If your track contains a vocal, clarity is key. Producers and engineers face one common challenge, harsh sibilance—those sharp “s” sounds that can ruin an otherwise perfect vocal take. A De-Esser plugin is the go-to tool for controlling sibilance. The best part? You don’t need to break the bank to get a high-quality De-Esser. In this post, we’ll cover five of the best free De-Esser plugins available today!

Spitfish

Spitfish is a straightforward De-Esser plugin that’s easy to use for both beginners and experienced producers. Its simple interface includes basic controls for tuning into sibilant frequencies and reducing them without compromising the integrity of the vocal. Though it’s an older plugin, it remains a go-to tool for many due to its effectiveness and zero cost.

Spitfish by Digitalfishphones

T-De-Esser 2

T-De-Esser is an efficient free De-Esser plugin with a sleek, modern interface. It offers quick and precise control over sibilance with minimal effort, making it ideal for beginners. It features intelligent processing, which focuses only on problematic high-frequency areas, ensuring your vocal tracks remain natural and clear.

T-De-Esser 2 by Techivation

Lisp

Lisp uses a unique approach to sibilance control, applying a frequency-based dynamic EQ to tame harsh sounds. It automatically detects sibilance and applies reduction where needed, making it an excellent tool for those who want a “set-it-and-forget-it” solution.

Lisp by Sleepy-Time DSP

DeEsser

Tonmann DeEsser is a no-frills, simple De-Esser plugin aimed at providing transparent sibilance reduction. It allows precise control over threshold and frequency, making it suitable for users who want to fine-tune their vocal tracks.While minimal in design, it delivers reliable results for taming harshness in vocals and instruments alike.

DeEsser by Tonmann

De-Esser

Dead Duck Software offers a free bundle of effects, including a basic yet effective De-Esser. It comes with simple, easy-to-use controls to adjust the threshold and frequency of sibilance, providing a reliable tool for vocal processing.

De-Esser by Dead Duck Software

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