FabFilter Pro-DS de-esser plugin interface

Pro-DS: De-Esser Plugin by FabFilter Free Download

Rated 4.7/5 on Plugin Boutique (58 ratings)

FabFilter Pro-DS is a de-esser plugin from FabFilter for reducing sibilance in vocal recordings. It also works as high-frequency limiter on drums and full mixes. It is available in VST3, VST2, AU and AAX formats.

VST3VST2AUAAXWindowsmacOS64-bit

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Free trial available from the developer

01Overview

Sibilance in vocal takes can become over-accentuated during compression or saturation, even when they were recorded well. Pro-DS is built to address this in post-processing. Its 'Single Vocal' detection targets sibilance in vocal tracks, while the 'Allround' mode allows the same processing to be applied as high-frequency limiting on other material. The plugin is an effects processor for de-essing and transparent dynamic control.

Best for

Vocal de-essing
Vocal mixing
High-frequency limiting
Drum bus control
Full mix limiting

Developer: FabFilter
Category: De Essers
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Single Vocal detection and classic Allround detection modes
Real-time de-essing display showing affected audio
Adjustable Threshold, Range and detection HP/LP filters
Wide band or linear-phase split band processing
Optional look-ahead up to 15 ms
Mid-only or side-only processing with adjustable stereo linking
Up to four times linear-phase oversampling
64-bit internal processing with GPU-powered graphics

03In depth

Detection Modes and Processing Options

Pro-DS offers two detection approaches. The 'Single Vocal' detection is designed to identify sibilance in vocal recordings, while the classic 'Allround' detection suits broader high-frequency control.

Processing can be set to wide band or linear-phase split band. An optional look-ahead of up to 15 ms is available, and up to four times linear-phase oversampling can be selected. Stereo linking is freely adjustable, with optional mid-only or side-only processing.

Visual Feedback and Workflow Controls

A real-time de-essing display shows which parts of the processed audio are affected, making it easier to judge the result. A side-chain input meter helps in choosing a Threshold value, and a real-time spectrum analyzer is built into the HP/LP filter controller.

Threshold, Range and detection HP and LP filtering are all adjustable. Parameter values can be entered by double-clicking, the interface comes in large and compact sizes, and MIDI Learn, undo/redo and A/B comparison are included.

04Specs

Will it run?

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

Developer	FabFilter
Type	Plugin
Category	De Esser
Formats	VST3, VST2, AU, AAX
Operating systems	Windows, macOS
Architecture	64-bit
Free trial	Yes

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What formats is Pro-DS available in?

Pro-DS is available in VST3, VST2, AU and AAX Native formats. All FabFilter plug-ins are also offered in AudioSuite format.

Which operating systems does Pro-DS support?

Pro-DS runs on macOS and Windows. On Mac, it requires macOS 10.12 or higher on Intel or M1 Apple Silicon, 64-bit only. On Windows, it supports Windows 11, 10, 8, 7 or Vista, in 32- or 64-bit.