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Description

Achieve pristine vocal clarity with the FabFilter Pro-DS De-Esser Plugin, your go-to tool for taming unwanted sibilance in your recordings. Whether you're working with pristine studio vocals or raw live performances, this plugin's sophisticated algorithms detect and reduce sibilance with surgical precision, ensuring your vocal tracks shine without harshness.

FabFilter Pro-DS is powered by its intelligent 'Single Vocal' detection mode, which identifies sibilance with remarkable accuracy. For broader applications, switch to 'Allround' mode and effortlessly control high frequencies on other audio materials like drums or full mixes. The user-friendly interface makes complex processing intuitive, offering a suite of options from wide band to linear-phase split band processing. With up to 15 ms of optional look-ahead and adjustable stereo linking, you can customize your de-essing to fit any project.

Moreover, the Pro-DS is packed with the signature FabFilter touches: real-time de-essing display, a side-chain input meter, and a robust spectrum analyzer that offers visual insight into your adjustments. Its high-quality 64-bit internal processing and GPU-powered graphics acceleration ensure smooth and efficient performance, making it a favorite among professionals.

Key Features:

  • Highly intelligent 'Single Vocal' and classic 'Allround' detection modes
  • Transparent program-dependent compression/limiting
  • Wide Band or linear-phase Split Band processing
  • Optional look-ahead time up to 15 ms
  • Adjustable stereo linking with mid-only or side-only processing
  • Up to four times linear-phase oversampling
  • Real-time spectrum analyzer built into the HP/LP filter controller
  • High-quality 64-bit internal processing with GPU-powered graphics acceleration
  • Extensive help file with interactive help hints

Compatible with both Mac and Windows, and available in VST, VST3, AU, AAX Native, and AudioSuite formats, FabFilter Pro-DS seamlessly integrates into any digital audio workstation environment.

Owner's manual

FabFilter Pro-DS De-Esser Plugin User Manual

Product specs

Software Type De-esser
Platform Mac, PC
Upgrade/Full Full
Download/Boxed Download
Bit Depth 64-bit
Format AAX Native, VST, VST3, AU, AudioSuite, CLAP
Hardware Requirements - Mac Intel Core 2 Duo or higher, 4GB RAM minimum
Hardware Requirements - PC Intel Core 2 Duo / AMD Athlon 64 X2 or higher, 4GB RAM minimum
OS Requirements - Mac macOS 10.13 or later
OS Requirements - PC Windows 7 SP1 or later

FAQs

Is the FabFilter Pro-DS De-Esser compatible with my DAW?

The FabFilter Pro-DS is compatible with most major DAWs as it supports AAX Native, VST, VST3, AU, AudioSuite, and CLAP formats.

What operating systems are supported by the FabFilter Pro-DS?

The FabFilter Pro-DS supports macOS 10.13 or later and Windows 7 SP1 or later, making it versatile for both Mac and PC users.

What are the key features of the FabFilter Pro-DS De-Esser?

The FabFilter Pro-DS features intelligent sibilance detection, wideband and split-band processing, and a real-time spectrum analyzer for precise de-essing.

What are the hardware requirements for running FabFilter Pro-DS?

The minimum hardware requirements are an Intel Core 2 Duo or AMD Athlon 64 X2 processor and 4GB of RAM for both Mac and PC.

How does the FabFilter Pro-DS improve vocal recordings?

The FabFilter Pro-DS effectively reduces sibilance in vocal recordings, providing a smoother and more balanced sound without affecting the overall vocal quality.

