DeEss
by Solid State Logic · Vocal Tool · De-esser
Not rated yet
A de-esser with a relative threshold, so level changes earlier in the chain do not alter how it responds.
It adds a brighten control, auto-listen auditioning, split/broadband blending and mid/side processing.
Best for: Vocals, Acoustic Instruments. Genres: all genres.
Keywords: vocals, bright, mid/side, beginner-friendly, corrective, cymbals, look-ahead, mixing, oversampling, repair, simple, single-band.
What it does
DeEss is SSL's "workflow-oriented correctional tool" for sibilance and harsh high frequencies on vocals and instruments.
- Relative threshold: de-esses quiet sibilants as well as loud ones and keeps its response when input level changes.
- Brighten: restores high end after de-essing.
- Filter modes: any blend of Split and Broadband processing, with bandpass or shelf filter options.
- Auto Listen: automatically auditions the signal when you adjust related controls.
- Extras: mid/side targeting, oversampling, lookahead and presets for tenor, alto, soprano and instruments.
The current version is 1.4.1.
Source: Solid State Logic product page
When to use it
DeEss sits among the full-featured de-essers. Compared with FabFilter Pro-DS, a widely used vocal de-esser with a clear display, Softube Weiss Deess, a mastering-oriented dynamic de-esser, and sonible smart:deess, which uses AI detection, its draw is the relative threshold, which holds up when you change gain earlier in the chain.
- Best for: vocals of any range, and harsh cymbals or acoustic instruments.
- Genres: general purpose.
- Look elsewhere if: you want one-knob automatic de-essing.
- Standout: the relative threshold plus Brighten control.
What producers say
Reviews and users found it effective and easy to use.
- MusicRadar / Computer Music (2022): called it "one of the best we've tried" for ease of use and visuals.
- Sweetwater user (2022): gave 5/5, saying it's "not hard to learn and it really does the job."
Where to buy
- Solid State Logic: $99
- Sweetwater: $99
- Plugin Boutique: $99
- AudioDeluxe: $99
Tutorials and reviews
- SSL DeEss Plug-in: Next-gen de-esser, for vocals, instruments
- First Look: SSL's New "DeEss"—Keeps sibilance in check
- SSL DeEss - Best DeEsser Ever?
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