SPL DeS

Dual-Band De-esser for the 500 Series

• SPL dual-band de-esser in 500 Series format, single-slot module
• Phase-inversion sibilance cancellation, without broadband compression
• Independent Hi-S and Lo-S controls for the high and low bands
• Male/Female selector to match the low band to the voice’s timbre
• Auto-Threshold for consistent performance even when the distance from the microphone changes
• Bypass, signal LED, and reduction LED for each band

SPL DeS is the dual-band version of the SPL de-esser, housed in a single-slot 500 Series rack module. It selectively and neutrally removes sibilance from vocals and speech while leaving the rest of the spectrum intact. Using it during recording improves the quality of the take and saves time in post-production: a compact module for vocal chains, broadcast, podcasts, and live recordings.

Phase-canceling de-essing: reduced sibilance without altering the voice

The DeS automatically identifies sibilant frequencies and focuses only on that range, leaving neighboring frequencies untouched. The detected portion is phase-inverted and remixed with the original signal, acoustically canceling out the “S” sounds. The result is a discreet and neutral effect that neither muffles the voice nor alters its character.

Auto-Threshold: Consistent reduction even as the distance from the microphone changes

With compression-based de-essers, the effect diminishes as the speaker or singer moves away from the microphone, and subsequent compressors or limiters end up allowing the sibilants to resurface. The DeS’s Auto-Threshold automatically adjusts the threshold to changes in input level and maintains the intensity of the reduction at the set value. This is a great help in the studio and live, especially with less experienced speakers and singers.

Two de-essing bands with Hi-S and Lo-S controls

The Hi-S control adjusts the intensity of the reduction in the high band, with detection centered at 11.2 kHz and a bandwidth of 3 kHz. The Lo-S control acts on the low band, with a bandwidth of 1.44 kHz. Each band has its own SR LED, which indicates when reduction is active, allowing you to precisely control the amount of reduction applied to both the highest-pitched and the more substantial sibilants.

Male/Female Selector for the Low Band

The Voice selector shifts the center frequency of the low band based on the voice’s timbre: 6.4 kHz in the Male position and 7.6 kHz in the Female position. The choice depends on timbre rather than the singer’s gender, so it’s best to try both positions.

Bypass and Signal LED

The On/Bypass switch activates or bypasses the module, allowing you to instantly compare the processed signal with the original. The Sig LED lights up when a signal exceeding -20 dB is present at the input.

SPL DeS Technical Specifications

• Type: dual-band de-esser for the 500 Series
• Format: 500 Series module, single slot
• Technology: phase-canceling de-essing with Auto-Threshold
• High band (Hi-S): center frequency 11.2 kHz, bandwidth 3 kHz
• Low band (Lo-S): 6.4 kHz (Male) or 7.6 kHz (Female), bandwidth 1.44 kHz
• Controls: Hi-S, Lo-S, Voice Male/Female, On/Bypass
• Indicators: Sig LED (-20 dB threshold), SR LED per band
• Input and output: balanced
• Maximum input and output level: 21 dBu
• Input impedance: 20 kΩ
• Output impedance: 150 Ω
• Common-mode rejection: > 82 dB
• Frequency response (-3 dB): 10 Hz – 100 kHz
• THD+N (0 dBu, 10 Hz – 22 kHz): 0.03%
• Noise (A-weighted): -93 dB
• Dynamic range: 113 dB
• Weight: 0.65 kg
• Weight with packaging: 0.7 kg