What it is
A dynamic sibilance and harshness reducer with two purpose-built modes. Voice mode targets vocal sibilants in the 4-9 kHz range — the "ssss" and "tssss" sounds that get harsh on a hot vocal. Music mode tames cymbal harshness in the 5-12 kHz range — the kind of brittle top end that fatigues the ear over a full track. Both modes are dynamic: they only engage when the target band crosses the threshold, leaving the rest of the signal alone.
How to use it
- Enable the de-esser in the dynamics rack
- Pick Voice for vocal sibilants, Music for cymbal / hi-hat / brittle top-end
- Set Frequency to the centre of the offending band (typical: 6-7 kHz voice, 8-10 kHz music)
- Set Threshold just below the loudest "S" — the meter will show suppression when it engages
- Set Range (max attenuation, typically -4 to -8 dB)
- Tune Attack (2-5 ms catches transients) and Release (20-50 ms lets it breathe)
What it affects
The de-esser only engages when the target band crosses the threshold, so quiet passages are untouched. Pairs well with Surgical Cleanup for isolated tonal resonances and AI Artifact Suppressor for broader shimmer artifacts. Three different tools, three different problems — the de-esser handles the loud sibilance peaks that dynamic processing can fix without a permanent EQ cut.