12 Best DeEsser VST Plugins: Tame Mix Sibilance (2024)

What Are the Best DeEsser VST Plugins in 2024?

Here are the top deesser VST plugins to consider in 2024:

• Fabfilter - Pro-DS
• Waves - Sibilance
• Sonnox - Oxford SuprEsser
• Hofa - IQ-Series DeEsser
• Brainworx - SPL De-esser
• Sonible - smart:deess
• iZotope - Nectar 4 Plus
• Softube - Weiss Deeess
• XILS Lab - XILS DeeS
• Waves - Renaissance DeEsser
• Antares - Sybil EVO
• Oeksound - soothe2

Precision De-Essing

These plugins offer precise control over sibilance reduction, allowing for detailed and accurate de-essing. Ideal for professional vocal processing where fine-tuning is essential.

Fabfilter Pro-DS

Intelligent and Transparent DeEssing for Precision Control

Overview:

FabFilter’s Pro-DS stands out in the realm of DeEsser plugins due to its meticulously crafted algorithms and its attention to detail. It’s not just about reducing sibilance, but doing so in a way that sounds natural and maintains the integrity of the original recording.

What makes Pro-DS particularly appealing is its ‘Single Vocal’ detection algorithm, which accurately identifies sibilance in vocal recordings and processes it with finesse. For those looking to apply de-essing to an entire mix or bus, the ‘Allround’ mode ensures that the plugin doesn’t overreact to high-frequency content that isn’t problematic sibilance.

Additionally, with features like adjustable stereo linking and mid/side processing, the Pro-DS offers versatility that extends beyond traditional vocal processing. It can be a valuable tool for mastering engineers or for processing stereo buses.

Final Thoughts:

FabFilter’s Pro-DS is more than just a DeEsser; it’s a comprehensive solution for tackling sibilance, regardless of the source. With its intuitive interface, detailed visual feedback, and unparalleled processing accuracy, it’s no wonder that Pro-DS is a favorite among top producers and engineers. If you’re in the market for a DeEsser that offers both precision and transparency, Pro-DS is hard to beat.

Waves Sibilance

Cutting-edge Sibilance Reduction with Organic Results

Overview:

Sibilance by Waves takes a unique approach to the world of DeEssing. Powered by the innovative Organic ReSynthesis technology, this plugin can differentiate between sibilant sounds and the desired voice in a recording, ensuring that only the problematic frequencies are attentively processed. This leaves the rest of the vocal in its natural state, untouched and uncolored.

One of the challenges of traditional de-essers is the potential to dull the character of a vocal. With Waves Sibilance, the integrity and clarity of the recording remain front and center. The clear, user-friendly interface shows both the original waveform and the amount of sibilance being reduced, allowing for precise control and understanding of the plugin’s operations.

Final Thoughts:

For those who desire a quick, efficient, and transparent solution to vocal sibilance, Waves Sibilance is a prime contender. The utilization of the Organic ReSynthesis technology ensures that sibilant sounds are treated delicately and that the essence of the vocal is preserved. It’s an indispensable tool for any vocal-centric production.

Sonnox Oxford SuprEsser

Next-Generation DeEssing for Supreme Vocal Clarity

Overview:

The Sonnox Oxford SuprEsser is more than just a DeEsser; it’s a versatile tool tailored for tackling problematic frequencies in the most transparent way possible. Built upon Oxford’s legacy of excellence in audio processing, SuprEsser offers both dynamic EQ and spectral compression, ensuring that your audio remains pristine while taming problematic resonances.

Its real-time visual analysis is a game-changer, allowing users to visualize the exact frequencies that are triggering the de-essing process. This feature, combined with its broad frequency range, ensures that the SuprEsser is not just limited to vocals; it can handle a variety of instruments and audio sources, ensuring that they sit perfectly in the mix.

Another highlight of the Oxford SuprEsser is its ability to function transparently. Even when aggressively clamping down on sibilance, the audio remains natural and uncolored, which is testament to its superior processing algorithm.

Final Thoughts:

When it comes to de-essing and frequency-specific dynamic control, few plugins match the prowess of the Sonnox Oxford SuprEsser. Its combination of ease-of-use, flexibility, and transparency makes it an indispensable tool for both studio professionals and home recording enthusiasts. Whether you’re working on a vocal track or aiming to polish an entire mix, the SuprEsser is up to the task, ensuring your audio remains clear and sibilance-free.

Transparent De-Essing

Designed to reduce sibilance in a way that is transparent and natural, these plugins preserve the original character of the audio while effectively reducing unwanted sibilance.

Hofa IQ-Series DeEsser

Precision Control Meets Vocal Brilliance

Overview:

When it comes to handling vocal sibilance with precision, the Hofa IQ-Series DeEsser stands out from the crowd. It combines innovative features with an intuitive interface, granting producers and engineers unparalleled control over sibilance reduction.

