A de-essing technique

[sawtooth]

I don't know if anyone else does this but I find it works really well. Whilst watching Mixing Rock on the Groove 3 site, the producer automates a 4db (I think) reduction for every S sound manually, and I think I prefer it to using a de-esser, just sounds more natural to my ears. Anyone else tried it?

 

[Ben Johnson]

When the multiband is being too finicky for the odd sibilance that won't behave under normal settings - yes, I do use straight volume automation.

 

[tempe]

I use this technique more or less exclusively, I'll also occassionally use a de-esser on the end of the chain as well for extremely sibilant vocalists.

 

[amarshism]

normally theyre at the start or end of a syllable, i just put a fade on it, easy as shit

 

[==>Alb<==]

For the lead vocals I do it manually offline.. it takes more time but is much better result
for background vocals or other secondary vocals I just put a deesser without so much stress

\m/

 

[Fandus]

Automation is always better, but de-essing allows me to be lazy!

 

[thefalloftheheretic]

When the multiband is being too finicky for the odd sibilance that won't behave under normal settings - yes, I do use straight volume automation.

Also, your picture is relevant.

 

[Ascendant]

normally theyre at the start or end of a syllable, i just put a fade on it, easy as shit

This. Split and fade, works like a charm.

 

[RedDog]

Automation before compression.

 

[IronApe]

I often edit s's, also f's, t's and p's if necessary. I just split and decrease volume of the event, after a while you get handy at it, just like slip n' sliding guitars...