Glossary → Audio engineering
Audio engineering
De-esser
A de-esser is a frequency-targeted compressor that tames sibilance — the piercing 's' and 'sh' energy concentrated around 5–8 kHz in close-miked speech.
Condenser mics and modern bright mixes make de-essing near-mandatory for spoken word. The art is threshold: enough to remove pain, not enough to lisp the speaker.
Related terms
SibilanceSibilance is the high-frequency energy of 's', 'sh' and 'ch' sounds, concentrated around 5–8 kHz, which close …
Compression (dynamics)A compressor automatically reduces the level of loud moments, narrowing the gap between quiet and loud so spee…
Equalization (EQ)Equalization adjusts the balance of frequencies in audio — cutting rumble, taming harshness, adding clarity — …
Frequently asked
What is De-esser?
A de-esser is a frequency-targeted compressor that tames sibilance — the piercing 's' and 'sh' energy concentrated around 5–8 kHz in close-miked speech.
Why does De-esser matter?
Condenser mics and modern bright mixes make de-essing near-mandatory for spoken word. The art is threshold: enough to remove pain, not enough to lisp the speaker.
What terms are related to De-esser?
Closely related concepts: Sibilance, Compression (dynamics), Equalization (EQ) — each has its own entry in this glossary.