Embedded Files
OVERVIEW
DE-ESSER 2
De-Esser 2 is a specialized dynamics processor built to tame sibilance (those harsh “s,” “t,” and “sh” sounds) in vocals and other high-frequency content. Instead of compressing the entire signal, it targets and reduces gain only in a chosen frequency band — keeping vocals smooth without dulling the performance.
Key Features
Key Features
Threshold: Sets the level at which sibilance triggers gain reduction.
Max Reduction: Limits the maximum amount of de-essing applied.
Frequency: Chooses the frequency band to target.
Filter Mode:
Peak: narrow, precise reduction
Shelving: broad reduction
Range (Split / Wide): Controls how broad the removed band is.
Filter Solo: Lets you hear the isolated problem frequencies.
Mode (Relative / Absolute): Determines how the threshold responds to level changes.
Detection Meter: Shows incoming high-frequency energy.
Reduction Meter: Shows real-time gain reduction.
Best Use Cases
Best Use Cases
Lo-Fi and Retro Sounds: Perfect for replicating vintage video game tones or early digital samplers.
Glitch and Experimental Electronic Music: Adds aliasing, digital artifacts, and broken textures.
Drum Processing: Great for making kicks or snares sound aggressive, noisy, or “blown out.”
Synth Sound Design: Enhances basses, leads, and pads with digital grit.
Transitions and FX: Automate bit depth or sample rate for dramatic rises, falls, and breakdowns.
Vocals: Useful for robotic, degraded, or radio-interference effects.
Popular Song Examples
Popular Song Examples
Adele – “Rolling in the Deep”
Billie Eilish – “when the party’s over”
Sam Smith – “Stay With Me”
Ed Sheeran – “Shape of You”
Workflow Tips
Workflow Tips
Use EQ first to locate exact sibilant frequency ranges.
Start in Relative Mode for most vocals; switch to Absolute for very loud, bright vocals.
Set Threshold first, then adjust Max Reduction for natural control.
Use Filter Solo to pinpoint harsh consonants quickly.
Avoid over-de-essing — too much can make vocals sound lispy or dull.
Automate Threshold between verses and choruses for consistency in dynamic songs.
LISTEN to this POD about the DE-ESSER 2 Plugin
FAMOUS USES
(Not necessarily using Logic De-Esser 2, but demonstrating similar de-essing techniques.)
Rolling in the Deep
Rolling in the Deep
Adele – “Rolling in the Deep”
Timestamp: 0:42–1:10 (verse and pre-chorus vocals)
Use: Strong, breathy consonants softened to keep the vocal powerful but not piercing. (3:49)
when the party's over
when the party's over
Billie Eilish – “when the party’s over”
Timestamp: 0:18–0:45
Use: Subtle de-essing preserves intimacy and air without sharp “s” spikes in the minimalist mix. (3:16)
Stay With Me
Stay With Me
Sam Smith – “Stay With Me”
Timestamp: 0:30–1:00
Use: Natural smoothing of sibilance in delicate, emotional lead vocals. (2:53)
Shape of You
Shape of You
Ed Sheeran – “Shape of You”
Timestamp: 0:15–0:50
Use: Tames consistent high-frequency vocal artifacts from layered processing and bright consonants. (3:54)
LOGIC VIDEO TUTORIALS
De-esser 2 Basics
De-esser 2 Basics
Simon Sound Studio explains and demonstrates how to use Logic Pro's De-Esser plug-in. (5:29)
De-Esser 2 Deep Dive
De-Esser 2 Deep Dive
Jono provides a full tutorial on how to utilize Logic Pro's De-Esser 2 on a vocal track. (17:00)
De-Essing Deep Dive
De-Essing Deep Dive
Third Fret provides thorough tutorial on recording techniques to reduce sibilance. In addition, she demonstrates how to use Logic Pro's De-Esser . (20:17)
De-Esser 2 Vocal Tips
De-Esser 2 Vocal Tips
The Band Guide explains how to use Logic Pro's De-Esser 2 plug-in. (9:03)
DE-ESSING/SIBILANCE BASICS
(De-Essing and Sibilance in audio)
What is a De-Esser
What is a De-Esser
wickiemedia explains what a de-esser is and how it works. (2:27)
Sibilance
Sibilance
Joe Buck provides a brief tutorial on sibilance and how to use a De-Esser to reduce sibilance. (6:28)
Sibilance Deep Dive
Sibilance Deep Dive
James Younger takes a deep dive into how sibilance impacts podcasts and voiceover work. (21:30)
De-Essing Visual Display
De-Essing Visual Display
Waves Audio demonstrates a visual display to see how a de-essing plug-in changes a vocal track . (7:02)
SOURCE ARTICLES
SOURCE ARTICLES YOU CAN READ:
VOCABULARY
1. De-Esser: A dynamic effect that reduces harsh “s” and “t” sounds in vocals and some instruments.
2. Sibilance: The hissing sounds in speech or singing, like “s,” “sh,” or “t.”
3. Threshold: The volume level at which the De-Esser starts reducing sibilance.
4. Frequency: The specific pitch range where sibilance occurs, usually in the high frequencies.
5. Gain Reduction: How much the De-Esser lowers the volume of sibilant sounds.
6. Sidechain: The part of the audio signal the De-Esser listens to in order to trigger gain reduction.
7. Bandwidth / Q: Determines how wide the De-Esser’s frequency range is for targeting sibilance.
8. Attack: How quickly the De-Esser responds to sibilant sounds.
9. Release: How quickly the De-Esser stops reducing the sound after the sibilance passes.
10. Input Level: The volume of the audio before de-essing is applied.
11. Output Level: The volume of the audio after de-essing is applied.
12. Bypass / Off: Turns the De-Esser on or off so you can compare the original and processed sound.
13. Detection Mode: Some De-Essers can detect sibilance using either peak or RMS detection.
14. Metering: Shows how much gain reduction the De-Esser is applying in real time.
15. Vocal Clarity: The overall effect of a De-Esser, making vocals smoother without removing desired high-end detail.
QUIZZES
MANUAL
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