The DeEsser’s advanced algorithm is designed to adapt to the nuances of any vocal performance. With its dual-band operation, users can target specific troublesome frequencies without affecting the surrounding areas, ensuring that vocals retain their natural warmth and presence.

One of the standout features of the Hofa IQ-Series DeEsser is its visual feedback, providing a clear representation of both the input signal and the applied processing. This makes identifying and taming sibilant frequencies an intuitive process, even for those new to the world of de-essing.

Final Thoughts:

The Hofa IQ-Series DeEsser is a powerful tool in the arsenal of any audio professional or enthusiast looking to refine vocal recordings. With its perfect balance of simplicity and depth, it caters to both beginners and seasoned professionals. Whether you’re aiming for a subtle touch-up or a deep sibilance reduction, this DeEsser ensures your vocals shine through without compromise.

Brainworx SPL De-esser

Streamlined Sibilance Control with German Engineering Precision

Overview:

Brainworx’s SPL De-esser, adapted from the esteemed hardware de-esser by Sound Performance Lab (SPL), brings German precision engineering to the realm of digital audio processing. As one of the most straightforward yet effective plugins in the market, it offers top-tier de-essing with minimal fuss.

A unique feature of the SPL De-esser is its dual-band mode, which offers separate processing for male and female vocals. This ensures that the sibilance is handled appropriately, considering the inherent frequency differences between different vocalists.

Moreover, the SPL De-esser stands out due to its transparency. Sibilance control often risks dulling the vocal or introducing unwanted artifacts, but with this tool, vocals retain their sparkle and clarity even after significant de-essing. Its interface, streamlined and intuitive, enables users to achieve desired results rapidly without wading through a maze of options. However, for those who wish to delve deeper, there’s enough flexibility under the hood to fine-tune the process.

Final Thoughts:

The Brainworx SPL De-esser is a testament to the idea that simplicity does not equate to compromise. Drawing from its hardware lineage, it provides top-tier sibilance control while ensuring that vocals remain as natural as ever. For professionals and hobbyists alike, this tool offers a no-fuss approach to achieve polished, radio-ready vocals.

Sonible smart:deess

Intelligent De-Essing for Perfect Vocal Clarity

Overview:

Sonible smart is an advanced de-essing plugin that leverages AI technology to deliver precise and transparent results. Designed for professional vocal processing, this plugin adapts in real-time to the unique characteristics of each vocal track, ensuring that sibilance is effectively controlled without compromising the natural sound of the voice.

One of the standout features of smart is its AI-powered processing. The plugin uses intelligent algorithms to analyze and understand the specific sibilance patterns of the input signal, allowing it to apply de-essing with pinpoint accuracy. This results in a more natural and transparent reduction of harsh sibilant sounds, preserving the clarity and presence of the vocal performance.

The user interface of smart is designed for ease of use, featuring a streamlined layout with minimal controls. This simplicity makes it accessible to users of all skill levels, while still offering powerful de-essing capabilities. Users can choose between automatic mode, where the AI handles all the adjustments, and manual mode, which provides control over key parameters for those who prefer a hands-on approach.

Final Thoughts:

Sonible smart is an exceptional tool for achieving clean and professional vocal recordings. Its intelligent, AI-driven approach to de-essing ensures that sibilance is managed effectively without introducing artifacts or altering the natural sound of the voice. Whether you’re a seasoned audio engineer or a novice producer, smart offers a reliable and user-friendly solution for enhancing vocal clarity and quality.

Comprehensive Vocal Processing

These plugins are part of larger suites of vocal processing tools, providing all-in-one solutions for vocal production that include de-essing as a key feature.

iZotope Nectar 4 Plus

Much More Than Just a De-esser: A Vocal Production Powerhouse

Overview:

iZotope’s Nectar 4 Plus is a Swiss Army knife for vocal production. While it’s fully equipped with a range of tools designed to help your vocals shine, it is the de-esser module that stands out for those plagued by harsh sibilance.

The Nectar 4 Plus de-esser isn’t just a basic tool; it’s a smart implementation that uses spectral shaping technology. Instead of merely ducking problematic frequencies, it listens to your vocals and subtly shapes them, reducing unwanted sibilance and ensuring that the inherent tonal quality remains intact. This results in vocals that are polished but still sound natural.

Adding to its appeal is the Vocal Assistant feature. By analyzing your audio, it offers custom-tailored suggestions and creates a preset specifically designed for your recording. This not only speeds up the mixing process but ensures optimal results every time.

Final Thoughts:

When it comes to versatile vocal plugins with exceptional de-essing capabilities, iZotope Nectar 4 Plus easily ranks among the best. Its blend of top-tier technology and user-friendly design makes it a favorite for both novices and professionals. Whether you’re trying to tame sibilance or refine your vocals in other ways, Nectar 4 Plus has you covered.

