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We have collected for you the top 9 VST plugins De-Esser according to PluginBoutique. VST list navigation: ERA 4 De-Esser FabFilter Pro-DS Weiss Deess Oxford SuprEsser DE555 Native DE555 HD SYBIL Evo ERA 4 De-Esser Pro XILS DeeS 1. ERA 4 De-Esser by accusonus Don't let those sharp esses pierce your eardrums. Note: This product is the standard version. The pro version of the ERA 4 De-Esser is. Spitfish is a free de esser VST, Audio Unit plugin developed by digitalfishphones. Compatible OS (s): Windows 64b, macOS. Spitfish is a dead-easy to use de-esser.

Last Updated on December 15, 2020.

De-esser plugins are essential not only for making any vocaltrack sound professional, but also to tame the harshness on almost any othertracks in your mix; like hi-hats, cymbals, and even in the mastering phase.

If you don't know what a De-esser does then here's a post I wrote that explains just that!

Now, in this article I will list both free and premium de-essers, as well as give you my top 3 choices right at the end, simply to make things a bit easier.

For quicker and easier navigation, you can always use the table of contents below to navigate to the desired section.

Best Premium De-Esser VST

1. FabFilter Pro DS ($179)

With its ‘Single Vocal' detection algorithm, FabFilter Pro-DS can accurately identify sibilance in vocal recordings and attenuates it transparently.

Whenusing the ‘Allround' mode, Pro-DS becomes a great tool for high-frequency limitingof any material, like drums or even full mixes. Try it out yourself!

FabFilter Pro-DS offerseverything you need to get the best result possible, presented in a simple andeasy-to-use interface.

Wide band or linear-phasesplit band processing, an optional look-ahead of up to 15 ms, adjustable stereolinking with optional mid-only or side-only processing, up to four timeslinear-phase oversampling… and more.

Features

• Adjustable Threshold, Range and detection HP andLP filtering settings
• Wide Band or linear-phase Split Band processing
• Optional look-ahead time up to 15 ms
• Freely adjustable stereo linking
• Optional mid-only or side-only processing

Find out more about Pro DS here.

2. Waves Sibilance ($49)

Sibilance is a transparent vocal de-esser that is capable ofremoving harsh vocal ‘s' sounds faster than all the previous de-essers releasedby Waves.

Sibilance allows you to make the vocals brighter withoutadding any harshness to them.

It doesn't apply gain reduction to narrow frequency bandsalone, but rather uses spectral filters to detect peaks in certain regions andthen applies the processing after having separated the vocals from thoseregions.

This allows Sibilance to only process the problematic areas,leaving the rest of the track's content unaffected.

Just like with Pro DS by FabFilter, Sibilance is not justmeant to be used on vocals, but on any track where you need to deal withharshness.

Features

• Smooth, glitch-free removal of harsh ‘s' soundslike never before
• Separates the sibilant parts of the vocalwithout changing the vocal's original tone
• Easy-to-use threshold and sensitivity controls
• Innovative sibilance detector powered by Waves'Organic ReSynthesis technology

Find out more about Sibilance here.

3. XILS DeeS ($89)

DeeS can help you get clean and professional sounding vocalsin no time, as well as restore other vocal tracks and get rid of their flaws.

Removing the harshness and the sibilance should be extremelyeasy with DeeS, plus the plugin is easy to use since it's very visual.

It splits the track into two independent channels; TheVocals, without any sibilance, and the sibilance on its own, each with its ownEQ.

The Detection module helps you to find the right Voicefrequency range to process to remove the sibilants, and specify the quality ofthe processing.

Find out more about DeeS here.

4. Standard De-Esser by ERA 4 ($59)

If you don't want to have to deal with loads of knobs andcontrols, then this plugin might be the right one for you.

The ERA De-Esser is the only single-knob plugin that allowsyou to smooth out audio problems caused by excessive sibilance consonants.

It features a real-time processing display that allows youto visually monitor plosive reduction in real time.

Once you have found a setting that works for your particularsibilance issue, you can then use the 'Intense' button to get some extraprocessing.

