Black Salt Audio DSR is a streamlined de-essing plugin designed to simplify the process of taming harsh sibilance in vocal recordings. With its minimalist approach, DSR offers users a fast and intuitive solution for achieving transparent de-essing without compromising the overall frequency balance of the vocal. The plugin features just two main controls: Threshold and Range, making it accessible to both novice and experienced audio engineers. DSR’s interface is clean and uncluttered, with a waveform display that provides visual feedback on the areas being processed. The plugin utilizes an internal side-chain signal that has been fine-tuned to target problematic sibilance, allowing for focused processing without affecting the entire frequency spectrum. DSR is compatible with Windows 10 and macOS 10.13 and higher, supporting VST3, AU, and AAX formats.
Pros:
• Extremely simple and intuitive interface with only two main controls
• Transparent de-essing that preserves the natural character of vocals
• Low CPU usage and zero latency, making it suitable for real-time applications
• Visual feedback through waveform display for easy identification of processed areas
• Affordable pricing, especially during introductory offer periods
Cons:
• Limited control over specific frequency targeting compared to more advanced de-essers
• May not be suitable for complex de-essing tasks that require precise frequency manipulation
DSR’s feature set is deliberately minimalist, focusing on ease of use and efficiency. The Threshold control is the primary tool for determining how much gain reduction is applied to sibilant frequencies. By adjusting this parameter, users can set the point at which the de-essing process begins to take effect. The plugin’s internal side-chain mechanism has been carefully calibrated to identify and target harsh sibilance, eliminating the need for manual frequency selection.
The Range control complements the Threshold by allowing users to limit the maximum amount of attenuation applied by the plugin. This feature is particularly useful for maintaining a natural sound, as it prevents over-processing that could lead to lisping or other artifacts commonly associated with aggressive de-essing.
The waveform display occupies the top half of the plugin’s GUI, providing a visual representation of the audio signal. This display highlights the areas being targeted by the processing, offering users immediate feedback on the plugin’s operation. This visual aid can be especially helpful for those who are new to de-essing or prefer a more intuitive approach to signal processing.
DSR also includes a preset management system, allowing users to save and recall their favorite settings quickly. This feature can be particularly useful when working on multiple projects with similar vocal characteristics or when collaborating with other engineers.
The plugin offers a toggle switch for switching between dark and light GUI color schemes, catering to different user preferences and working environments. This attention to visual comfort demonstrates Black Salt Audio’s consideration for user experience beyond just the audio processing capabilities.
One of DSR’s standout features is its optimized performance. The plugin boasts low CPU usage and zero latency, making it an excellent choice for real-time applications such as live recording or monitoring. This efficiency ensures that DSR can be used liberally across multiple tracks without significantly impacting system resources.
While DSR lacks the extensive frequency-specific controls found in some more advanced de-essers, its simplified approach can lead to faster workflow and potentially more musical results. The plugin’s internal algorithms are designed to make intelligent decisions about which frequencies to target, potentially reducing the risk of over-processing that can occur with more complex de-essers.
Compared to similar plugins in the market, DSR stands out for its simplicity and focus on ease of use. Many popular de-essers, such as FabFilter Pro-DS or Waves DeEsser, offer more extensive controls and visualization options. These plugins typically allow users to select specific frequency ranges, adjust attack and release times, and provide more detailed metering. While this level of control can be beneficial for complex de-essing tasks, it can also lead to analysis paralysis or over-complication of what should be a straightforward process. DSR’s approach is more akin to the philosophy of plugins like Soothe2 by Oeksound, which uses intelligent algorithms to simplify complex processing tasks. However, unlike Soothe2, which addresses a broader range of resonances, DSR remains focused solely on de-essing. This specialization allows it to offer a more streamlined and potentially faster workflow for this specific task.
In terms of sound quality, DSR holds its own against more expensive options. Its transparent processing and ability to preserve the natural character of vocals make it a strong contender in the de-essing plugin market, especially considering its affordable price point. However, it’s important to note that for extremely complex de-essing tasks or situations requiring precise frequency targeting, more advanced plugins might still be necessary. Despite this limitation, DSR’s focus on simplicity and effectiveness makes it a worthy contender in the world of de-essing plugins, offering a balance of quality results and user-friendly operation that many will find appealing.
This plugin is best for:
• Audio engineers and producers seeking a quick and easy de-essing solution
• Vocalists and voice-over artists who need real-time de-essing during recording
• Podcasters and content creators looking to improve their vocal recordings without complex processing
• Mixing engineers working on tight deadlines who need efficient, high-quality results
• Beginners in audio production who want an accessible entry point into de-essing
Black Salt Audio’s DSR plugin offers a refreshingly simple approach to de-essing in a market often dominated by complex, feature-heavy processors. Its streamlined interface, consisting of just two main controls, makes it an attractive option for users who prioritize speed and ease of use in their workflow. The plugin’s ability to deliver transparent, musical de-essing without extensive tweaking is a significant advantage, particularly for those working under time constraints or in real-time recording scenarios. While DSR may not offer the granular control found in some more advanced de-essers, its intelligent processing and low CPU usage make it a versatile tool suitable for a wide range of applications. The visual feedback provided by the waveform display enhances user understanding of the de-essing process, bridging the gap between simplicity and informative operation.