Softube Weiss Deees

Precision De-essing with Unmatched Clarity

Overview:

The Weiss Deess by Softube stands out as a top-tier de-esser in the world of audio processing. Building on the legacy of the renowned Weiss DS1-MK3, this plugin brings precision and clarity to vocal tracks by effectively removing harsh sibilance. Its transparent processing ensures that while the sibilance is controlled, the vocal’s natural tone and dynamics are preserved, making it a favorite among mixing and mastering engineers.

One of the standout features of Weiss Deess is its multiple de-essing modes. These modes are tailored for different vocal types and recording scenarios, providing flexibility and adaptability in various mixing situations. Whether you’re dealing with a male or female vocalist, spoken word, or singing, Weiss Deess has the tools to handle the task with ease.

Furthermore, the user interface of Weiss Deess is intuitive and user-friendly, making it easy to dial in the perfect settings quickly. The visual feedback provided by the interface helps in accurately identifying and addressing problematic frequencies, ensuring a smoother workflow and more precise results.

Final Thoughts:

Weiss Deess is an essential tool for any serious audio professional looking to achieve clean and polished vocal recordings. Its ability to provide high precision de-essing with transparent processing makes it a valuable addition to any plugin arsenal. Whether you’re a mixing engineer working on a complex session or a mastering engineer refining the final touches, Weiss Deess offers the control and quality needed to produce professional-grade results.

Vintage and Unique Techniques

Combining vintage and modern techniques, these plugins offer unique de-essing solutions that add character and flexibility to vocal processing.

XILS Lab XILS DeeS

Precision Meets Intuitive Workflow

Overview:

From the innovative minds at XILS Lab, XILS DeeS emerges as a potent solution to the age-old challenge of sibilance in vocal recordings. This de-esser is more than just a problem solver; it’s a versatile tool that brings users closer to the ideal vocal sound they envision.

XILS DeeS is particularly renowned for its dual detection system. This system allows users to engage in broadband de-essing or to zero in on specific frequency bands, ensuring that sibilance is addressed according to the unique demands of each recording. Its real-time waveform display, which contrasts the processed and original signals, offers users valuable insights into the de-essing process.

Beyond its primary functionality, XILS DeeS shines in its attention to detail. Users are provided with granular control over both the sibilant and non-sibilant sections of the audio. This ensures that while sibilance is reduced, the inherent character and emotion of the vocals remain untouched. The result? Clean vocals that feel organic, not overly processed.

Final Thoughts:

For those in search of a de-esser that combines technical prowess with an intuitive design, XILS DeeS by XILS Lab is a top contender. This plugin is designed to integrate seamlessly into any vocal chain, ensuring that sibilance is managed effectively without compromising the nuances that make each vocal unique.

Quick and Easy De-Essing

These plugins are designed for quick setup and easy use, providing effective de-essing with minimal effort, making them ideal for fast-paced production environments.

Waves Renaissance DeEsser

Timeless Precision: A Trusted Solution for Taming Sibilance

Overview:

In the world of audio plugins, some names stand as staples, and the Waves Renaissance DeEsser is one such classic. This DeEsser, while being part of the esteemed Renaissance series from Waves, has carved its niche as one of the go-to tools for handling excessive sibilance in vocals and other audio sources.

With its focus on transparent operation, the Renaissance DeEsser deftly attenuates harsh ‘s’ and ‘sh’ sounds without compromising the character of the sound source. Its adaptive threshold and phase-compensation technologies work behind the scenes to ensure smooth and artifact-free processing.

The selectable modes, including the wideband and split compression options, provide flexibility to adapt to various source materials. Whether it’s a piercing vocal or a sharp hi-hat, this DeEsser can be tailored to fit the bill.

Final Thoughts:

The Waves Renaissance DeEsser stands as a testament to Waves’ commitment to quality and precision. With its blend of vintage warmth and modern tech, it continues to be a favorite in studios worldwide. When sibilance issues arise, this plugin remains a reliable and effective solution for producers and engineers.

Antares Sybil EVO

Precise Sibilance Control with Evolutionary Processing

Overview:

Sybil EVO by Antares brings evolutionary advancements to the de-essing domain, ensuring that producers and engineers have precise control over troublesome sibilant sounds. Building upon Antares’ legacy of top-tier vocal processing, Sybil EVO offers a balance of simplicity and depth, making it suitable for both novice users and seasoned professionals.

At the heart of Sybil EVO is its variable frequency response, which allows users to home in on specific problematic frequencies, ensuring that only the problematic areas get processed. Additionally, the adjustable attack and release parameters give an added layer of flexibility, letting users decide how aggressively the de-essing takes place.

