Pro-DS
by FabFilter · Vocal Tool · De-esser
vst3s Score 9.6/10 · rated #1 of 10 vocal & de-essing
De-esser with single-vocal and wide-band modes, lookahead and a split-band option. Also usable for taming harshness on other sources.
Best for: Vocals, Mix Bus. Genres: all genres.
Keywords: vocals, corrective, bus processing, look-ahead, mix bus, dialogue, linear-phase, A/B compare, built-in analyzer, bright, cymbals, drums, full mix, lead vocals, mid/side, MIDI-controllable, mixing, oversampling, podcast, stereo-linked.
What it does
Pro-DS is FabFilter's de-esser. It finds and reduces sibilance on vocals and can also tame high-frequency harshness in drums or mixes.
- Detection modes: Single Vocal and Allround.
- Processing: wide band or linear-phase split band, with lookahead of up to 15 ms.
- Controls: threshold, range, detection high/low-pass filtering, stereo linking with mid/side options.
- Extras: live display with spectrum analyzer, up to 4x linear-phase oversampling, MIDI Learn and A/B comparison.
Source: FabFilter product page
When to use it
Pro-DS is a dedicated, easy-to-read de-esser. Its Single Vocal mode is set up for one voice, while Allround suits busier material.
- Best for: lead vocals, voiceover and dialogue, and taming harsh cymbals or a bright mix bus.
- Look elsewhere if: the problem is a resonance rather than sibilance; a resonance suppressor such as soothe3 is broader.
Where to buy
- Best Service: $169
- FabFilter: $199
- Plugin Boutique: $199
- PluginFox: $199
- AudioDeluxe: $199
Tutorials and reviews
- Fabfilter Pro-DS (Tutorial) - Everything You Need to Know
- Introduction to FabFilter Pro-DS Intelligent De-esser
- How To Use a De-Esser on Vocals (with FabFilter Pro DS)
- FabFilter Pro-DS De-esser Plug-in .What can a $170 De-esser plugin get you ?
- Tutorial: Fabfilter Pro DS - Plugin DeEsser
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