FabFilter

FabFilter

Introduction to FabFilter Pro-DS intelligent de-esser

Video thumbnail for Introduction to FabFilter Pro-DS intelligent de-esser by FabFilter

Introduction to FabFilter Pro-DS intelligent de-esser

FabFilter

FabFilter

Video thumbnail for How To Use a De-Esser on Vocals (with FabFilter Pro DS) by 5piece

How To Use a De-Esser on Vocals (with FabFilter Pro DS)

5piece

5piece

Video thumbnail for Fabfilter Pro-DS Plugin - Vocal De-esser Plugin by KdW Mixing & Mastering

Fabfilter Pro-DS Plugin - Vocal De-esser Plugin

KdW Mixing & Mastering

KdW Mixing & Mastering

Video thumbnail for Klein aber Fein! Der DE-ESSER von Fabfilter | Pro DS Erklärt DEUTSCH by Mix dich zum Master

Klein aber Fein! Der DE-ESSER von Fabfilter | Pro DS Erklärt DEUTSCH

Mix dich zum Master

Mix dich zum Master

Video thumbnail for Why Fabfilter Pro DS is So Popular by Warrior Sound - Unders

Why Fabfilter Pro DS is So Popular

Warrior Sound - Unders

Warrior Sound - Unders

Video thumbnail for De-Esser aber wer ist besser? FabFilter Pro-DS De-Esser Plug-In by musotalk

De-Esser aber wer ist besser? FabFilter Pro-DS De-Esser Plug-In

musotalk

musotalk

Reviews

PROS

  • Effectively reduces sibilance without tone gouging

  • Simple licensing with multi-computer support for non-commercial use

  • Excellent presets for quick and effective de-essing

  • Versatile on vocals, instruments, and full mixes

  • Easy to use with minimal tweaks needed

  • Consistently delivers clear and natural vocals

  • Demo available to test before purchasing

CONS

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about FabFilter Pro-DS De-Esser Plugin.

Features and functionality

  • Pro-DS is praised for its intuitive UI, allowing quick adjustments without over-processing. It's particularly effective on single vocal tracks.

    Source
  • Some users find that FabFilter Pro-DS dulls highs without effectively taming harshness, suggesting Pro-MB or Pro-Q3 as alternatives for better results.

    Source
  • Users appreciate the visual feedback in FabFilter Pro-DS, which allows for precise control by showing a graphic of the effect, aiding in avoiding over-processing.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Users note a preference for Pro-DS over Waves for its cleaner sound, avoiding the "fizzy" effect that Waves can produce.

    Source
  • The Weiss De-Esser is praised for its natural attenuation, often preferred over FabFilter Pro-DS for its ability to control high-end outliers musically.

    Source
  • Lindell 902 is compared favorably to the hardware DBX 902, noted for its similarity and effectiveness in de-essing.

    Source
  • Some users find Soothe 2 overpriced for its features, suggesting DSEQ3 as a more affordable alternative that offers similar dynamic EQ capabilities.

    Source
  • FabFilter Pro-DS is often favored over Waves RDeesser for its graphic interface and ease of use, making it a preferred choice for users who want straightforward operation.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • While effective on vocals, it's less favored for drum overheads or mastering due to its unique sidechain filter behavior.

    Source
  • Pro-DS may work better before applying heavy compression, where its smart detector can enhance performance compared to frequency-dependent detectors.

    Source
  • FabFilter Pro-DS is noted for its ease of use, with some describing it as feeling like "cheating" due to its effective performance with minimal adjustments.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Buyers recommend waiting for sales, as FabFilter often offers discounts, making Pro-DS a more attractive purchase.

    Source
  • Acustica Fire The Dees is highly recommended for superior handling of high frequencies compared to Pro-DS, but it's noted as less accessible due to its cost.

    Source

User experience

  • Minimal tweaking is required to achieve desired results, making it highly efficient for those who have tried various de-essers.

    Source
  • Some users prefer using Melodyne for sibilance reduction, citing its natural output over FabFilter Pro-DS, especially when manually adjusting sibilance during editing.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Users suggest using FabFilter Pro-DS in tandem with other de-essers like Eiosis E2 or Waves Sibilance to share the load and achieve better results.

