signal. With Optocomp, the lack of explicit attack and release settings isn’t an oversight; it’s intentional. Because of its program-dependent nature, the compressor automatically, and dynamically, adjusts the attack and release times based on the incoming audio’s characteristics.

This automatic adjustment means that Optocomp provides optimal compression regardless of the material, eliminating the guesswork often associated with dialing in the right settings. The result? A compressor that’s not only versatile but also incredibly easy to dial in.

BROAD APPLICATION SCOPE

Despite its vintage inspirations, Optocomp isn’t just limited to emulating old-school sounds. Its design principles make it a suitable candidate for a wide array of audio material. From the sharp attack of a snare drum to the intricate layers of a full mix, its adaptability is one of its strongest suits. Whether you’re sculpting individual instruments, tightening up busses, or giving a cohesive vibe to a complete mix, Optocomp delivers with precision and character.

In conclusion, Optocomp isn’t just another compressor in your toolkit; it’s a bridge between vintage methodologies and modern production needs. By understanding and utilizing its technical foundations, producers and engineers can unlock a world of sonic potential.

AUTHENTIC LOOK & FEEL

All our devices follow the established Ableton Live design conventions and blend nicely with the existing selection of tools while employing a unique look. Color scheme adapts to the selected Live color theme naturally. While the design of our devices is functional, it also is easy on the eyes.

PUSH 3 STANDALONE READY

All Monomono devices work on Push 3 in Standalone mode.

ALSO AVAILABLE FROM MONOMONO: MAYA | MONO ONE | COMPX54 | CONSOLEX8056 | TAPE | CURVES | VOLUME ONE

Frequently Asked Questions

A: Optocomp is a vintage‑inspired MaxforLive compressor, combining the smooth, musical response of optical compression with the precision of digital control — ideal for adding character and cohesion to your mixes.

A: Yes.

 

A: MaxforLive integrates Max into Ableton Live, allowing you to build, customize, and use unique audio, MIDI, and control devices directly in your DAW.

 

A: To use this product, ensure the following requirements are met:

  • Ableton Live 10 Standard with MaxforLive or higher
  • Mac or Windows operating system

A: You can explore more of Monomono’s tools and devices here:
Monomono

Important Information

V1.0.0 – Initial Release – October 2023

Our Products are generally provided as Zip file downloads which in all cases will need to be extracted and saved to your hard drive prior to installation. Details on the different file type provided and what to do with them are below.

.alp Files – These are Ableton Live Packs and will either install directly into the Packs Section of the browser of Ableton Live or ask you to save them to your hard drive. For packs that install to the library, when you double click on them you will see a pop up window asking you to confirm that installation is ok as the files are described as “Legacy”. This is fine and you are ok to proceed, the packs are created using the format for an earlier version of Live and so remain compatible with the current version.

.amxd files – These are individual MaxforLive Devices and can be stored anywhere on your hard drive. We’d advise creating a folder for them and then adding that folder as a location within the Places section of Lives Browser.

END-USER LICENSE AGREEMENT FOR ISOTONIK STUDIOS SOFTWARE PRODUCTS.

PLEASE READ THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THIS LICENSE AGREEMENT CAREFULLY BEFORE CONTINUING WITH THIS PROGRAM INSTALL.

This End-User License Agreement (referred to as “EULA”) is a legal agreement between an individual or a single entity (referred to as “LICENSEE”) and Isotonik Studios for the Isotonik Studios software product(s) which may include associated software components, media, printed materials, and “online” or electronic documentation (referred to as “SOFTWARE PRODUCT”). By installing, copying, or otherwise using the SOFTWARE PRODUCT, the LICENSEE agrees to be bound by the terms of this EULA.

This EULA represents the entire agreement concerning the program between the LICENSEE and Isotonik Studios and it supersedes any prior proposal, representation, or understanding between the parties. If the LICENSEE does not agree to the terms of this EULA, the LICENSEE should not install or use the SOFTWARE PRODUCT.

The SOFTWARE PRODUCT is protected by copyright laws and international copyright treaties, as well as other intellectual property laws and treaties. The SOFTWARE PRODUCT is licensed, not sold.