Note: If you want to have more control over what's happening, then I'd recommend that you check out the Pro Version of this plugin.

Features

• Single knob operation
• Simple and streamlined user interface
• Automatic sibilance reduction
• Precision-grade audio repair functionality
• Uncompromised sound quality

Find out more about Standard De-Esser here.

5. Oxford SuprEsser ($244)

The Oxford SuprEsser is both a very highly-featuredprofessional De-Esser and a Dynamic EQ.

There is a simple mode for quick fixes, but also an advancedmode for increased functionality and fine-tuning.

he combination of an intuitive FFT display and three listenmodes enables you to easily see and hear exactly where the problem frequenciesare, allowing you to quickly reduce or remove of the offending audio.

Since the SuprEsser can operate at all frequencies,‘plosives' and other annoyances can also be removed.

Additional features include Automatic Level Tracking, LinearPhase Filtering and a Wet/Dry blend control for final balancing.

Features

• Highly featured professional De-Esser
• Linear Phase Dynamic EQ
• Transparently controls aggressive frequencies
• Automatic Level Tracking follows energy levels(no need to automate threshold)
• Large intuitive graphic display makes findingfrequencies very easy

Find out more about SuprEsser here.

6. Weiss Deess by Softube ($199)

I really like Softube; I use one of their Saturationplugins quite often, especially because it's so simple to use, and theirWeiss Deess is also an amazing plugin.

Whether you're trying to reduce vocal sibilance, thesharpness in a hi-hat or cymbals, or simply reduce some harshness in themastering phase, a good De-esser can come quite in handy.

Weiss Deess has two independent bands and a variety offilter shapes and excellent band-width control, allowing you to home in onprecisely what you need to deal with, without collateral damage.

Additionally, it's a very visual plugin, which can be veryuseful since you can actually see what is happening to the signal.

Features

• Two bands of de-essing. This is the onlyde-esser you'll need.
• Stunning and intuitive visualisations make thisde-esser a breeze to use.
• Clean tweak-and-go faceplate, with immenselydetailed controls hidden in side-menu.
• Ultra-professional tool, but without thedaunting, complex look.

Find out more about Weiss Deess here.

7. Oeksound Soothe2 ($199)

soothe2 is a dynamic resonance suppressor, which means that it identifies problematic resonances in real-time and applies matching reduction automatically.

It applies these reductions where needed, without affecting nearby frequencies; Basically, it attempts to smooth out the sound without affecting nearby frequencies, and therefore keeping the original tone.

Soothe2 puts emphasis on the visual aspect a lot more than most other plugins, since the controls section is very small, while the majority of the window belongs to the waveform display.

This can definitely be very useful to people who still can't hear the subtle processing that is being applied, since they can actually see it.

Find out more about Soothe2 here.

Free De-Esser VST Plugins

8. Tonmann DeEsser

Tonmann DeEsser is a basic high frequency dynamic processor VST plugin, called a DeEsser because it's mainly designed to get rid of 'stinging' sibilants that may occur on vocals after compression or adding a high boost.

The plugin has been carefully designed to suppress any artificial or alienated sound that may arise under awkward situations with some other DeEssers.

Features

• True independent stereo operation, but also runsin mono mode
• Wideband and lowpass reduction modes selectable
• Fully adjustable center frequency and bandwidthof the detection range
• Adjustable detection threshold to retain the'crisp' sound character of a vocal
• Look ahead feature for sibilants with short andsharp attacks

Find out more about the Tonmann DeEsser here.

9. SpitFish DeEsser

SPITFISH is a dead-easy to use de-esser, aimed mainlyat mono or stereo vocal tracks.

Just like classic analog de-essers, this unit dynamicallyfilters out harsh, annoying s-like sounds that would otherwise ‘spit' in yourface.

Note: Probably won't work on the latest Mac OS.

Find out more about the Spitfish here.

10. Modern De-Esser

Modern De-Esser is a freeware de-esser VST plugin byAntress. It features frequency control in the 3000 to 9999 Hz range and outputlevel control (-15 to +15 dB).

The gain reduction can be adjusted with threshold, ratio,width, and release controls.

