How to Use a De-Esser to Reduce Sibilance in Vocal Mixing

A de-esser plugin is a specialized audio processing tool that plays a crucial role in refining vocal tracks by reducing harshness caused by sibilance, those pronounced “s” and “sh” sounds that can make recordings sound piercing or muddled.

Let’s find what a de-esser is, how it works, and some practical tips for integrating it effectively into your music production and audio mixing workflow.

What is Sibilance?

Vocal sibilance refers to the excessive emphasis on certain consonants like “s,” “z,” “sh,” and “t” during vocal recordings. This phenomenon is often accentuated by certain vocal techniques and microphone placements, resulting in a high-frequency, uncomfortable harshness that can be grating during playback, particularly after compression and other effects are applied.

How Does a De-Esser Work?

A de-esser functions similarly to a compressor, but it specifically targets these high-frequency sibilant sounds. It works by identifying and selectively reducing the volume of these frequencies, thereby smoothing out the overall sound of the vocal track without affecting the integrity of the other elements in the mix.

De-essers can be found as plugins for digital audio workstations (DAWs) and come with a variety of controls to help customize their effect.

Setting Up a De-Esser Plugin in Your DAW

To integrate a de-esser into your mixing process, follow these steps:

1. Insert the De-Esser: Open your DAW’s FX panel on your vocal track, find the de-esser plugin, and insert it preferably after EQ and compression but before adding any reverb or delay effects.
2. Adjust the Frequency: Most de-essers allow you to adjust the target frequency range. This is usually set between 7 – 10 kHz for vocals but will vary based on the singer’s voice.
3. Set the Threshold: The threshold control sets the level above which the de-esser will start reducing gain. Set it just above the normal level of the vocal to avoid over-processing.
4. Gain Reduction: Decide how much gain you want to reduce once the de-esser is triggered. Typically, a reduction of 3-4 dB works, but listen to the mix to make the final judgment.
5. Monitoring: Utilize the monitoring switch to listen only to the frequencies the de-esser is affecting. This can help you make more precise adjustments.

Top 5 Commercial De-Esser Plugins

1. FabFilter Pro-DS – Widely recognized for its intelligent and transparent processing, this plugin offers precise control over sibilance with adjustable frequency bands and high-quality audio.
2. Waves Renaissance DeEsser – A classic choice in many professional studios, it features a simple, intuitive interface and effective sibilance reduction capabilities.
3. Sonnox Oxford SuprEsser – A versatile, highly configurable de-esser that can operate in simple or detailed mode, catering to both quick fixes and in-depth dynamic control.
4. iZotope RX Spectral De-ess – Part of the RX suite, this tool is ideal for post-production, allowing detailed spectral editing to attenuate or remove unwanted sibilant frequencies.
5. Eiosis e2Deesser – Known for its dual-channel design and unique air and sibilance detection algorithms, this plugin provides comprehensive control over sibilance treatment.

Also, see my detailed guide on the best de-esser plugins.

Practical Tips for Effective De-Essing

• Use Automation: Automate the de-esser settings for different sections of the track to handle varying levels of sibilance.
• Combine Tools: Place the de-esser after EQ and compression to shape the vocal sound before tackling the sibilance. This integrated approach often yields a more natural result.
• Contextual Listening: Always listen to the vocal in the context of the full mix when adjusting the de-esser settings to ensure it blends well without losing clarity or presence.
• Be Conservative: Start with subtle settings and adjust as needed. Over-de-essing can lead to a lifeless, unnatural vocal sound.
• Manual De-Essing: For particularly stubborn sibilance, manually reduce gain on sibilant peaks by editing the waveform directly.

Advanced Techniques and Alternatives

• Dynamic EQ and Multiband Compression: These tools offer more flexibility and precision for controlling sibilance, especially when automated.
• Parallel De-Essing: By running a parallel compression setup where only the sibilant frequencies are compressed, you can achieve a more dynamic control over these problematic sounds.
• Experiment with Microphone Technique: Altering the microphone placement and the singer’s technique can help reduce sibilance at the source.

Vocal de-essing is a technique that requires a good ear and a delicate touch. By understanding how to use a de-esser effectively, you can greatly enhance the clarity and quality of your vocal tracks. Experiment with different de-esser plugins and techniques to find what best suits your production style and the specific needs of each project.

Remember, the goal is to tame sibilance without stripping away the natural character and dynamism of the vocal performance.