De-esser multiband plugin interface by IK Multimedia

De-esser: Multiband De-Esser Plugin by IK Multimedia

De-esser is a multiband, frequency-conscious dynamic processor plugin by IK Multimedia that reduces excessive sibilance, mainly on vocal tracks. It is available as VST3, VST2, AU and AAX for macOS and Windows.

VST3VST2AUAAXWindowsmacOS64-bit

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01Overview

De-esser by IK Multimedia is a plugin built around frequency-dependent compression. Instead of cutting a whole frequency range, it reduces harsh “s” sounds only when they are present, so the rest of the signal stays intact. Its multiband design lets producers work with the sibilant range precisely. The same approach can also tame bright cymbal hits in a mix where a static EQ cut would dull the high end.

Best for

Vocal sibilance control
Taming harsh cymbals
Hi-hat brightness reduction
Mix high-end cleanup
Vocal mixing

Developer: IK Multimedia
Category: De Essers
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Multiband, frequency-conscious dynamic processing
2-band mode for broader high-end reduction
3-band mode for precise control of narrow sibilance
Audition control for the de-essing action and spectrum
Adjustable release time for transparent gain reduction
Available as VST3, VST2, AU and AAX
Runs on macOS and Windows in 64-bit

03In depth

Multiband Sibilance Control for Vocals

De-esser works in two modes. In 2-band mode it acts more broadly, reducing the high-end content within the area set by the frequency selector. Switching to 3-band mode gives more precision, which is useful when sibilance sits in a narrow range and you want to leave the upper air of the vocal untouched.

Dedicated controls let you set the operating mode and audition the de-essing action, or the part of the spectrum the processor is working on, so you can confirm exactly which frequencies are being reduced.

Taming Harsh Cymbals and Hi-Hats

Beyond vocals, Resonance-style de-essing can help where an EQ cut would be too blunt. Hi-hats or crash cymbals can sound harsh or overly bright in a mix. An EQ cut would fix that but also affect the rest of the high end.

With the processor set to the right frequency and threshold, it reduces the harshness only when the cymbals are hit. Adjusting the release time keeps the action unobtrusive and transparent to the rest of the mix.

04Specs

Will it run?

Formats, systems and requirements as listed by Plugin Boutique. Missing details are left out, not guessed.

Developer	IK Multimedia
Type	Plugin
Category	De Esser
Formats	VST3, VST2, AU, AAX
Operating systems	Windows, macOS
Architecture	64-bit

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What is the De-esser plugin used for?

It controls excessive sibilance, the exaggerated “s” sounds that can be a problem on vocal tracks. It can also reduce harshness from bright cymbals or hi-hats only when they are hit.

What is the difference between 2-band and 3-band mode?

2-band mode works more broadly and reduces the high-end content within the area set by the frequency selector. 3-band mode offers more precision, which helps when sibilance sits in a narrow range and the upper air should stay untouched.

Which formats and operating systems does De-esser support?

De-esser is available in VST3, VST2, AU and AAX formats and runs on macOS and Windows, in 64-bit. The Windows version supports VST2, VST3 and AAX, and the macOS version supports Audio Units, VST2, VST3 and AAX.

What do I need to run De-esser?

On Mac you need an Intel Core 2 Duo, 4 GB of RAM (8 GB suggested) and macOS 10.10 or newer. On Windows you need an Intel Core 2 Duo or AMD Athlon 64 X2, 4 GB of RAM (8 GB suggested), Windows 7 or newer and an ASIO compatible sound card. An internet connection is required for the Custom Shop operations, which are web based.