The Modern De-Esser VST is part of the free Antress ModernPlugins package.

Find out more about Modern De-Esser here.

11. Lisp by Sleepy-Time DSP

Whether you use a traditional de-esser, sidechainedcompressor, dynamic EQ, or even edit your tracks manually, cleaning upsibilance problems in your vocals can get pretty tedious.

Lisp is new type of de-esser that aims to speed-up thisprocess with its automatic sibilance detection algorithm.
Internally tuned to the human vocal range, Lisp can automatically detect andlower annoying 'ss', 'teh', and 'ch' sounds inyour audio by tracking both the amplitude and pitch of its input in real-time.Just set the reduction amount and let Lisp do the rest!

Find out more about Lisp here.

12. Dead Duck De-esser

This isn't just a de-esser, but actually a full 25 originalVST audio plugins bundle that also includes a De-Esser.

This bundle includes all the essential mixing tools such asEQ, compression and limiting to creative sound shaping tools such as delays,modulation effects and reverb.

Not only are all of them free, but they also sound and workimpressively well.

So, make sure to get your hands on this bundle asap!

Learn more about the Dead Duck Bundle here.

Top 3 Choices

• Lisp (Free)
• Standard De-Esser ($59) and super easy to use because of the one-knob control.
• Weiss Deess by Softube ($199) Most versatile overall.

Conclusion

In most cases I don't really think that premium VSTs arethat much better than the free ones, but as far as de-essers are concerned, ifyou truly want to get professional results then I'd stick to a premium one.

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Still, it's much better to use free ones than nothing atall!

I hope this information was useful!

Have a wonderful day!

You have just recorded vocals, you did not forget the anti-pop filter BUT
some harsh sounds still remain. sss
How to get rid of those annoying sibilances, harsh sound on 's' 'ss' 'sh' 'ch' 'z' ?

=> You can edit by hand if you have time, but it can be very tedioussss !

Or you can use a DE-ESSER, for automatically remove those annoying 's' in your vocal.
We have selected 3 FREE VST plugins you can use in Wavosaur or any audio editor or sequencer, that does the job ! let's go :

1. Spitfish

download for free ! => http://www.digitalfishphones.com/main.php?item=2&subItem=5

Apr 18, 2017 To download a free PDF with the 5 plugins I use on (almost) every mix, click the link below: Or hire me to m. The ERA De-Esser is part of the ERA Bundle. Create an accusonus account and receive the ERA Bundle installer via email. An accusonus account will be created, a confirmation email will be sent and you will be subscribed to our newsletter. Apr 17, 2020 A safe and secure to download Vst crack and its Plugins. Waves 10 Complete Bundle 2019. Vstcrack April 17, 2020 All Vst 0. Got a very powerful and quick de-esser specifically designed for the voiceovers as well as vocals. An impressive and the. FabFilter Pro-DS is an intelligent and transparent de-esser plug-in. Available in VST, VST3, AU, AAX and AudioSuite formats for Windows and macOS. Jul 28, 2012 50+ videos Play all Mix - FL Studio - How to De-Ess Vocals Fast, Easy, and Free YouTube FL Studio Vocal Mixing - How To De-ess Vocals - Duration: 10:24. In The Mix 50,196 views.

The gool old VST by DigitalFishPhones, it's dead simple, and nothing prevents you from using two Spitfish in serie. It removes efficiently the 'sss' sound.

2. Lisp

Sleepy Time List VST

Information and download : http://sleepytimedsp.com/software/lisp/

This one comes with VST2 and VST3 version, as well as a 64 bit version!
Like spitfish, it has a stereo mode, and you can adjust the frequency for detecting the sibilant parts.
There are not so much freeware de-esser, this one is nice!

3. Tonmann de-esser

Direct download => http://www.tonmann.com/temp/Tonmann_DeEsser11.rar

This one has been made with synthedit surely. We didn't give so much test but it seems to do the job! It has a clean and simple interface.

In this guide we'll take a look at the best de-esser plugin software on the market today. The kind that the pros and semi-pros use.

We've looked at as many de-esser plugins as possible and whittled it down to only 5 of the most recommended online by the pros and those who've used them, making it much easier to choose.

