FabFilter Pro-DS | Intelligent De-Esser Plug-In

FabFilter Pro-DS is an intelligent de-esser for professional vocal processing and precise high-frequency control. Equipped with advanced “single vocal” detection, the plug-in recognizes sibilants in voice recordings particularly reliably and reduces them dynamically – without audible artefacts or negative influences on the rest of the signal. The all-round version of Pro-DS can also be used for gentle high-frequency limiting in drums, mix busses or complete mixes.

Two operating modes are available: broadband processing, in which the entire signal is reduced on detection, and a linear-phase split-band mode, which only processes the affected frequency ranges – ideal for particularly transparent results in mastering and mixing. Thanks to the linear phase structure, temporal coherence is maintained even with strong intervention.

An optional lookahead of up to 15 ms allows even short pulses to be detected in good time, while the threshold, range and high and low pass filters for detection are freely adjustable. The internal sidechain measurement and the integrated real-time spectrum analyzer offer visually supported control over the entire processing. In addition, the stereo link behavior as well as mid or side processing can be specifically configured.

Up to fourfold oversampling in linear-phase mode ensures maximum sound fidelity. Processing is carried out with 64-bit internal precision. The user interface is intuitive to use and offers both large and compact viewing options. Visual feedback with color-coded display of active de-essing points facilitates precise work in audio production.

Pro-DS is complemented by the typical FabFilter features such as Smart Parameter Interpolation, MIDI Learn, Undo/Redo, A/B comparison, GPU-accelerated display and sample-accurate automation. Thanks to support for all common plug-in formats, the tool can be seamlessly integrated into any production environment – from mono to stereo to Pro Tools Control Surface support.

Technical properties

Plug-in formats: VST 2/3, Audio Units, AAX Native, AudioSuite, CLAP (64-/32-bit each)
System requirements Windows: Windows 11, 10, 8, 7 or Vista, VST-/CLAP-Host or Pro Tools (32-/64-bit)
System requirements macOS: macOS 10.13 or higher (64-bit only), Intel or Apple Silicon, AU/VST/CLAP host or Pro Tools
Recognition modes: Single Vocal, Allround
Machining types: Wide band, linear-phase split-band processing
Lookahead: Up to 15 ms
Filter control: Adjustable high and low pass in the detection path
Modes:
– stereo, mono
– freely adjustable stereo linking
– mid-only or side-only processing
Oversampling: Up to 4x linear phase
Visual aids:
– Real-time de-essing display
– Integrated spectrum analyzer
– Sidechain input meter
Other features:
– Smart Parameter Interpolation
– MIDI Learn
– Undo/Redo and A/B comparison
– Sample-accurate automation
– Large and compact GUI sizes
– GPU-accelerated display
– 64-bit internal processing
– Support for Pro Tools Control Surfaces