The IK Multimedia Multi-Band De-Esser Software (Download) is a frequency dependent compressor designed to remove excessive sibilance from vocal tracks. The software can be operated in either 2-band or 3-band mode with control over the frequency range being processed.
Being able to narrowly specify the frequency range of compression is helpful for removing sibilance because it may occur only within a limited range and the rest of the frequency response should not be processed. Additional applications beyond vocals could include reducing the harshness or brightness of hi-hats or crash cymbals without affecting the rest of the high frequencies in the mix.
The user interface offers a virtual slider for controlling the amount of processing, a slider for setting the release time, two sliders for specifying the frequency range, buttons for selecting the processing mode, and drop-down menus for selecting the number of bands and the slope. A bypass switch allows you to A/B the effect of the processing on the signal and a reset switch can be used to restore the original settings.
The plug-in is fully compatible with native 32- and 64-bit applications on both Mac OS X (Universal Binary) and Windows (XP/Vista/7/8) computers. It supports VST, RTAS, AAX, and Audio Units plug-in formats. It can also be used with the T-RackS CS standalone application (sold separately).