5 Best DeEsser Plugins – Shhhh Your S’s

Last updated on September 1st, 2021

The number one issue in all of my vocal recordings is the harshness of people’s pronunciation, and it may even be no fault of their own, sometimes people just hit a whistle in their “s” sounds.

It may seem silly, but a deEsser can boost your track to a professional level more than you would initially think. I’ve had singers come in, record and I think I don’t need one, but I’ll throw it on just to see the difference it makes, and all of a sudden it sounds even better. It allows me to bring up the overall volume of a vocal track without the harshness killing your ears. 

DeEsser plugins are usually very straight forward. The only way it can become “difficult” is the customization and fine-tuning pieces. However, even then these plugins are straightforward and easy to learn. 

What To Look For When Choosing a DeEsser Plugin

What you need to know about a deEsser is that a lot of them do the same things, it is just a matter of how detailed you want to be yourself. But here is what we looked for when we were creating our list so you can better compare our findings. 

Pricing

The price of a deEsser relies heavily on how detailed oriented the plugin is. Usually, the most detailed changes can be made if you pay the little bit extra that is asked. 

Compatibility – System Requirements

As long as you have bought your computer in the last decade, you should be able to run any de esser on the market. 

DAW Compatibility

It is easy for a deEsser to match with almost any and all DAWs. They do not take up much CPU power and will allow you to run at any stage.

Frequency of Use

A de esser can be used for more than just vocals. Have an overly harsh guitar? Try throwing the de esser on in and changing the frequency focus range. 

Skill Level

DeEssers usually will be very straightforward and you can hear the differences as your working with it. You’ll know when it kicks in, especially if you are having a problem with extreme sibilance.  

5 Best DeEsser Plugins 

Here in no particular order is our top choices for the best deEsser plugins available.

1. Nectar 3 – iZotope

Now I know this is not a single plugin, however, Nectar 3 contains one of my favorite deEssers. I love the quality and ease of use that comes with using Nectar 3, and it sets me up almost completely right off the bat. 

• Who’s it for? Intermediate and above
• Price: $249
• DAW Support: All popular DAWs supported, good for Logic

System Requirements: 

	Mac	Windows
Memory	8 GB RAM8 GB free disk space on the system drive	8 GB RAM8 GB free disk space on the system drive
Operating System	10.8.5 (Mountain Lion)10.15 (Catalina)	Windows 7 – 10

2. Pro DS – Fabfilter

Fabfilter made one of the most customizable de essers available, which is no surprise considering how detailed their dynamic eq is. This de esser is designed specifically to work with both single tracks as well as full tracks. You can also use it for side-chaining and customize the frequency focus. 

• Who’s it for? Experienced Producers
• Price: $179
• DAW Support: All popular DAWs supported, good for Pro Tools

System Requirements: 

	Mac	Windows
Memory	8 GB RAM8 GB free disk space on the system drive	8 GB RAM8 GB free disk space on the system drive
Operating System	10.8 or higher	Windows 7, 8, 10, or Vista

3. Renaissance DeEsser – Waves

Renaissance is one of the best series of plugins that waves produces from its RBass to the RComp. The DeEsser is no exception. The abilities given in this provide a crisp clean outcome with no harsh noises poking through.

• Who’s it for? Intermediate and Above
• Price: $79
• DAW Support: All popular DAWs supported, good for Cubase

System Requirements: 

	Mac	Windows
Memory	8 GB RAM8 GB free disk space on the system drive	8 GB RAM8 GB free disk space on the system drive
Operating System	10.12.6-10.15	Windows 10 64 bit

4. De-Esser Pro – Accusonus

Accusonus has made a couple of my favorite noise removing plugins and they killed it again with their de esser. I love the way you can customize how hard it compresses the sounds as well as the frequency focus. If you are looking for simpler versions, there is a basic de esser available that they make. 

• Who’s it for? Intermediate and above – Marketed for Video
• Price: $299
• DAW Support: All popular DAWs supported, good for Reaper

System Requirements: 

	Mac	Windows
Memory	2 GB RAM	2 GB RAM
Operating System	10.10 or Later	Windows 7 or Later

5. Manny Marroquin Triple D – Waves

The Manny Marroquin Triple D is a great tool that beyond being a simple deEsser, also works to “de box” and “de harsh.” It is super simple to use and extremely user friendly. The only thing that is slightly off-putting is the lack of customization available.

• Who’s it for? All Skill Levels
• Price: $99
• DAW Support: All popular DAWs supported, good for Cakewalk

System Requirements: 

	Mac	Windows
Memory	8 GB RAM8 GB free disk space on the system drive	8 GB RAM8 GB free disk space on the system drive
Operating System	10.12.6-10.15	Windows 10 64 bit

Step up from Simplicity

A deEsser is a must-have in every studio. There are a couple of workarounds that can do the work of a deEsser but those become overly complicated in comparison to adding a deEsser. A deEsser will cut time wasted as well as push you closer to that finished vocal sound. 

Want to see our overall favorite plugins? Check out our latest here.