What Is a De-Esser and How to Use It On Your Vocal

A de-Esser is an essential mixing tool for controlling sibilance - the harsh high frequency sounds that occur when a vocalist sings consonants like “s,” “sh,” or “t,” which can sound overly sharp or piercing in a mix.
These sounds typically live in higher frequency ranges and can be unpleasant if left untreated, especially after compression or EQ adjustments.

De-Essing is the process of reducing these problematic sibilant frequencies, usually using a plugin in your DAW. A de-Esser works similarly to a compressor but focuses only on the specific frequency range where sibilance occurs. When the level at that frequency exceeds a set threshold, the de-Esser attenuates it, making vocals smoother and less harsh.
Setting up a de-Esser is straightforward: load it on your vocal track’s effects chain, ideally after compression or EQ but before time-based effects like delay and reverb. Most de-Essers include key controls such as frequency (to set where sibilance is targeted), threshold (to determine when de-Essing kicks in), gain reduction (how much reduction is applied), and sometimes a monitor switch to hear just the affected frequencies.

Achieving the right amount of de-Essing requires balance. Overuse can make a vocal sound dull or “boxy,” while too little leaves sibilance noticeable. Techniques like automation (adjusting settings dynamically throughout the song), combining de-Essing with EQ and compression, and even manually reducing gain on problematic portions are all part of mastering the process. Always listen within the full mix to judge how much de-Essing is appropriate.
In addition to plugin de-Essing, alternative approaches include manually editing sibilant parts, using dynamic EQ, or employing multiband compression to tame harshness - but the core goal remains the same: reduce sibilance while preserving natural vocal brightness and clarity.