    Source

Critic Reviews

FabFilter Pro-DS Review (Spectacular)

reviewrevival.ca

FabFilter Pro-DS excels as a de-essing tool with its high-quality, transparent processing and intuitive interface. While some may find its $199 price steep for a specialized plugin, the results justify the cost, offering exceptional sibilance control without compromising vocal integrity. The interface is praised for its design, though some users may wish for a resizable GUI to suit higher resolutions. With minimal CPU impact and intelligent processing, Pro-DS is a standout choice for both professional and home studio engineers. Despite its price point, the plugin's capability and ease of use make it a top-tier solution for tackling sibilance, earning a glowing recommendation from the reviewer.

positive

FabFilter Pro-DS review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The FabFilter Pro-DS De-Esser Plugin stands out as a versatile and powerful tool for tackling sibilance in vocals and high-frequency content in various audio materials. With advanced features like smart vocal algorithms, low latency, and excellent visual displays, it excels in both single tracks and full mixes. Its ability to integrate mid-side and stereo-linked operations further adds to its appeal. However, this comprehensive de-essing solution comes at a premium price, which might be a consideration for some buyers. Overall, the review is positive, highlighting the plugin's effectiveness and flexibility for professional audio work.

positive

FabFilter: Pro-DS plug-in | Tape Op Magazine | Longform candid interviews with music producers and audio engineers covering mixing, mastering, recording and music production.

tapeop.com
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5.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 25 Ratings

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torturecrush

One of the best De-essers

Great for catching sibilance of any kind, on any instrument. I treat snares and hats with this to remove harshness all the time.

axvard

FabFilter Pro-DS De-Esser Plugin

Even when using the best mics, pre-amps and converters, sibilance in vocal recordings can easily get over-accentuated during post-processing like compression or saturation. But don't worry, FabFilter Pro-DS comes to the rescue!

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Metrik uses FabFilter Pro-DS De-Esser Plugin

Metrik

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video at 12:37 we can see FabFilter Pro-DS De-Esser Plugin

See how Tennyson uses FabFilter Pro-DS De-Esser Plugin

Tennyson

Drummer, Keyboardist

...
Verified via YouTube

At the 12:58 mark of the "IRON" Project Breakdown Twitch Stream, Luke is seen using the FabFilter Pro-DS De-Esser Plugin as part of his vocal processing chain.

See how Shapov uses FabFilter Pro-DS De-Esser Plugin

Shapov

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video at 1:09:58 minutes see FabFilter Pro-DS De-Esser Plugin

See how Rik Simpson uses FabFilter Pro-DS De-Esser Plugin

Rik Simpson

Singer, Guitarist

The Darktones

...
Verified via Soundonsound

The main chorus lead vocal has the FabFilter Pro–Q 2 EQ, the Waves Rennaissance Vox, again the UBK1, two instances of the FabFilter Pro–DS de–esser, two instances of the UAD Pultec EQP–1A, and the FabFilter Pro–MB

See how Cardi B uses FabFilter Pro-DS De-Esser Plugin

Cardi B

Rapper

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Used on Cardi B's vocals for "Bodak Yellow", as mentioned by mix engineer Evan LaRay in this February 2018 Sound on Sound interview. An image of the settings can be seen here.

In his mix of ‘Bodak Yellow’, Evan LaRay used almost identical vocal chains on two auxiliary busses. The ‘Vox 1’ chain includes FabFilter’s Pro-DS de-esser and Waves’ C4 multiband compressor, plus the Waves CLA Vocals plug-in and SoundToys’ Decapitator saturation processor.

See how Billy Ray Cyrus uses FabFilter Pro-DS De-Esser Plugin

Billy Ray Cyrus

Singer, Guitarist

Brother Clyde

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Used for Ray's vocals on "Old Town Road (Remix)", as stated by mix engineer Andrew "VoxGod" Bolooki in this August 2019 Sound on Sound interview.

