SSL DeEss

Relative threshold de-esser with workflow enhancements, mid/side processing, and signal revitalisation

SSL DeEss is a workflow-oriented correctional tool for classic precision sibilance reduction and high-frequency control.

Alongside workflow enhancements such as automatic auditioning and built-in brighten control for rejuvenating de-essed signals, DeEss uses a relative threshold algorithm: allowing you to change the input level of the signal without a destructive effect on the response of the de-esser. This also means that you can de-ess quiet sibilant events just as effectively as loud ones!

With DeEss, you can quickly target only the mid or side components of the signal, as well as toggling in automatic oversampling and lookahead options for a super-high-quality response. Not only this, but DeEss ships with carefully designed presets for different vocal types (Tenor, Alto, Soprano) and even instrument processing – de-essing is no longer just for vocals.

Overview

• Relative threshold de-esser - Make changes to level earlier in your FX chain, without destructing your carefully tailored de-esser response

• Rejuvenate your de-essed signal - Use the brighten control to rejuvenate the high-end after de-essing

• Filter it your way - Choose any mix between SPLIT and BROADBAND processing modes – the maximum gain reduction of each carefully tailored for de-essing that is effective and transparent, but not overdone – and switch out the filters independently to audition bandpass or shelf approaches

• Multi-shade waveform visualiser - See the de-esser kick in on both the quietest and loudest parts of the signal because of the relative threshold

• Automatic auditioning - Use AUTO LISTEN to automatically audition the signal when changing related controls

• Mid/side processing - Quickly target only the mid or side components of the signal

Features

• Relative threshold de-esser

• Independently toggleable high and low-pass sidechain filters

• Sidechain FFT graph with draggable filter handles

• SPLIT mode: suppress only the defined frequency range when triggered

• BROADBAND mode: suppress the entire signal when triggered

• BLEND between SPLIT and BROADBAND modes

• Optionally target only the MID or SIDE signals

• Accentuate or reduce the intensity of the de-esser using the AMOUNT parameter

• Revitalise and rejuvenate de-essed signals using the BRIGHTEN control

• Switch in a LOOKAHEAD or use OVERSAMPLING to optionally increase responsiveness and accuracy of the de-essing algorithm

• Set the relative THRESHOLD and see its effects using the COMPRESSOR graph

• Multi-shade waveform visualiser shows three levels of shading – bright, medium and off – to indicate highly de-essed, slightly de-essed and untouched signals respectively, despite using a relative threshold!

• Try turning down the signal earlier in your mix chain, and notice how DeEss maintains its response

• Easily audition the sidechain filters or effected signal by clicking the ‘FILTERS’ and ‘COMPRESSOR’ labels

• Use AUTO LISTEN to automatically switch in the FILTER or COMPRESSOR audition when changing related parameters

• 3rd order Butterworth filters that are chosen to be sharp but allow for transparent de-essing

• Output metering with high-level and clipping warnings

• Instantaneous Gain Reduction meter

• Built-in help system

• Several carefully designed presets for each vocal type, as well as for instruments – de-essing isn’t just for sibilance!