Antelope Audio has introduced DXDesser, a brand-new de-essing and dynamic processing plugin that brings control to sibilant and harsh high-frequency content in vocals and other sounds that need smoothing without sacrificing presence or tone.
DXDesser is designed to intelligently detect and reduce unwanted sibilance – those sharp “S”, “T”, and high-frequency consonants that can ruin an otherwise great take. At its core, DXDesser gives users full control over how sibilance and harsh high-end content is detected and reduced, sweeping across the 0.8–12 kHz range to pinpoint exactly where the problem lies.
In the plugin’s Wide-Band mode, the entire signal is smoothed uniformly – great for quick fixes and natural results. Split-Band mode lets users isolate only the high-frequency content, applying reduction without affecting the low and midrange, which helps preserve the vocal’s warmth and depth, while Frequency mode offers the most focused processing, targeting a narrow frequency band to eliminate harshness with minimal tonal compromise.
DXDesser also includes visual tools that show exactly what’s happening to the audio. Real-time waveform display, gain reduction metres and output level monitoring provides instant feedback, so a user’s ears and eyes are always in sync. Advanced signal monitoring – such as detector solo and de-essed signal audition – ensures you’re enhancing your sound, not flattening it.
DXDesser has been designed to give music-makers the tools to clean up and control high-end. The plugin can be paired with Antelope’s existing hardware and other signature plugins to become part of a vocal chain that works in a professional studio or on the go.