The option between wideband and split EQ modes provides two distinct methods of sibilance control. While the wideband mode processes the entire signal, the split EQ mode focuses only on the specified sibilant frequencies, offering more transparent results. The real-time visual feedback further aids in understanding how the plugin is interacting with the audio, helping users make informed decisions.

Final Thoughts:

Antares Sybil EVO stands as a blend of precision and usability, ensuring that vocals are free from harsh sibilance while retaining their natural character. With its rich features and intuitive design, Sybil EVO proves to be an indispensable tool for anyone looking to elevate their vocal productions to professional standards.

Versatile Frequency Control

Excelling at controlling harsh frequencies dynamically, these plugins are highly effective for de-essing as well as other frequency-related issues in the mix.

Oeksound Soothe2

Dynamic Resonance Suppression for Superior Sound Quality

Overview:

Oeksound Soothe2 is a dynamic resonance suppressor designed to address and eliminate unwanted resonant frequencies in real-time. This plugin is ideal for a wide range of applications, including vocals, individual instruments, and even full mixes. It offers a transparent and musical approach to taming harshness and resonances, ensuring your audio remains natural and balanced.

Soothe2 stands out for its automatic detection and reduction of problematic frequencies. Using advanced algorithms, the plugin continuously analyzes the input signal and applies the necessary adjustments to reduce resonances without affecting the overall tonal balance. This makes it incredibly effective at smoothing out harshness and providing a more polished and professional sound.

The interface of Soothe2 is both intuitive and informative, featuring a clear visual representation of the frequency spectrum and the areas being processed. Users can easily adjust the sensitivity, depth, and frequency range to tailor the processing to their specific needs. Despite its sophisticated processing capabilities, Soothe2 is designed to be CPU efficient, allowing for multiple instances to be used without significantly impacting system performance.

Final Thoughts:

Oeksound Soothe2 is an indispensable tool for anyone looking to enhance the clarity and quality of their audio. Its intelligent resonance suppression technology ensures that harsh frequencies are effectively managed, resulting in a smoother and more pleasant sound. Whether you’re working on vocals, instruments, or complete mixes, Soothe2 provides a powerful and user-friendly solution for achieving superior sound quality.

“After de-essing your vocals, add reverb to give them space in the mix. Explore the Best Reverb Plugins.”

FAQ Buying Guide: Best DeEsser VST Plugins

When looking to tackle sibilance in vocal recordings, a DeEsser VST plugin becomes an indispensable tool. Choosing the right one can make a significant difference, ensuring that vocals sound polished and professional without losing their natural charm and clarity.

• What is a DeEsser VST plugin?

  A DeEsser VST plugin is a specialized audio processor used to reduce or eliminate excessive sibilance (‘s’ and ‘sh’ sounds) in vocal recordings. It functions like a frequency-specific compressor, focusing mainly on the high-frequency range where sibilance occurs.

• Why do vocal recordings sometimes have harsh 's' and 'sh' sounds?

  Sibilance can result from the vocalist’s technique, microphone type, or its positioning. Some microphones, especially condenser mics, can accentuate these high frequencies, making the sibilance more prominent in the recording.

• How does a DeEsser work?

  A DeEsser works by identifying and compressing specific frequency ranges where sibilance is most prominent, usually between 3kHz to 10kHz. When the sibilance exceeds a set threshold, the DeEsser reduces its volume.

• Is there a difference between wideband and split-band DeEssing?

  Yes. Wideband DeEssing compresses the entire signal when sibilance is detected, while Split-band DeEssing compresses only the sibilant frequencies, leaving the rest of the signal untouched. Both have their applications depending on the vocal and desired outcome.

• Can DeEssers be used on non-vocal tracks?

  While DeEssers are primarily designed for vocals, they can be useful in taming harsh frequencies in other instruments like cymbals, hi-hats, or even in a full mix in certain situations.

• How do I determine the best frequency range to target with a DeEsser?

  Many DeEssers come with a ‘listen’ or ‘solo’ function that lets you hear only the frequencies being compressed. This helps in pinpointing the exact range where sibilance is most prominent.

• Can overusing a DeEsser harm the audio quality?

  Yes, over-DeEssing can make vocals sound dull or lispy. It’s essential to strike a balance, reducing unwanted sibilance without negatively impacting the natural character of the voice.

• Why choose a dedicated DeEsser plugin over a dynamic EQ?

  While dynamic EQs can be used to control sibilance, a dedicated DeEsser is specifically designed for this task, offering specialized tools and a more user-friendly interface for quick and effective results.

• Do all DeEssers sound the same?

  No. Different DeEssers have unique algorithms and characteristics. Some might be more transparent, while others can add a specific coloration or tone to the processed signal.

• Is it essential to use a DeEsser in every vocal track?

  Not always. Use a DeEsser only when sibilance is distracting or overly prominent. In some cases, a mild sibilance can even add clarity to the vocals.