How to de-ess vocals: tame sharp S sounds

A de-esser turns down only the S and T sounds, and only when they hiss, so the rest of the vocal keeps its brightness. Most sibilance is between 5 and 9 kHz. Set the de-esser there and pull them down 3 to 6 dB. Don't overdo it, or your singer starts to lisp.

How to do it

1. Put a de-esser on the vocal, after EQ and compression.
2. Find the frequency where the S sounds hiss, usually 5 to 9 kHz.
3. Lower the threshold until the S sounds get 3 to 6 dB of reduction.
4. Listen to the whole vocal: S sounds should be smooth, not gone.
5. If one word still stabs, turn it down by hand with clip gain.

Why it works

Compression and bright EQ make sibilance louder. A de-esser lets you keep the vocal bright and present without the S sounds stabbing your ears.