SSL DeEss de-esser plugin interface by Solid State Logic

SSL DeEss: De-Esser Plugin by Solid State Logic

Rated 4.8/5 on Plugin Boutique (205 ratings)

SSL DeEss is a de-esser plugin from Solid State Logic for reducing excess sibilance and harsh mid-high frequency build-ups, such as 'ess' and 'shh' sounds in vocal takes. It is available in VST3, VST2, AU and AAX formats for Windows and macOS.

VST3VST2AUAAXWindowsmacOS64-bit

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01Overview

SSL DeEss is built for precision sibilance control on vocals and instruments. Solid State Logic positions it as a workflow-oriented correction tool, with a relative threshold algorithm that keeps the de-esser response consistent when the input level changes. Its automatic auditioning, brighten control and mid/side processing are aimed at speeding up the way producers set up and adjust a de-esser within a mix session.

Best for

Vocal sibilance control
Harsh vocal high-end
Mid/side de-essing
Instrument high-frequency control
Vocal mix correction

Developer: Solid State Logic
Category: De Essers
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Relative threshold de-esser that holds its response when input level changes
Brighten control to restore high-end after de-essing
SPLIT and BROADBAND modes, blendable in any mix
Independently switchable bandpass and shelf filters
Multi-shade waveform visualiser showing gain reduction
Automatic auditioning with Auto-Listen
Mid/side processing for targeting mid or side only
Presets for Tenor, Alto and Soprano vocals and instruments

03In depth

Sound control and processing modes

DeEss uses a relative threshold, so you can change the input level earlier in your FX chain without upsetting the de-esser's tuned response. The developer notes that this lets it reduce quiet sibilant events as effectively as loud ones.

You can blend SPLIT and BROADBAND processing modes, and switch the filters independently to audition bandpass or shelf approaches. A brighten control is included to restore high-end after de-essing. Solid State Logic says the maximum gain reduction of each mode is tailored to keep de-essing effective and transparent.

A multi-shade waveform visualiser shows where the de-esser engages across both quiet and loud passages.

Workflow and mid/side options

Auto-Listen plays back the signal automatically when related controls change, which helps when setting the threshold by ear. Mid/side processing lets you target only the mid or only the side component of a stereo signal.

The developer describes presets for different vocal types (Tenor, Alto, Soprano) and for instrument processing, which can serve as starting points before fine-tuning.

04Specs

Will it run?

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

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

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What is SSL DeEss used for?

SSL DeEss reduces excess sibilance and harsh mid-high frequency build-ups, such as 'ess' and 'shh' sounds in vocal takes. It can also be used on instruments.