Billy Ray Cyrus' verse lead vocal provides an example of the mind-boggling complexity of Bolooki's vocal treatments. The audio is spread over five tracks (36-40), four of them with the same insert effects chain of Melodyne, FabFilter Pro-Q 3, FabFilter Pro-DS and Waves CLA-76. The fifth track replaces the Pro-DS with the Avid ModDelay 3, and adds a send to the 'rvb2' aux with the Soundtoys Effect Rack. All five audio tracks are routed to an aux group track (35), which has the Pro-Q 3, Waves C6 and RVox, UA Distressor and SSL Channel, plus a whopping seven sends to delay and reverb aux tracks, and another Distressor aux. The quarter- and eighth-note delay auxes themselves each have four insert plug-ins (Waves H-Delay, Pro-Q 3, MetaFlanger, and DVerb) and a send to the 'rvb1' reverb aux. That means that the verse vocal alone has a total of 38 plug-ins, spread over five audio tracks, one group aux track, and seven aux effects tracks!

Bolooki: "I spoke to a mixer a couple of years ago and asked him how he got things to sound so polished. And he said: 'You can't just throw on a plug-in, you have to take more control, and make sure you purposely put things in different places in different ways.' So, for example, in this song I added the DVerb to the delay auxes, to create a distant effect, so it's not obvious. There are many effects going on, but none of them are overpowering. They are all set back. Nothing gets in the way of the lyrics and the vocal performance. I could probably delete half these effects and it would have sounded the same, but people liked it the way it was, so I left them all.

"This was the first time I used the UAD Distressors and I ended up having two on Billy's vocals: one as part of his main vocal aux, and another set much more aggressively in a parallel and blended back into the same lead vocal aux. This made his vocals really kick ass, and helped make each word crystal-clear. I also ended up copying the Waves SSL strip from Nas' vocals on some of Billy's vocal tracks too, just for some tonal continuity. I have no problem stacking plug-ins on plug-ins. If it's better, it's better.

"Just to highlight some of the other plug-ins I used, there's an aux called 'VoxDoubler' with the Waves Greg Wells VoiceCentric. It definitely adds a bit more of a finished feel and works well mixed in parallel. I put the Waves C6 multiband compressor on almost every single vocal bus, using the 'Pooch Vocal' preset. This cleans up some of the mud. You can solo the side-chain bands and sweep around until you find the annoying frequency, and then just cut that out. If I need to play back something for someone really fast, this is my emergency plug-in to get it to sound better really quickly. Also, the Melodyne plug-in is greyed out, because I printed it. I also like using the Pro-DS, and always put it before the CL76 compressor, because I think it just makes the most sense to fix issues before you boost the whole track with a compressor."

See how Kove uses FabFilter Pro-DS De-Esser Plugin

Kove

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via YouTube

This plugin can clearly be seen at 0:52, listed as 'FF Pro-DS'

See how Hard Driver uses FabFilter Pro-DS De-Esser Plugin

Hard Driver

Composer, Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

13:07 uses Pro DS on vocal chain

See how Vance Powell uses FabFilter Pro-DS De-Esser Plugin

Vance Powell

Music Producer, Audio Engineer

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video titled "Vance Powell: Recording Rock" by Sound On Sound magazine, at 26:20, music producer and audio engineer Vance Powell is seen using the FabFilter Pro-DS De-Esser Plugin within Pro Tools.

See how DJ Jino uses FabFilter Pro-DS De-Esser Plugin

DJ Jino

DJ

...
Verified via Twitter

DJ Jino uses this De esser for his live broadcasts

See how Denis Kenzo uses FabFilter Pro-DS De-Esser Plugin

Denis Kenzo

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via YouTube

You can see Fabfilter's DS for de-essing vocals in 'Can You Hear Me'.

See how Tom Alexander Schmitt uses FabFilter Pro-DS De-Esser Plugin

Tom Alexander Schmitt

Keyboardist, Music Producer

SUKI

...
Verified

Tom Alexander Schmitt has confirmed his use of the FabFilter Pro-DS De-Esser Plugin.

Genre Usage

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Based on how musicians on Equipboard use FabFilter Pro-DS De-Esser Plugin, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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