The DL DeEsser 1.0 by DarlingLee is a Max4Live audio effect plugin that introduces a refined two-band sibilance regulator to your Ableton Live. Its design prudently considers a multicultural user base with the ability to switch interface languages between Simplified Chinese and English.
One of DeEsser's touted features is the adjustable esser detection frequency. This feature, which aids in the accurate location of the most prominent frequency point for esser, raises the precision bar in terms of identifying sibilance in your mix. Taking the esser suppression intensity up a notch, users can adjust the strength of the effect as per their audio requirement.
Arguably, the most outstanding feature of this device is the scrolling audio waveform comparison chart. By providing visual insights into the essing process, users get to choose one out of three scrolling speeds (fast/normal/slow) to match their workflow thereby making mastering more intuitive.
Furthermore, DL DeEsser 1.0 bolsters your confidence in the changes you're making. It does this by letting you solo the eliminated sound. This real-time monitoring of the removed esser capacitates users with firsthand knowledge of the manipulations taking place.
Adding yet another layer of control over the de-essing process is its dual-band esser elimination. With the option to independently choose whether to simultaneously eliminate low-frequency esser (from over 2000 Hz to over 3000 Hz), the device offers unrivaled ability in treating intricate audio material.
Ableton Live 11.3.25 and Max version 8.5.8 support this new entrant in the Max4Live arena. Despite its early stage and having no ratings yet, the DL DeEsser 1.0 showcases promises of necessary audio control abilities. Available under a commercial license, you can access this innovative tool on DarlingLee's Gumroad page.
For those considering exploring or incorporating this nifty tool into their Ableton setup, the DL DeEsser 1.0 device can be found on the maxforlive library (see here: https://maxforlive.com/library/device/10966/dl-deesser). Although a fresh face, DL DeEsser 1.0 emerges as an enticing option for producers seeking precise vocal mastering.
In conclusion, the DL DeEsser 1.0 offers a sophisticated solution that can empower producers to take control of the de-essing process with precision and visual feedback, promising to change the game of sound processing in Ableton Live. Swiftly navigate through the complexities of de-essing and give your productions the professional touch they deserve with DL DeEsser 1.0.
Example Usage
To get started with DL DeEsser 1.0, a powerful Max4Live device by DarlingLee, let's go through a simple use case aimed at reducing harsh 's' sounds, commonly known as 'sibilance', from a vocal recording in Ableton Live.
First, drag and drop DL DeEsser 1.0 from your Max4Live devices onto the vocal track you're working with. Once the device is loaded, you’ll see the interface which can be switched to English or Simplified Chinese, depending on your preference.
Before making any adjustments, play through the vocal part to identify where the sibilance is most prominent. This will be the place to focus on while you adjust the de-esser settings.
Next, you'll want to set the detection frequency. Start by slowly adjusting the 'Frequency' knob while the vocal is playing until you start to hear the 's' sounds being isolated. The DL DeEsser allows you to solo the select frequency so you can accurately find the sweet spot where the sibilance is most noticeable.
Once you have that frequency dialed in, manage the intensity of the sibilance reduction with the 'Intensity' knob. A low intensity will be subtler, whereas higher settings can drastically reduce sibilance.
Take advantage of the scrolling audio waveform comparison chart to visually check how much sibilance is being removed. You can adjust the scrolling speed to match your preference for a more detailed or a quicker overview.
If you want to treat sibilance in a specific frequency band, for example, the high end above 2000 Hz, you can opt to do so. This dual-band functionality allows you also to address esses that might be present in the lower frequency range above 2000 Hz to over 3000 Hz, which can be quite useful for balanced de-essing in complex vocal performances.
Finally, as you make adjustments, you can use the 'Solo' feature to listen in real-time to what the de-esser is removing. This is crucial for ensuring that you’re not taking too much out of the vocal performance and maintaining its natural quality.
Experiment with the settings until the vocal sits nicely in the mix without any distracting sibilance. Remember sibilance reduction is about balance – removing the harshness while preserving the vocal's clarity.
In our session today, we're tackling the ever-prevalent issue of sibilance in our lead vocal track. You might have experienced that piercing "s" sound that can really stick out in a mix and make the vocal less than pleasant to listen to. This is where the DL DeEsser 1.0 by DarlingLee proves to be an indispensable tool.
