2013

Mastering 91
De-Esser (Plug-in)
If you have ever edited or restored your own spoken or sung recordings, you've most
certainly come across the occasional unpleasant loud "S" or "SSHH" sound. This
hissing can ruin an otherwise perfectly good recording.
The De-Esser works according to the "dynamic filter" principle, meaning that it
contains a filter switch (band pass and high cut), whose frequency and
implementation depends on the input signal and the recognized "problem area".
So-called detector circuiting reacts to the input peak levels in the mid and high areas.
This level recognition occurs automatically in a comprehensive modulation area. For
this reason the De-Esser can manage without having to set a threshold.
Using the De-Esser is quite simple:
You have to notify the detector circuiting which areas contain the "S" or other sibilant
sounding distortions. A switch for male and female voices has been designed for this.
Depending on the switch setting, it will select the internal parameters for the most
exact recognition possible.
After you have set the switch, the Reduction fader has to be adjusted enough that the
"S" parts of the signal are reduced to a normal level.
An overly strong reduction of "S" sounds in speech or song recordings can, however,
result in a "lisping" sound. Often, a small reduction can be enough to balance the ratio
levels.
The Removed Noise button can be used to control the recognition and adjustment of
the De-Esser. With it you can pick up the detector circuitry and evaluate whether the
switch is in the correct position.
You can also try to edit other sound sources, partially complete mixes and drum
recordings with the De-Esser. For the latter, the adjustment control can bring about
an improvement in the sound of cymbals and high hats that were too loud. For
humming signals/complete mixes, the De-Esser (discreet setting) can be used to
design the sound characteristics more softly.
For such 'forced adjustment' the correct setting for the switch can be found out quite
simply by testing ot out.