Oxford SuprEsser

INTRO

Oxford SuprEsser by Sonnox is an amazing tool that helps users identify and correct target specific problem areas of the audio spectrum. As the names suggests, it's particularly good at reducing or eliminating excessive fricatives and sibilant consonants, such as "ch", "s", "sh", "ess", "t", "th", "z", etc. It also excels with cleaning up and softening other sonic artifacts, like harsh cymbal overtones. However, SuprEsser can also be used for removing pops and clicks as well as general compressor duties. The interface makes identifying and eliminating unwanted stuff simple. There is excellent control over the target area and amount of processing — I had no trouble dialing in and getting the desired results.

FAVORITE FEATURES:

• Scalable interface that is attractive and neatly organized.
• Easy view simplifies use of basic features while Access view reveals the juicy stuff.
• Graphics elements are excellent and illustrate exactly what's going on.
• Auto Level Tracking eliminates the need to adjust the de-essing threshold as the track progresses in real-time.
• Audio frequency range is selectable.
• Ability to mix the amount of wet and dry signals being sent to the output.
• Excellent presets to use as a start point.
• Convenient preset manager.
• Three different instances to choose from – regular, low latency and high resolution.
• Natural sounding.
• Innovative, responsive developers.

OTHER THOUGHTS:

• Uses a bit of CPU, but not that much and well worth it.
• Requires an iLok for authorization, but this is also well worth it.

SUMMARY

The best way to have a track free of excessive sibilant sounds is to perform and record cleanly; however, that's not always possible. That's where this fantastic plugin comes to the rescue. I use it to help speech challenged students hear their annunciation and pronunciation "corrected." It's a wonderful recording tool, and in my case — a wonderful teaching tool. I fully agree with another user who rightfully claims, "SuprEsser is a Swiss army knife of compression and a welcome addition to my plugin folder." I highly recommend SuprEsser to any eMusician, producer, film and game tracker, sound designer, etc., who is looking to reduce or remove unwanted lisping artifacts and other harsh audio without sacrificing wanted dynamics. With SuprEsser, the baby does not get thrown out with the dirty bathwater! Tracks sound as natural as natural can be. Tommy Zai gives SuprEsser two clean, crisp TH-umbs up! Thank you Sonnox, for creating such an amazing audio tool! Fantastic!!.