Valley People 415

The Valley Audio 415 is a dual channel analog, rack mountable de-esser. It has both 1/4 inch inputs and outputs as well as screw terminal connections. The 415 is rackable and will take up a single rack space.

UTILIZATION

The configuration of the Valley Audio 415 is very easy to follow, as each channel only has a few parameters. Each channel has a knob for sensitivity and another knob to set the frequency and Q. There is then a bypass switch as well as LED metering. If you have ever used a de-esser before, you should have no problems whatsoever with this. I don't have a manual for the Valley Audio 415, so I can't speak to if it is helpful or not when trying to learn this unit.

SOUND QUALITY

The sound quality of the Valley Audio 415 is good and this unit definitely does its job well. I tend to use this only with vocals, as this is the primary use for de-essers. However, if you wanted to get creative or found a need for a de-esser on another instrument, I'm sure that this would do the job well. It is very easy to get a good sound from this and it is always a pleasure to use because it does its job.

OVERALL OPINION

I've been using the Valley Audio 415 for about two years and it has become by go to de-esser in terms of outboard gear. I have some plug-ins I also use to de-ess, but when I can use the 415, I always do. De-essing isn't something I use for every project, as it just isn't always necessary, but when I do need it the Valley Audio 415 works great. The price is somewhat reasonable if you can find one new, but unless you are a bigger studio, I would probably recommend using a plug-in for de-essing, but for those who want an outboard de-esser, this is a great option. Overall, the Valley Audio 415 de-esser is a great unit that is beyond effective.