Download free Part of NULL JSFX 2.6.1: 113 plugins, free and open source (MIT). Easiest with NULL JSFX Hub.

Controls

  • Target4000 to 10000 Hz — Centre frequency of the band-pass that isolates the sibilance.
  • Reduction−18 to 0 dB — Maximum cut applied to that band when sibilance gets loud.
  • ModeSplit / Wide — Split turns down only the sibilance band; Wide turns down the whole signal by the same amount.
  • Threshold ModeAuto / Manual — Auto uses the built-in detection level; Manual uses the Threshold control instead.
  • Threshold−60 to 0 dB — Level of the sibilance band above which the reduction starts (Manual only).
  • Range−18 to 0 dB — Caps how far the signal is turned down, while Reduction sets how quickly it gets there (-18 dB = no cap).
  • ListenOff / On — Plays only what is being removed, to tune Target and the threshold by ear.

Best uses

  • Taming harsh S, T and Ch sounds on vocals
  • Softening sibilant voice-over and podcast speech
  • Reducing hissy cymbal splash on overheads
  • Controlling brittle highs on bright acoustic guitar

Properties

Input → band-pass at Target (Q 2) → stereo-linked envelope follower (0.5 ms attack, 60 ms release) → band attenuation above a fixed −30 dB threshold, reaching full Reduction 12 dB above it → Output. Only the sibilant band is turned down; zero latency.

Formats

  • JSFXJSFX for REAPER, with REAPER's own sliders
  • GFXJSFX GFX for REAPER, with its own interface
  • VST3VST3 for any DAW
  • CLAPCLAP for any DAW

Factory presets

Male Vocal · Female Vocal · Podcast Speech · Gentle Sibilance · Harsh Sibilance · Cymbal Splash Tamer · Acoustic Guitar Glare · Gentle Vocal · Harsh Cymbals · Wide Vocal De-Ess · Quiet Voice · Broadcast Voice · Sibilance Listen

In the FX chains and Rack presets

Channel Strip · Dialogue Cleanup · Harshness Tamer · Podcast Ready · Pop Vocal · Rap Vocal Upfront · Six-Fader Vocal · Vocal Chain · Vocal Leveler

See every FX chain

Try it

Try it on orOS StudioAdd it to a track in your browser, with its own interface. Nothing to install.