  1. GRANT OF LICENSE.

The SOFTWARE PRODUCT is licensed as follows:

(a) Installation and Use. Providing that the LICENSEE has paid any applicable license fees, Isotonik Studios grants the LICENSEE the right to install and use copies of the SOFTWARE PRODUCT on up to two computers in the LICENSEE’s possession that are running a validly licensed copy of the operating system for which the SOFTWARE PRODUCT was designed [e.g., Windows 10, macOS]. The computer(s) must be owned by the LICENSEE.

(b) Backup Copies. The LICENSEE may also make copies of the SOFTWARE PRODUCT as may be necessary for backup and archival purposes.

  1. DESCRIPTION OF OTHER RIGHTS AND LIMITATIONS.

(a) Maintenance of Copyright Notices. The LICENSEE must not remove or alter any copyright notices on any and all copies of the SOFTWARE PRODUCT.

(b) Distribution. The LICENSEE may not distribute registered copies of the SOFTWARE PRODUCT to third parties.

(c) Prohibition on Reverse Engineering, Decompilation, and Disassembly. The LICENSEE may not reverse engineer, decompile, or disassemble the SOFTWARE PRODUCT, except and only to the extent that such activity is expressly permitted by applicable law notwithstanding this limitation.

(d) Rental. The LICENSEE may not rent, lease, or lend the SOFTWARE PRODUCT.

(e) License transfer The LICENSEE may not transfer their license to the SOFTWARE PRODUCT to any third party. Any attempt to do so will be considered a violation of this EULA.

(f) Support Services. Isotonik Studios may provide the LICENSEE with support services related to the SOFTWARE PRODUCT for a period of 12 months following the date of purchase. Any supplemental software code provided to the LICENSEE as part of the Support Services shall be considered part of the SOFTWARE PRODUCT and subject to the terms and conditions of this EULA.

(g) Compliance with Applicable Laws. The LICENSEE must comply with all applicable laws regarding use of the SOFTWARE PRODUCT.

  1. TERMINATION Without prejudice to any other rights, Isotonik Studios may terminate this EULA if the LICENSEE fails to comply with the terms and conditions of this EULA. In such event, the LICENSEE must destroy all copies of the SOFTWARE PRODUCT in the LICENSEE’s possession.
  2. COPYRIGHT All title, including but not limited to copyrights, in and to the SOFTWARE PRODUCT and any copies thereof are owned by Isotonik Studios or its suppliers. All title and intellectual property rights in and to the content which may be accessed through use of the SOFTWARE PRODUCT is the property of the respective content owner and may be protected by applicable copyright or other intellectual property laws and treaties. This EULA grants the LICENSEE no rights to use such content. All rights not expressly granted are reserved by Isotonik Studios.
  3. NO WARRANTIES Isotonik Studios expressly disclaims any warranty for the SOFTWARE PRODUCT. The SOFTWARE PRODUCT is provided ‘As Is’ without any express or implied warranty of any kind, including but not limited to any warranties of merchantability, noninfringement, or fitness of a particular purpose. Isotonik Studios does not warrant or assume responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of any information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within the SOFTWARE PRODUCT. Isotonik Studios makes no warranties respecting any harm that may be caused by the transmission of a computer virus, worm, time bomb, logic bomb, or other such computer program. Isotonik Studios further expressly disclaims any warranty or representation to the LICENSEE or to any third party.
  4. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY In no event shall Isotonik Studios be liable for any damages (including, without limitation, lost profits, business interruption, or lost information) arising out of the LICENSEE’s use of or inability to use the SOFTWARE PRODUCT, even if Isotonik Studios has been advised of the possibility of such damages. In no event will Isotonik Studios be liable for loss of data or for indirect, special, incidental, consequential (including lost profit), or other damages based in contract, tort or otherwise. Isotonik Studios shall have no liability with respect to the content of the SOFTWARE PRODUCT or any part thereof, including but not limited to errors or omissions contained therein, libel, infringements of rights of publicity, privacy, trademark rights, business interruption, personal injury, loss of privacy, moral rights or the disclosure of confidential information.

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Optocomp by Monomono
£18.00
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