SPL DE-ESSER MK2

Automatic, Dynamic, Narrowband Stereo De-esser with Auto-Threshold

• Two independent mono de-essers in a single 1U 19" rack unit, also usable on stereo sources
• SPL Auto-Dynamic Technology: sibilants are isolated and canceled via phase inversion, without broadband compression
• Auto-Threshold ensures consistent reduction even when the singer moves closer to or farther from the microphone
• Male/Female selector to adapt detection to the characteristics of the voice
• LED display showing reduction from 0 to -20 dB in 2 dB steps
• Balanced inputs and outputs via Neutrik XLR connectors with gold-plated contacts and TRS jacks

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.

How the SPL Automatic Dynamic De-Esser Works

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.

Auto-Threshold: Consistent Reduction Without Manual Adjustments

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.

Before the compressor, for a consistent vocal chain

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.

De-Esser Mk2 Controls: S-Reduction and Male/Female

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.

Not Just Vocals: Cymbals, Snare Drum, and Stereo Bus

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.

Connections and Construction by SPL

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

• Type: Automatic dynamic two-channel (dual mono) de-esser
• Technology: SPL Auto-Dynamic, sibilance cancellation via phase inversion
• Controls per channel: S-Reduction, Auto-Threshold, Male/Female selector
• Center detection frequency: approximately 6 kHz (Male), just under 7 kHz (Female)
• Reduction display: LED from 0 to -20 dB, in 2 dB steps
• Inputs: 2 balanced, Neutrik XLR with gold-plated contacts and TRS jacks
• Outputs: 2 balanced, Neutrik XLR with gold-plated contacts and TRS jacks
• Form factor: 19" rack, 1U
• Weight with packaging: 4.4 kg
• Packaging dimensions: 54.0 x 37.0 x 11.0 cm