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Universal Audio Precision De-Esser
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Universal Audio Precision De-Esser
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« Got sibilance? Get this... »

Published on 02/28/12 at 22:56
Super easy set-up.

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

Runs like a Chevy truck, nothing ever goes wrong with U-Audio plug-ins

OVERALL OPINION

The Precision De-Esser seamlessly and accurately removes sibilance from in- dividual audio tracks or even composite mixes via its intuitive interface and sophisticated yet transparent filter processing.
The Threshold knob dials in the amount of sibilance reduction, while the two- position “Speed” button gives control over the envelope (attack and release) of the detector. The Frequency knob sweeps a continuous target frequency range from 2-16 kHz, allowing repairs on a large range of voices (or even overheads and hi-hats), while the Solo button allows the user to isolate and monitor the target sibilant frequencies. The Width control offers a variable 1/6 to 1 2/3 octave bandpass filter that is perfect for complex program ma- terial, adapting technology from the TEC-nominated Precision Multiband. The Width control also switches into a more traditional highpass filter more com- monly employed when tailoring individual voices. For even greater transpar- ency, the Split feature gives the user the option to compress only the sibilant range, or may be turned off to compress the entire spectrum for more tradi- tional de-essing.
Threshold controls the amount of de-essing by defining the signal level at which the processor is activated. Ro- tate Threshold counter-clockwise for more de-essing.
Signals peaks as determined by Frequency and Width that exceed the Threshold level are compressed by a ratio of 7:1.

Split determines if attenuation (compression) is applied to the sidechain signal only, or to the entire audio signal.

Generally, female “ess” and “shh” sounds vary more in frequency than those of males. Due to this situation, you may find that using the sidechain filter in Highpass mode (or Bandpass mode with a large width) may be more responsive.
For taming sibilance for a full mix/mastering, best results will usually be ob- tained by enabling Highpass and Split modes.
Over de-essing can degrade the natural sound of a vocal.