Automatic, dynamic, narrow-band, auto-threshold stereo de-esser
The SPL De-Esser Mk2 is the new version of the de-esser that SPL has been manufacturing since 1996, redesigned and housed in a 1U rack-mount unit with two independent channels. It is designed to smooth out sibilance and harsh sounds in vocals, speech, and instruments, producing a much more natural result than traditional de-essers. Unlike most models, it doesn’t simply compress the signal using a high-frequency-sensitive sidechain: it detects sibilance and neutralizes it in a targeted manner, leaving the character and timbre of the voice intact.
The De-Esser Mk2 isolates the sibilant components of the signal, inverts their polarity, and adds them back to the original: the “S” sounds are thus attenuated by phase cancellation, while the rest of the spectrum remains unaffected. Even at high reduction levels, the voice retains its natural timbre, without the muffled or “lisping” effect typical of compression-based de-essers.
With conventional de-essers, the intensity of the processing depends on the input level: if the singer moves closer to the microphone, the reduction increases. With Auto-Threshold enabled, the intensity remains constant at the value you set with S-Reduction, even when the singer moves around a lot in front of the microphone. You no longer have to keep your hands on the knob while monitoring the take.
When sibilants vary in intensity, the compressor or limiter downstream also reacts erratically. The De-Esser Mk2’s Auto-Dynamic feature ensures consistent processing of “S” sounds and helps the subsequent compressor operate more naturally and predictably.
Each channel is controlled with just a few knobs. S-Reduction adjusts the intensity of sibilant reduction, and an LED display shows the level from 0 to -20 dB in 2 dB steps. The Female selector shifts the center detection frequency from approximately 6 kHz (Male) to just under 7 kHz (Female): the choice does not necessarily depend on the singer’s gender, but rather on the timbre of the voice, so it’s best to try both settings.
The De-Esser Mk2 is also useful for smoothing out cymbals that are too sharp or a harsh snare drum. The two independent channels allow you to process two different vocals, a vocal and an overhead mic, or to work on a stereo source using both sections.
The two channels feature balanced inputs and outputs via Neutrik XLR connectors with gold-plated contacts and TRS jacks, allowing you to integrate the De-Esser Mk2 into a console insert, after a preamp, or into an outboard chain connected to your DAW.
SPL De-Esser Mk2 Technical Specifications
Compressor Type
De-Esser
Hardware format
Rack
€ 703,52 Ex VAT
For European customers, select your country to view the correct price including VAT.
Normally shipped in 10-15 working days
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