Quick answer: unless you're new to music production or you've had your head under a rock, the FabFilter Pro-DS name should be very familiar to you, and it comes out on top.

This is followed by the Oxford SuprEsser, while the McDSP DE555 and Waves Renaissance DeEsser are popular options for cheap.

The rest of this guide will look at these plugins more in-depth and weigh their strengths and their weaknesses.

Let's take a closer look 🙂

De Esser Vst Free

Table of Contents

Find more great gear here:

De-Esser Plugin Buying Guide

What is a De-Esser?

A de-esser is a type of vocal compressor that works to reduce or eliminate the harsh 'ess' or 'shh' sounds known in the audio world as 'sibilance'.

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An oftentimes unwanted element in recorded audio, sibilance is commonly heard in vocal tracks, although they may be present in cymbals and/or percussion tracks as well. Sibilance typically falls within the 4Khz to 10Khz range of frequencies, and the effect can be unpleasant and distracting, even at moderate levels. (Learn more about sibilance from Wikipedia.)

De-essers reduce the volume level of sibilance by compressing its specific frequency range. In most cases, excessive sibilance can be reduced by simply defining the range of unwanted frequencies and setting the threshold control to the appropriate setting. However, it may sometimes be necessary to employ equalization and automation in conjunction with de-essing in order to achieve more natural-sounding results.

What Features Should You Look for in a Good De-Esser Plugin?

Among the most important features to have in a de-esser are threshold and release controls.

‘Threshold' essentially sets the level at which the sibilance will be reduced.

‘Release' determines how soon the compressor will cease to affect the signal.

It would also be helpful to have a frequency control, which will enable you to specify the range of frequencies to compress. You can read more about the basics of what a compressor is from this post to get a better understanding of some of those features.

How to Choose a De-esser

There are a number of factors to consider when choosing a good de-esser plug-in. For starters, you will want a plug-in that is quick and easy to setup, yet still has enough control for precision tweaking.

A good range of features is also nice to have, although you would have to weigh the possibility of unneeded features getting in the way of simple and straightforward operation.

In any case, it might be prudent to shop for a de-esser plug-in that does more than what your stock DAW compressor and sidechain combination is capable of. Otherwise, you may as well save yourself the trouble, and simply devise your own de-essing chain.

Best DeEsser Plug-Ins – Overviews

FabFilter Pro-DS

From the noted plug-in developer comes the FabFilter Pro-DS, which has a pretty wide range of features and capabilities all wrapped up in a modern visually-attractive package.

Since FabFilter is known for its world-class set of plug-ins that offer precise control and informative visual displays, they've pretty much upped the ante with a feature list that includes an intelligent detection algorithm, wide band and linear-phase processing, a 15 millisecond look-ahead option, stereo linking with mid-only or side-only options, and more. With its range of cutting-edge features and sonic transparency, this might just be the only de-esser you will ever need, to be honest.

• Two detection settings: 'Single Vocal' and 'Allround'
• Real-time display
• Adjustable threshold, range and detection, filtering settings
• Program-dependent compression/limiting
• Wide band or linear-phase split band processing
• Optional look-ahead up to 15 milliseconds
• Adjustable stereo linking
• Mid-only or side-only processing
• Up to four times linear-phase oversampling
• Side-chain input meter
• Real-time spectrum analyzer
• GPU-powered graphics acceleration
• High-quality 64-bit internal processing

The FabFilter Pro-DS is frequently praised for being easy to use and having great visual feedback. Many users appreciate its informative and helpful displays, which show you exactly how–and how much–the signal is being processed via real-time waveforms. Many reviewers also mention the precise degree of control possible with the Pro-DS. There's pretty much no criticism as far as this is concerned.

The Pro-DS is another great addition to the FabFilter line of quality plug-ins. Like the other products in the range, the FabFilter Pro-DS stands out with a user interface that is not only efficient and informative, but visually impressive as well. This is especially so for beginners. The precise degree of control combined with intelligent sibilance detection and total transparency make this one of the best de-esser plugin software that money can buy. Well worth considering even with the somewhat high price tag.

