SPL DeEsser MK2 - Two-Channel Auto Dynamic De-Esser

The SPL DeEsser is unique – and has been since 1996. The Auto Dynamic DeEsser removes undesired sibilant frequencies in a simple and musical way, cancelling out S-sounds without affecting the natural character or timbre of the voice.

The newest generation of the DeEsser Mk2 features the same processing qualities as its predecessor, but comes in a new design and has an even better feel due to the solid aluminum knobs. The DeEsser Mk2 offers two mono DeEssers in one 19? device.

SPL DeEsser – the revolution of S-sound reduction.
The DeEsser uses a unique technology to reduce sibiliance in a mix or on vocal tracks. It automatically detects and hones in on the sibilant frequencies leaving neighboring frequencies unaffected. These S?sounds are mixed back into the main signal phase-inverted to cancel out the sibilance. The result is a sound-neutral, inconspicuous and extremely effective process. Even at high S?Reduction values the de-essing has an egligible effect on the character and timbre of the voice.

S-Reduction
The S?Reduction control adjusts the intensity of the S?sound reduction. In practice, S?Reduction settings between -2 dB and -8 dB achieve the best results for most applications.

LED-display
The S-Reduction LED display visualizes the intensity of the S?sound reduction between 0 dB and -20 dB in 2 dB steps.

Auto
The Auto switch activates the Auto Dynamic function. This automatically adjusts the threshold if the input level fluctuates due to varying distance to the microphone which leads to fluctuating input levels. With Auto-Threshold engaged, the de-essing intensity remains constant at the value you set with the S?Reduction control. This is a great help not only for inexperienced voice-over artists, but also in live situations.

Female
The Female switch is used to adapt to the voice characteristics: When the switch is pressed, the Female mode is selected. The automatic S?sound detection now reacts more intensively to higher-frequency S?sounds. The unpressed switch position selects the Male mode to adapt the S?sound detection to male voice characteristics. Lower-frequency S?sounds are processed.

In addition, the mid frequency of the S?sound detection is increased from Male mode to Female mode. For male voices the mid frequency is at about 6 kHz, for female voices at just under 7 kHz.

Nevertheless, you should not necessarily choose the Male position for male voices and the Female position for females. Always listen to the pitch and tone of the S?sound and try both positions.

Further advantages of the Auto-Dynamic function
DeEssers with conventional compressor technology work more intensively with a decreasing distance to the microphone. On the other hand, the DeEssing becomes weaker with an increasing distance to the microphone. A compressor/limiter is usually used after the DeEsser to compensate level fluctuations. However, due to the different de-essing the compressor/limiter reacts wrong.

When the distance to the microphone is increased, the compressor/limiter reacts to the S-sounds that reappear. Not only the de-essing changes the sound, but also the compressor/limiter negatively influences the sound image by its readjustment.

Thanks to the Auto-Dynamic function of the DeEsser Mk2, these problems are eliminated. A control circuit monitors the input level and automatically adjusts the threshold. A following compressor/limiter reacts accordingly more accurately and with less coloration.