Podcastools
Technical/Audio

What is De-esser?

A De-esser is an audio tool used to reduce sibilance—the harsh 'S', 'T', and 'Ch' sounds that can be piercing to the ear in vocal recordings.

Why De-esser Matters for Podcasters

Sibilance refers to the high-frequency hissing sounds created by the human voice, particularly on consonants like S, T, and Z. Depending on the microphone and the speaker's unique voice, these sounds can become harsh and painful for listeners, especially those wearing earbuds. A De-esser is a specific type of compressor that targets only those high frequencies (usually between 5kHz and 8kHz). When the De-esser detects a sharp 'S' sound, it quickly lowers the volume of just that frequency range, smoothing out the speech without making the rest of the voice sound muffled. It is a critical tool for polishing a professional voiceover.

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