Oxford SuprEsser

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The OxfordSuprEsseris a simple and intuitive solution that gets rid of offending frequencies in vocal tracks and all other types of source audio. It has an extremely focused frequency-conscious compressor, so it can identify and eliminate harsh sibilance to a remarkably precise degree. Also, the ability to operate between 20Hz and 20KHz makes it capable of handling tasks other than rudimentary de-essing. If you've solely been reliant on a fixed EQ to get rid of sibilance in your tracks, you will appreciate the more natural results that you can achieve with the SuprEsser.

• Linear phase dynamic EQ
• Transparent and accurate frequency control
• Automatic level tracking
• Wet/dry control for quick parallel processing
• Full audio spectrum operation (20Hz – 20KHz)

User impressions of the Oxford SuprEsser tend to be generally favorable, with the most frequently praised feature being the detailed display. The plug-in also gets high marks for being easy to operate, which is all the more impressive considering the many controls available.

Users also praise the SuprEsser's ability to preserve the quality of the source audio, even with considerable amounts of gain reduction. In fact, one user reported routinely using it on non-vocal tracks in order to get rid of harsh frequencies.

The SuprEsser is a well-equipped and very capable de-esser that offers a precise degree of control. Although not quite as detailed as the FabFilter Pro-DS, the SuprEsser's display does a good job of providing visual feedback. It is also versatile enough to use in a wide variety of applications, including taming the frequencies of non-vocal tracks. With a lower price tag than the Pro-DS, the SuprEsser is a cost-effective de-esser plug-in that warrants serious consideration.

McDSP DE555

Are you bored with the typical de-esser? Want something that's not just for vocals? Well McDSP proudly proclaims the DE555 to be part of the 'new generation of de-essing technology.' It has a range of cutting-edge features, transparent sound, and a whole-lota flexibility. Being fully-featured, it still remains simple and easy-to-use. The DE555 utilizes an algorithm called 'intelligent signal analysis.' This effectively processes source audio of any level, without the need to adjust the input threshold manually. Controls are also provided for adjusting ratio and release, and there is even a high frequency-only mode that lets you reduce sibilance while leaving the rest of the audio untouched.

Best De Esser

• Advanced de-essing technology
• Key filter focus and de-essing controls
• Real-time metering
• Key filter response plot
• High frequency only option
• Double precision processing
• Ultra low latency

Flexibility and transparency are among the qualities that endear the DE555 to users. Often used on non-vocal tracks, it has the ability to reduce and eliminate unwanted frequencies without affecting the audio in a noticeable manner. Many users reported being able to use the stock presets without further tweaking, although the precise control in terms of setting parameters and curves also garnered a fair bit of praise.

The Oxford SuprEsser is a noticeably transparent de-esser that effectively gets rid of excessive sibilance in vocal tracks, but it is flexible enough to use on other audio sources as well. Many of the presets can be used ‘as is' without further editing, but precise control over the various parameters is there if you want. The Oxford SuprEsser is also pretty affordable, making it a good choice to add to your suite of mixing plug-ins.

Waves Renaissance DeEsser

Waves Renaissance DeEsser has been a familiar sight in many professional studios for over a decade, and for good reason. Even with the advent of more advanced and more fully-featured de-esser plug-ins, Renaissance continues to find use as a simple, straightforward, and yet remarkably effective solution for getting rid of harsh sibilance.

Although there are controls for getting the most out of the processor, even the bundled presets can do a good job of cleaning up problem vocal tracks. There are even presets intended specifically for male and female voices, giving you a good starting point for more intensive tweaking.

• Designed for recording, mixing, live sound, and broadcast
• Frequency-dependent dynamics
• Adaptive threshold control
• Adjustable gain reduction control
• Phase-compensated crossover
• Audio and side-chain monitoring
• Double precision bit resolution processing

The Waves Renaissance DeEsser is a venerable studio standby that still gets plenty of use today. For many users, this particular plug-in is a more effective de-essing solution than the standard Waves DeEsser. One user was especially in love with the Renaissance's ability to pinpoint and eliminate problem frequencies, while another praised the inclusion of settings for male and female voices.

