9 Best DeEsser VST Plugins: Taming The Sibilance in Your Mix (2024)

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In the world of audio production, a DeEsser is an indispensable tool. Designed to minimize or eliminate the harsh ‘ess’ or ‘shh’ sounds, known as sibilance, these plugins ensure that vocals sit perfectly in a mix. Sibilance, while often a subtle issue, can become problematic, especially when compression and other processing emphasize these frequencies. Thankfully, the digital age has blessed us with an array of DeEsser plugins that range from simple and straightforward to comprehensive and intricate.

This roundup dives deep into the best DeEsser VST plugins available today, shedding light on their unique characteristics, strengths, and the scenarios they are best suited for. Whether you’re a budding home studio enthusiast or an experienced sound engineer, you’re sure to find a tool here that will help your vocals shine without the distracting harshness of excessive sibilance.

Now, let’s start with our top picks:

Our Top Picks
  • Fabfilter - Pro-DS
  • Waves - Sibilance
  • Hofa IQ-Series DeEsser
  • Sonnox Oxford SuprEsser
  • Brainworx SPL De-esser
  • Antares Sybil EVO
  • XILS Lab XILS DeeS
  • iZotope Nectar 3 Plus
  • Waves Renaissance DeEsser
Best DeEsser VST Plugins: Fabfilter - Pro-DS
(Image Credit: Fabfilter)

Fabfilter Pro-DS

Intelligent and Transparent DeEssing for Precision Control

Specifications:

  • Software Type: Dynamic Sibilance Processing
  • Platform - Supported formats: PC/MAC - VST, VST3, AU, AAX, AudioSuite

Benefits:

  • Pro-DS automatically identifies and processes sibilance in vocal recordings
  • Ensures that audio quality is maintained even with aggressive de-essing.
  • Offers both Wide Band and Split Band processing modes.
  • The real-time spectrum analyzer provides a visual representation of sibilance reduction.
  • Can process stereo signals with precise linking, preserving the stereo image.

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.

Best DeEsser VST Plugins: Waves - Sibilance
(Image Credit: Waves)

Waves Sibilance

Cutting-edge Sibilance Reduction with Organic Results

Specifications:

  • Software Type: Dynamic Voice Centric DeEssing
  • Platform - Supported formats: PC/MAC - VST, VST3, AU, AAX

Benefits:

  • Utilizes Waves' Organic ReSynthesis technology for natural-sounding sibilance control.
  • Delivers smooth results with minimal adjustments.
  • Designed to preserve the timbre, resonance, and clarity of the original vocals.
  • Specializes in detecting and reducing unwanted sibilant sounds from human voices.
  • A clear waveform display helps users understand the amount of processing being applied.

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.

Best DeEsser VST Plugins: Hofa IQ-Series DeEsser
(Image Credit: Hofa IQ)

Hofa IQ-Series DeEsser

Precision Control Meets Vocal Brilliance

Specifications:

  • Software Type: Advanced Frequency-Specific DeEssing
  • Platform - Supported formats: PC/MAC - VST, VST3, AU, AAX

Benefits:

  • Offers user-friendly interface with simple yet effective controls.
  • Allows for pinpoint sibilance removal across different frequency ranges.
  • Dynamically adjusts to the input signal for optimum de-essing.
  • Comprehensive spectral display aids in precise sibilance identification and processing.
  • Gives the flexibility of processing two frequency ranges simultaneously.

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.

Best DeEsser VST Plugins: Sonnox - Oxford SuprEsser
(Image Credit: Sonnox)

Sonnox Oxford SuprEsser

Next-Generation DeEssing for Supreme Vocal Clarity

Specifications:

  • Software Type: Dynamic EQ & Spectral Compression
  • Platform - Supported formats: PC/MAC - VST, AU, AAX

Benefits:

  • Features both automatic and manual modes for tailored sibilance management.
  • Allows for precision sculpting without introducing unwanted coloration.
  • Intuitive spectral waveform display for detailed insight into frequency behaviors.
  • Efficiently handles not just sibilance but other unwanted resonant sounds.
  • Maintains vocal quality and character even with aggressive de-essing.

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.

Best DeEsser VST Plugins: Brainworx - SPL De-esser
(Image Credit: Brainworx)

Brainworx SPL De-esser

Streamlined Sibilance Control with German Engineering Precision

Specifications:

  • Software Type: De-essing
  • Platform - Supported formats: PC/MAC - VST, AU, AAX

Benefits:

  • Adapted from SPL's revered hardware de-esser, ensuring top-notch performance.
  • Provides male and female modes, ensuring optimal results regardless of the vocalist's pitch.
  • Offers natural de-essing without introducing artifacts or affecting the original vocal timbre.
  • Designed for swift workflow without overwhelming the user.
  • Despite its simplicity, it offers a variety of options for tuning the de-essing effect to perfection.

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.

Best DeEsser VST Plugins: Antares Sybil EVO
(Image Credit: Antares)

Antares Sybil EVO

Precise Sibilance Control with Evolutionary Processing

Specifications:

  • Software Type: De-essing
  • Platform - Supported formats: PC/MAC - VST, AU, AAX

Benefits:

  • Allows users to pinpoint and process specific sibilant frequencies.
  • Adjustable attack and release times for fine-tuned control.
  • Offers diverse processing methods to handle sibilance according to user preferences.
  • Onboard display provides insights into the de-essing process in real-time.
  • Designed to tackle harshness without compromising the clarity and quality of vocals.

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.

Best DeEsser VST Plugins: XILS Lab XILS DeeS
(Image Credit: XILS Lab)

XILS Lab XILS DeeS

Precision Meets Intuitive Workflow

Specifications:

  • Software Type: De-essing
  • Platform - Supported formats: PC/MAC - VST, AU, AAX

Benefits:

  • Offers both broadband and band-specific sibilance detection.
  • Real-time display of de-essed vs. non-processed waveforms.
  • Provides independent control over the processed and non-processed sections.
  • Flexible parameters for a tailored de-essing experience.
  • Achieves transparent de-essing without negatively impacting the vocal tone.

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.

Best DeEsser VST Plugins: iZotope Nectar 3 Plus
(Image Credit: iZotope)

iZotope Nectar 3 Plus

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

Specifications:

  • Software Type: Vocal Processing Suite (with De-esser)
  • Platform - Supported formats: PC/MAC - VST, AU, AAX

Benefits:

  • Features everything from pitch correction to reverb, including a top-notch de-esser.
  • Offers the Vocal Assistant feature, which listens to vocals and creates a custom preset tailored to the recording.
  • Utilizes spectral shaping to reduce sibilance without affecting the character of the vocals.
  • Seamlessly integrates with other iZotope plugins for a smooth mixing experience.
  • Streamlined design ensures even beginners can achieve professional results.

Overview:

iZotope’s Nectar 3 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 3 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 3 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 3 Plus has you covered.

Best DeEsser VST Plugins: Waves Renaissance DeEsser
(Image Credit: Waves)

Waves Renaissance DeEsser

Timeless Precision: A Trusted Solution for Taming Sibilance

Specifications:

  • Software Type: Frequency-selective DeEsser
  • Platform - Supported formats: PC/MAC - VST, AU, AAX, SoundGrid

Benefits:

  • Designed to diminish sibilance transparently with precision.
  • Ensures consistent de-essing regardless of input levels.
  • Minimizes phase artifacts, maintaining the integrity of the original sound.
  • Offers both wideband and split compression modes for versatility.
  • Provides an intuitive user experience, rooted in Waves' long-standing reputation.

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.

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.

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