E²Deesser features Eiosis' patented, exclusive, processing structure and algorithm to bring you a new approach to de-essing. It allows the independent processing of sibilants inside vocal tracks in an extremely easy to use and efficient manner. It aims to be the ultimate de-essing tool for post production, broadcast, cinema, and vocal recordings.

A de-esser is usually a simplified multi/single band compressor driven by a filtered side chain. With the E²Deesser, the detection process is completely independent from the processing, offering unprecedented flexibility in controlling and adjusting the amount of sibilance in your recording. You may combine wide band reduction with narrow band or low pass sibilant reduction, or even reduce a certain frequency range while boosting the sibilants' global volume. And there's more: you can add some sparkle to the voiced parts without touching the sibilants...

The E²Deesser is an extremely versatile tool. You can use it on bass, drums, loops, a solo instrument, or even over an entire mix. You can use it as a dynamic EQ, as a mastering high frequency limiter or as an exciter to sprinkle just a touch of 'fairy dust'. For example, a slap bass track may need a low pass on pulled string notes and a slight presence boost on thumb notes, while a particular mix might benefit from some softening in the higher frequencies, without modifying the overall spectral balance.

Perhaps the E²Deesser's versatility and power can be best demonstrated by this feature: you can set up two identical tracks with the E²Deesser on each, with the same settings, and process the sibilant and the voiced parts completely independently. You just have to activate the 'Listen' switches for the sibilant and voiced section for each track.

Features

The Detection section should be familiar to de-esser and compressor users. It has three parameters : Reduction, Response and Frequency:

• Reduction : controls the amount of sibilance reduction as well as the balance between the equalization on the sibilant and voiced parts. In order for this control to have an effect on the sound, you must set up a sibilant gain or equalization. Without sibilant gain or equalization, the output remains identical to the input signal.
• Response : it is unusual to find a response time parameter in a de-esser, but it is actually quite useful. You can use it to adjust the responsiveness of the detection, and adapt it to your vocal track, or even automate it with respect to the various parts. The more responsive the detection, the more precise the response. Fast response times may result in an unnatural sound, however, so do experiment with this setting. Use fast response times for precise isolation of sibilants, and slower ones for smoother transitions.
• Frequency : The detection frequency is useful in isolating sibilants. Use the listen switch to adjust the high pass filter used in the Detection section.
• Amount Vu Meter : Displays the reduction amount. When all the LEDs are off, the sound is only processed by the Voiced section of the E²Deesser. When the Vu Meter is fully lit, the sound is processed only by the Sibilants section. The Amount control allows the Sibilant and Voiced sections to be mixed.
• Listen : When switched on, you can listen to the output of the detection filter. It is useful when adjusting the detection frequency with respect to your track.

The Sibilants section:

• Global gain : This setting adjusts the global level of the sibilants. Even though you will usually be cutting this level, boosting sibilants can sometimes yield useful results, in the case of over de-essed vocals for example, or for certain applications/instruments. Also, if you apply a wide equalization cut or low pass, you may need to compensate for the resulting loss in volume by applying a positive gain here.
• Filter type : For sibilant equalization, you can choose between four filter types: peak/dip, high shelf, 6dB, and 12dB low passes. The peak/dip filters are not symmetrical to the gain, since one usually needs to apply steeper cuts than boosts.
• Equalization band : Based on the filter type, this control allows you to adjust the Q-factor, Frequency and Gain of the sibilant filter. The 12dB low pass filter uses just the Q-Factor and Frequency settings, while the 6dB low pass uses just the Frequency setting.
• Listen : When on, this control allows you to solo just the sibilants. This feature allows for finer adjustments to the detection, particularly the response setting which can help attain the perfect balance of smoothness and precision. The faster the response, the weaker the voiced signal when listening to sibilants alone.

The Voiced section:

• Filter type: You can choose between peak/dip and shelf filters. The peak/dip filter is useful when adding brightness and presence to the voice, while the high shelf filter can add some creamy top end.
• Equalization band: Adjusts the Q-Factor, Frequency and Gain of the equalization band. Unlike many other equalizers, the high-shelf filter settings here are designed to adjust the centre frequency of the high shelf. This allows you to get a very smooth high boost or cut when the frequency is set between 10 and 20kHz, with a low Q-Factor. When adjusting the gain, this design helps you achieve a more natural sound.
• Listen: When switched on, the output of the E² Deesser consists of just the voiced signal. If you activate Listen for both the Sibilants and Voiced sections, you can use the E² with two identical tracks and process both parts separately. You can for example apply different reverbs for Sibilants and Voiced parts.