Hiss
by Noisebud · Resonance Suppressor · Spectral resonance and noise processor
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Hiss is a Noisebud spectral processor that splits a frequency range into tonal resonances, noise-like content and the rest, so each can be cut or boosted on its own.
It began as a mastering de-esser and detects 1 to 20 resonances, for $39 or with a $7 Patreon membership.
Best for: Mastering, Mix Bus, Vocals, Acoustic Instruments. Genres: all genres.
Keywords: spectral, mastering, corrective, cymbals, synths, vocals, dynamic, full mix, auto-gain, bus processing, electric guitar, mix bus, mixing, parallel processing, perpetual licence, wide.
What it does
Hiss is a "spectral processor for selective control of resonances and noise-like content". It began as an advanced de-esser for mastering and works by splitting the problem area into three parts, tonal peaks, noise and the rest, so each can be treated on its own.
- Three components: separates detected resonances, noise-like content and the remaining signal.
- Resonance detection: finds 1 to 20 resonances within a frequency range you set anywhere from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, using a center frequency and a range-width control.
- Tonal and Noise faders: independent gain for each part from -48 dB to +24 dB, so you can cut ringing and hiss separately, or bring one of them up.
- Detection sources: the detector can follow the filtered dry signal, the resonance component, the noise or the rest signal.
- Dynamics: threshold with automatic level compensation, plus attack and release.
- Resolution and stereo: selectable spectral window size, and single or shared correlation stereo modes.
- Delta and mix: hear only what is being changed, and blend dry and wet for parallel use.
The developer lists harsh cymbals, ringing acoustic instruments, brittle synths, upper-midrange buildup, distorted guitars and low-mid resonances as targets, and says it is not meant to smooth everything. Version 1.00, made with SynthEdit. It is a one-time purchase, including minor updates up to the next major version, or comes with Noisebud's Patreon membership. Free demos are available.
When to use it
Hiss is the better pick when the problem is a mix of ringing tones and noisy hiss and you want to handle them separately. Compared with soothe3 and OD Finesse, which suppress resonances dynamically across the spectrum, Hiss works inside a range you choose and splits tonal and noise content into separate faders, which can also boost. Compared with RESO, it is a continuous processor rather than a tool that finds resonances and hands you EQ notches. It is also cheaper than soothe3, but it is new and far less proven in daily use.
- Best for: de-essing and taming sibilance, cymbal hash, ringing and hiss on masters, vocals, acoustic instruments and synths.
- Genres: any.
- Look elsewhere if: you want a fast, widely proven broadband resonance suppressor (soothe3), or a simple dynamic EQ approach (OD Finesse).
Where to buy
- Noisebud: $39
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