SPL - DeEsser Mk2

The original – redesigned.

The SPL DeEsser is unique – and has been since 1996. The Auto Dynamic DeEsser removes undesired sibilant frequencies in a simple and musical way, cancelling out S-sounds without affecting the natural character or timbre of the voice.

The newest generation of the DeEsser Mk2 features the same processing qualities as its predecessor, but comes in a new design and has an even better feel due to the solid aluminum knobs. The DeEsser Mk2 offers two mono DeEssers in one 19″ device.

Auto-Dynamic DeEsser

SPL DeEsser – the revolution of S-sound reduction.

The DeEsser uses a unique technology to reduce sibiliance in a mix or on vocal tracks. It automatically detects and hones in on the sibilant frequencies leaving neighboring frequencies unaffected. These S‑sounds are mixed back into the main signal phase-inverted to cancel out the sibilance. The result is a sound-neutral, inconspicuous and extremely effective process. Even at high S‑Reduction values the de-essing has an eligible effect on the character and timbre of the voice.

S-Reduction

The S‑Reduction control adjusts the intensity of the S‑sound reduction. In practice, S‑Reduction settings between -2 dB and -8 dB achieve the best results for most applications.

LED-display

The S-Reduction LED display visualizes the intensity of the S‑sound reduction between 0 dB and -20 dB in 2 dB steps.

Auto

The Auto switch activates the Auto Dynamic function. This automatically adjusts the threshold if the input level fluctuates due to varying distance to the microphone which leads to fluctuating input levels. With Auto-Threshold engaged, the de-essing intensity remains constant at the value you set with the S‑Reduction control. This is a great help not only for inexperienced voice-over artists, but also in live situations.

Female

The Female switch is used to adapt to the voice characteristics:

When the switch is pressed, the Female mode is selected. The automatic S‑sound detection now reacts more intensively to higher-frequency S‑sounds. The unpressed switch position selects the Male mode to adapt the S‑sound detection to male voice characteristics. Lower-frequency S‑sounds are processed.

In addition, the mid frequency of the S‑sound detection is increased from Male mode to Female mode. For male voices the mid frequency is at about 6 kHz, for female voices at just under 7 kHz.

Nevertheless, you should not necessarily choose the Male position for male voices and the Female position for females. Always listen to the pitch and tone of the S‑sound and try both positions.

On

The On switch, activates or deactivates the respective channel. This allows you to quickly switch between processed and unprocessed signal. To minimize switching noises, switching is performed directly after the balanced inputs and outputs. This relay hard bypass circuitry also provides immediate redirection of inputs to outputs in the event of a power fault on the primary or secondary side of the power supply, or if the device is powered off.

How does a traditional

DeEsser work?

Traditional DeEssers work with compressors; they can therefore also be found in combination devices with compressors/limiters. In addition to the threshold control, which determines the level at which de-essing starts, you will also find a frequency control, which determines the center frequency at which S‑sounds are to be searched for. The bandwidth of the processing is usually up to two octaves. When an S‑sound appears, the entire bandwidth is always compressed, which leads to undesirable side effects such as twanging or lisping.

How does the SPL Auto

Dynamic DeEsser work?

The Auto-Dynamic DeEsser has a new circuit technology that automatically adjusts to the S‑frequencies and narrows the bandwidth so that only the range of the S‑sound is processed and all neighboring frequencies remain untouched. The frequency band determined in this way is mixed back to the original signal in phase-inverted form, whereby the S‑sound is acoustically removed. The result is a sound-neutral, unobtrusive, but extremely effective way of working. De‑essing now has very little negative influence on the timbre of the voice; side effects such as twanging or lisping do not occur. In addition, time-consuming readjustment of the frequency settings is no longer necessary. The SPL Auto-Dynamic DeEsser combines efficiency with sound neutrality. By the way, you can also soften hard cymbal sounds or snares perfectly with the DeEsser Mk2.

Further advantages of

the Auto-Dynamic function

DeEssers with conventional compressor technology work more intensively with a decreasing distance to the microphone. On the other hand, the DeEssing becomes weaker with an increasing distance to the microphone. A compressor/limiter is usually used after the DeEsser to compensate level fluctuations. However, due to the different de-essing the compressor/limiter reacts wrong.

When the distance to the microphone is increased, the compressor/limiter reacts to the S-sounds that reappear. Not only the de-essing changes the sound, but also the compressor/limiter negatively influences the sound image by its readjustment.

Thanks to the Auto-Dynamic function of the DeEsser Mk2, these problems are eliminated.A control circuit monitors the input level and automatically adjusts the threshold. A following compressor/limiter reacts accordingly more accurately and with less coloration.

Inputs and outputs

The two channels of the De-Esser are equipped with Neutrik XLR sockets with gold-plated contacts. The signal transmission is electronically balanced at a nominal level of +6 dB.

Looks great, feels great –

and lasts for a lifetime

The DeEsser Mk2 has a 4 mm thick, black anodized aluminum front panel and aluminum knobs milled from solid. The housing is made of high-quality steel and is powder-coated in elegant black.

Sounds good

With all SPL devices we develop not only according to plan, but also by ear. Many important components are installed on the circuit boards using Through-hole technology. This way we can ensure that we can use the best sounding components.