Pricing and availability

Average Price: $1,495

High-end/Boutique

$100

$501+

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Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Unlock the full potential of your studio recordings with the Dakin FET III, a dual-channel compressor/limiter meticulously crafted in the US to elevate your audio with unparalleled precision. Building on the legacy of its predecessor, the FET II, this unit offers a perfect blend of advanced features and classic reliability, making it an indispensable tool for both seasoned professionals and aspiring producers.

Designed with fully discrete Class A circuitry, the FET III ensures a pristine audio path that faithfully preserves the character of your original tracks. Its variable highpass filters, ranging from 0 to 200Hz, allow you to fine-tune the limiter's response to low-frequency content, offering exceptional control over bass-heavy material. This feature not only enhances the unit's versatility but also empowers you to adapt its behavior seamlessly in real time.

Whether you're working on complex mixes or simple recordings, the Dakin FET III's continuously variable stereo linking and audio summing capabilities enable precise management of stereo dynamics, ensuring your tracks are cohesive and balanced. Its electronically balanced inputs and outputs, powered by THAT Corporation differential amps, guarantee uncompromising sound quality without coloration.

For those who prioritize accuracy and reliability in their studio gear, the Dakin FET III offers an intuitive interface with variable potentiometers, allowing you to dial in the perfect settings for any application. RoHs compliant and housed in a durable 2U rackmount case, this unit is as robust as it is versatile.

Key Features:

  • Dual-channel compressor/limiter
  • Fully discrete Class A circuitry
  • Variable highpass filters from 0-200Hz
  • THAT Corporation differential amps (electronically balanced)
  • Continuously variable stereo linking
  • RoHs compliant 2U rackmount design
  • Includes outboard power supply

Product specs

Brand Daking
Model FET III Stereo Compressor / Limiter
Finish Green
Year 2010s
Made In United States
Categories Compressors and Limiters
Electronics Analog, Solid State
Format 19-inch Rackmount
Number of Analog Inputs 2
Number of Analog Outputs 2
Number of Channels 2

FAQs

What makes the Daking FET III compressor suitable for studio use?

The Daking FET III offers fast, transparent compression with a high headroom of +24 dBu in and out, making it ideal for professional studio environments. Its variable filter in the detector circuit and continuously variable stereo linking provide additional flexibility for precise dynamic control.

How does the Daking FET III handle stereo linking?

The Daking FET III features continuously variable stereo linking, allowing you to adjust the amount of stereo compression applied. This feature ensures that stereo signals remain balanced and cohesive, which is essential for maintaining the integrity of stereo recordings.

What are the attack and release settings on the Daking FET III?

The Daking FET III offers attack times ranging from 250 microseconds to 64 milliseconds and release times from 0.5 seconds to an automatic dual time constant. These settings provide a wide range of dynamic control options suitable for various audio processing needs.

Can the Daking FET III be used for both tracking and mixing?

Yes, the Daking FET III is versatile enough for both tracking and mixing applications. Its fast, transparent compression and easy-to-use controls make it suitable for shaping dynamics during recording and refining mixes.

What are the compression ratio options available on the Daking FET III?

The Daking FET III offers compression ratios from 1.5:1 to 20:1. This wide range allows for subtle dynamic control or more aggressive limiting, depending on the needs of your audio project.

Front End Audio

Front End Audio

Daking Audio at Front End Audio w/ the MicPre/EQ, FET II & FET III Compressor, and Mic Pre One

Video thumbnail for Daking Audio at Front End Audio w/ the MicPre/EQ, FET II & FET III Compressor, and Mic Pre One by Front End Audio

Daking Audio at Front End Audio w/ the MicPre/EQ, FET II & FET III Compressor, and Mic Pre One

Front End Audio

Front End Audio

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Dakin FET III.

Comparisons

  • The Daking FET III is compared favorably for its color and vibe, unlike the more transparent SSL-type compressors.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Daking FET III is highlighted as an option for those seeking a more colorful stereo bus compressor.

    Source
  • Users consider the Daking FET III for its ability to add character and grit, making it suitable for drums and bass applications.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Daking FET III is noted for its FET-based compression, offering a more aggressive sound profile compared to VCA compressors.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners suggest the Daking FET III when prioritizing a vibey and colorful sound over transparency in a mix bus context.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Daking Audio: FET III stereo compressor | Tape Op Magazine | Longform candid interviews with music producers and audio engineers covering mixing, mastering, recording and music production.

tapeop.com

The Daking FET III is a versatile stereo compressor that impresses with its intuitive layout and features like a high-pass filter and blend control. While its potentiometer-based controls may take some getting used to, the unit shines in diverse applications from jazz to metal, proving its adaptability. With a solid build and excellent audio quality, the FET III stands out as a valuable tool for both educational and professional settings. At a reasonable price, it's a "classic" in the making, offering excellent value for its performance and flexibility.

positive

Review: Daking FET III Compressor

mixonline.com

The Daking FET III Compressor is lauded for its classic FET characteristics—quick, clean, and transparent performance. At $2,200, it offers professional-grade design and function, with enhancements like variable high-pass filters that prevent pumping and add versatility. The stereo linking feature adds creative options, though its use may be niche. While high ratios didn't impress, the FET III excels with subtle compression, making mixes sound smooth and consistent. Its build quality and sound fidelity make it worth the investment, despite the preference for detented controls for precise settings. Overall, a robust tool for discerning engineers.

positive

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