Although it has been around for over a decade now, the Waves Renaissance DeEsser is still an effective de-esser that continues to find use in a typical studio setup. Equally suited for recording and mixing as it is for live sound and broadcast, it has all the features you need for basic de-essing applications.

Waves DeEsser

For those with even more basic de-essing requirements, the Waves DeEsser might just have all the features and capabilities that you need. Just as simple and straightforward as the Renaissance de-esser, this one employs a subtle and natural approach to de-essing audio, getting rid of sibilance without thrashing your vocal take. Waves DeEsser is also effective on splashy high-hats and cymbals, gently reducing unwanted frequencies from even the most problematic audio sources.

• Sharp side-chain filters
• Selectable wide-band and split compression modes
• Audio or sidechain monitoring
• 24-bit/192kHz resolution
• Mono and stereo components

Users of the Waves DeEsser appreciate the plug-in's effectiveness in softening harsh sibilance in vocal tracks. Even though it lacks many of the features of its more modern counterparts, it is still a useful and easy to use de-essing tool that is made more attractive by its affordable price tag.

The Waves DeEsser is a pretty basic de-esser that does the job and does it well at more moderate settings. Although many users prefer the Waves Renaissance DeEsser, the standard DeEsser is still worth considering for its simple and straightforward operation, good sound, and low price.

Weiss Deess De-Esser by Softube

Softube's Weiss Deess De-Esser is a bit-by-bit software reproduction of the legendary Weiss DS1-MK3 hardware unit that has graced many mastering and mixing suites over the years. Like most Softube plug-ins, it has a beautifully-rendered interface that closely models the look of the actual hardware unit.

Although the 'faceplate' only has a modest number of controls, Weiss Deess is a versatile and very capable de-esser that handles a varied array of tasks. Whether for cutting out the sibilance in a vocal track, taming an overly bright hi-hat, or reducing harshness on the overall mix, Weiss Deess does the job cleanly and efficiently.

You can use it and customize a logic, FL Studio, and GarageBand. It helps the other software as helping members to produce a high-quality pitch of voice. It is also called the Synthesizing tool because it set the voice of singers and other related people they want to make the beautiful voice in the music filed. Free vst downloads for mac. So you can easily install all your that kinds of plugins installed by the bits of help of callout function.

Most de-essers have only a single band for dealing with sibilance–Weiss Deess has two completely independent ones. This gives Weiss Deess the ability to handle most types of sibilance, most of which occupy more than a single frequency. For situations where most de-esser plug-ins fall short–such as with complex audio material–Weiss Deessor handles the job like a champ.

Weiss Deess also has a handful of filter shape options available. Combined with the precision band-width control, this enables you to treat a very narrow range of the audio, leaving the rest unscathed.

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Visual feedback is provided by a large colored display, from which you can see FFT data and filter shapes. There is also a side menu that adds even more options for tweaking the plug-in's parameters.

Users were pleasantly surprised by the Weiss Deess' sound quality, which compares favorably with even the most highly-regarded hardware units. The ability to get rid of sibilance without adversely affecting the rest of the signal is especially impressive, making the plug-in ideally-suited for de-essing detailed and complex material.

The plug-in's intuitive interface also appealed to many users, particularly those that have struggled with overly-complicated units in the past. With the Weiss Deess, it was easy to achieve great results, even with only a few tweaks to the default settings.

The Weiss Deess hides a surprising amount of power in a seemingly simple and straightforward interface. The display is especially helpful, providing immediate visual feedback on the effect of de-essing on the audio signal. A versatile plug-in that adds more functionality to the standard de-esser capabilities.

Waves Sibilance

Waves Sibilance is a step up from the brand's other de-esser plug-ins, utilizing an innovative technology known as 'Organic ReSynthesis'. While other de-esser plug-ins take a somewhat heavy-handed approach to eliminating sibilance, Waves Sibilance works only on unwanted frequencies. The result is exceptionally clear and present audio with the sibilance removed and the original qualities preserved.