First, drag and drop the DL DeEsser 1.0 onto your vocal track. Start with the detection frequency; this is where you'll find the sweet spot where the "s" sounds are most prominent. With this device, you get the added benefit of soloing the selected frequency, which can be extremely helpful in zeroing in on that frequency point with precision. Let's say your track has a particularly harsh "s" at around 7 kHz, adjust the detection frequency to that point and solo it to confirm it is indeed the frequency you want to target.
Next, let's work with the suppression intensity to tame those sibilant sounds. Start by slowly increasing the suppression intensity while listening to the overall effect on your vocal. You want to reduce the sibilance without affecting the natural tone and clarity of the vocal. Make use of the scrolling audio waveform comparison chart to visually see the esser elimination in action. It's a powerful feature that helps ascertain you're not removing too much and keeping the vocal performance intact.
Since the DL DeEsser 1.0 is a dual-band de-esser, you can also choose to engage the low-frequency esser elimination. This is particularly useful if your vocal has some lower frequency harshness as well. Experiment with this feature to see if engaging the low-frequency de-esser cleans up your vocal further without making it sound unnaturally thin.
For real-time monitoring, solo the eliminated sound to listen closely to what you're removing from the track. This level of control and instantaneous feedback ensures you're only subtracting the unwanted sibilant sounds without taking away from the quality of the original recording.
Remember, de-essing is a delicate process, and the DL DeEsser 1.0 gives you the finesse required for a transparent and controlled result. Each vocal recording is unique, so take the time to play around with the settings, and trust your ears. With the DL DeEsser 1.0 in your Ableton Live session, you're equipped to handle sibilance with ease and keep those vocals sounding smooth and professional.
Further Thoughts
In this application walkthrough, let's go through a practical scenario where DL DeEsser 1.0 comes into play in a real-world mixing session. Amber is a rising pop artist, and you're tasked with mixing her latest track, which has a rich synth landscape beneath her powerful vocal takes. The one challenge is that Amber's recordings exhibit significant sibilance, particularly on her phrases ending with 's' and 't' sounds around the 6kHz - 8kHz range — an all-too-common issue in vocal recordings.
As you load her vocal tracks into Ableton Live, you decide that DL DeEsser 1.0 is the right tool for the job due to its dual-band capabilities and visual feedback system.
- Initial Setup: You first insert DL DeEsser 1.0 onto Amber's lead vocal track. Without making any adjustments yet, you play back the vocal section in solo to identify the most problematic sibilant parts.
- Locating Sibilance: Being able to switch the interface language to English allows you to comfortably navigate the plugin's features. You start tuning the 'Esser detection frequency' knob while the vocals are playing. As you approach the 7kHz mark, the 's' sounds are soloed, and you immediately notice that this is the frequency range where sibilance is most pronounced.
- Dual-Band Consideration: Knowing that DL DeEsser 1.0 allows for dual-band suppression, you decide to enable the low-frequency esser elimination. Still, you carefully set it just above 2000 Hz to prevent any collateral damage to the desirable warmth in Amber's voice.
- Suppression Intensity: With the frequency bands set, you begin to tweak the 'Esser suppression intensity'. You watch the scrolling audio waveform chart as you do this, opting for a normal scrolling speed for a thorough examination. You aim for just enough suppression to attenuate the sibilance without making the vocal sound unnatural.
- A/B Comparison: DL DeEsser 1.0 provides a scrolling audio waveform comparison, so you keep an eye on this as you bypass and engage the plugin. You notice a visible decrease in the waveform height where the sibilance previously was, indicating successful suppression.
- Real-Time Monitoring: To double-check the processing, you utilize the feature that allows soloing the eliminated sound. When you hear just the 'ess' sound being isolated and reduced, this confirms that the other vocal characteristics remain untouched.
- Final Touches: Satisfied with the sibilance control, you loop the entire track, listening through your studio monitors, and watch the plugin work in real-time. Amber's voice now sounds clear and crisp without the distracting harshness of sibilants.
By following this expert method using DL DeEsser 1.0, you've ensured that Amber's vocal production retains its intended clarity and retains the natural character, which enhances her performance's emotional impact on the final mix. This hands-on approach ensures that DL DeEsser is not just acting automatically but is finely tailored to the unique properties of Amber's vocals within the sonic context of the track.