Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
How to de-ess a harsh, sibilant vocal in FabFilter Pro-Q4 without dulling the top end.
Normal de-essers clamp down on the whole top end of the vocal, so the sibilance goes but the vocal goes dull with it. There's a smarter way using Pro-Q4's spectral mode.
First find where the sibilance is actually spiking. On this vocal it was up around 8 to 9k, a little higher than the usual de-ess range, so don't assume it's always around 5k. Put an EQ band over that spot and switch it into spectral mode.
Now pull the band down. In spectral mode it only reduces the signal at the exact moment the harshness spikes, then lets go. The rest of the top end stays bright and open the whole time.
Play it through and pinpoint the exact frequency for the cleanest result. Harshness gone, top end still there.
Want the preset? DM me "SMOOTH" on Instagram and I'll send it over.
#mixing #vocalmixing #deesser #fabfilter #proq4
How to de-ess a harsh, sibilant vocal in FabFilter Pro-Q4 without dulling the top end.
Normal de-essers clamp down on the whole top end of the vocal, so the sibilance goes but the vocal goes dull with it. There's a smarter way using Pro-Q4's spectral mode.
First find where the sibilance is actually spiking. On this vocal it was up around 8 to 9k, a little higher than the usual de-ess range, so don't assume it's always around 5k. Put an EQ band over that spot and switch it into spectral mode.
Now pull the band down. In spectral mode it only reduces the signal at the exact moment the harshness spikes, then lets go. The rest of the top end stays bright and open the whole time.
Play it through and pinpoint the exact frequency for the cleanest result. Harshness gone, top end still there.
Want the preset? DM me "SMOOTH" on Instagram and I'll send it over.
#mixing #vocalmixing #deesser #fabfilter #proq4
