Description
Features
- Advanced de-essing technology
- Unique key filter focus and de-essing controls
- Real-time metering and key filter response plot
- High frequency (HF) only option
- Double precision processing
- Low Latency
- Mono and stereo versions
Intelligent signal analysis allows the DE555 to effectively de-ess at any signal level – no manual input threshold adjustment required. Other options include continuously adjustable ratio and release controls to fine- tune the de-essing amount, plus a high frequency (HF) only mode for reducing the signal level of only the ‘sss’ and not the original dialog.
Key filter options include high pass and band pass filtering. A unique focus control further enhances the key filter’s ability to separate ‘essing’ from actual dialog. The key filter output can also be monitored. Real-time displays of de-essing amounts and key filter response enable quick and easy setup.
Reducing Sibilance
Just as the main vocal track can require de-essing, the background vocals often have the same issues. Many singers belting out some phrases can only further emphasize ‘essing’ events. And when the lead singer and background singers are not entirely in sync (or even when they are), the sibilance of the background vocals should not distract from the main vocal. More aggressive de-essing settings for background vocals allow the lead vocal to stand out more, as the lead vocalist articulation comes out, while the background vocals remain, well, in the background.
De-Breathing
Like ‘essing’ events, a vocal or dialog track can contain the inhales of the singer/ speaker before each phrase is belted out. Often a gate, like the one on Channel G is great for removing this unwanted audio, but sometimes this audio is to be included in the production. For example, if the actor in the movie takes a big breath before he kisses the girl goodnight, the audience will expect to hear that inhale. Use the de-esser to soften that sound if it proves to be a bit too loud.
Guitar
Vocals are not the only kind of audio that may contain unwanted high frequency events. Fret squeaks produced by the guitar player (electric or acoustic) can be reduced using a de-esser. The same tips apply as when de-essing a vocal or dialog track – too much can sound unnatural – so don’t overdo it.