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Sibilance makes removal of unwanted 's' and 'sh' sounds quick and easy. The Organic ReSynthesis engine targets only these specific frequencies, leaving the rest of the audio information untouched. You could therefore boost the EQ on your vocal tracks to add back some of the brightness, and still get sibilance-free audio without a hint of harshness.

Organic ReSynthesis is what makes Sibilance different from other de-esser plug-ins, many of which simply act as sort of narrow-band compressors. The problem with narrow-band compression is that so much of the desirable signal is often cut out along with the sibilance, resulting in glitch and unnatural sounding audio.

Sibilance neatly avoids this problem by working only on the sibilant sounds. You therefore get all the benefits of a good de-esser, while still retaining the resonance and timbre of the original audio.

Sibilance comes with a fairly modest set of controls, the highlights being the threshold and sensitivity features. Processing is variable from wide to split bands, and there is a helpful sibilance detection graph that lets you see how much processing is required.

Users find Sibilance to be very quick and easy to set up, with noticeable improvement in the quality of the audio immediately. Even with only a few minor adjustments of the threshold and range controls, sibilance is totally removed from the affected track. In fact, Sibilance makes de-essing so easy that many voice actors and singers often do the processing themselves, before sending vocal tracks over to a mix engineer or producer.

Many other users find Sibilance to be a much more effective alternative to the standard de-esser that comes with their DAWs. The intuitive and informative display makes this an even more welcome addition in the studio.

Waves Sibilance is better suited for de-essing individual tracks rather than for processing stems and entire mixes. Nevertheless, it is versatile enough for tracking and mixing duties, and it is pretty easy to get good results.

Final thoughts

As far as deesser plug-ins go, you simply can't do better than the FabFilter Pro-DS. It's an all-around winner with its combination of features and functionality, sound quality, precise parameter control, and detailed user interface. The Pro-DS is the one to beat, regardless of its price.

Somewhere in the middle are the Oxford SuprEsser and the McDSP DE555, which are both pretty solid performers any way you cut it. The SuprEsser is an especially impressive plug-in that even rivals FabFilter's Pro-DS in some aspects, and the DE555 is no slouch either. Put simply, you can't go wrong by going with any one of these two for a broad range of de-essing needs.

Finally, the Waves DeEsser and Waves Renaissance DeEsser still continue to impress despite now being a bit long in the tooth. Although both plug-ins have largely been superseded by more recent releases, they are can still do a good job of ridding your audio of nasty sibilance.

Softube Weiss Deess De-Esser takes a decidedly classy and elegant approach to de-essing, with a simple interface that hides a surprising amount of power and functionality. Like all of Softube's plug-ins, this one has an attractive interface that gives of the impression of a dependable piece of hardware. The look of the interface doesn't affect the audio in any way of course, but the eye-catching interface is definitely a nice touch.

Thankfully, the Weiss Deess does sound great. In fact, many experienced users praise its ability to approximate the sound and responsiveness of a good hardware de-esser, with no adverse effect on the audio whatsoever. The display is also one of the best we've seen on a plug-in, and certainly better than those on most de-essers. Weiss Deess is equally handy at taming high-frequency content of non-vocal tracks, giving it added versatility in a studio setting.

Waves Sibilance is worth a mention mainly due to the innovative Organic ReSynthesis technology, which simply doesn't exist in any other de-esser plug-in. This feature gives Sibilance a precision and accuracy that other de-essers simply can't compare with, and you will immediately notice how much better it makes problematic vocal tracks sound.

Most de-esser plug-ins are marketed as being able to preserve the transients and high-end frequencies of audio, but few are as capable of the job as Sibilance. The spectral filters that are central to the Organic ReSynthesis function identify only the unwanted sibilant frequencies in the audio. They could therefore be removed entirely without any effect on the other frequency content. With Sibilance, you could get pretty aggressive with the de-essing when the need calls for it, without having to worry about your audio getting thrashed in the process.

Like many other de-essers, Sibilance isn't just limited to vocal tracks. It can be used on drums, guitars, and any other transient-heavy material that can be prone to brightness. Although perhaps less effective on full mixes and stems, it is nevertheless versatile enough to deserve a place in your plug-in collection.