McDSP - DE555 De-esser Native

The McDSP DE555 is a look-ahead de-esser that works consistently at any signal level, so you don't have to keep chasing a threshold as a vocal gets louder and quieter. It's for vocal and dialogue work where sibilance needs to go without the voice going lispy.

How it works

Instead of relying on signal level like a traditional de-esser, the DE555 uses its own detection approach combined with look-ahead. Ratio and release are continuously adjustable, and an HF-only mode reduces just the 'sss' rather than the whole signal. The key filter offers high pass and band pass options, a focus control to separate sibilance from the voice, and a listen mode.

The sound

Transparent and predictable. Set it once on a lead vocal and it keeps working through the quiet verse and the loud chorus. Real-time displays of de-essing amount and the key filter response make setup quick.

Native or HD?

Native runs on your computer in AAX Native, AU and VST3, which is all most studios need. If you mix on Pro Tools HDX or an Avid VENUE S6L, DE555 De-esser HD adds AAX DSP support.

Features

• Level-independent, look-ahead de-essing
• Adjustable ratio and release
• HF-only mode
• High pass and band pass key filter with focus control
• Key filter monitoring
• Real-time de-essing and key filter displays
• Double precision processing, low latency
• Mono and stereo versions

System requirements

• Version: 7.3
• Mac: macOS 10.13 High Sierra to macOS 26 Tahoe. AAX Native, AU and VST3. Native on Apple Silicon and Intel
• Windows: Windows 10 and 11. AAX Native and VST3
• RAM: not specified by McDSP
• Licence: iLok, on an iLok2 or iLok3 USB key, your computer or iLok Cloud (a free iLok account is needed). Two activations per licence

SOUND7 is an authorised McDSP reseller. Digital delivery: licence activation code sent by email.

Demo