SPL De-Esser MK2

An Mk2 Evolution Focused on Ergonomics, Without Betraying the Sonic DNA

The DeEsser Mk2 retains the processing qualities that made the previous generation appealing, while modernizing the device on a key daily studio aspect: usability. With its new design and solid aluminum knobs, adjustments become more direct, stable, and pleasant when finely tuning sibilance reduction during a session or recalling a setting in the mix. The approach remains faithful to the goal of a good hardware de-esser: to intervene where sibilance is problematic, while preserving a lively, airy, and natural voice.

Who Is It For and What Studio Uses?

The DeEsser Mk2 is aimed at demanding home studio users, recording studios, post-production control rooms, and broadcast environments seeking reliable sibilance control at the source. It excels on vocals (singing, rap, voice-over, podcast) right from the recording stage, but is equally relevant in mixing to tame sibilance that has become too prominent after equalization or compression.
Its dual-channel format facilitates modern workflows: you can process two microphones simultaneously, manage a stereo signal using two mono sections with the same settings, or simply keep a second channel ready for another vocal track. Typically placed after the preamp (and often before or after a compressor depending on the desired result), it allows control of "s," "ch," "t," and other harsh consonants without having to automate constantly or overcorrect with EQ.

Auto-Dynamic: A Musical De-Essing, Quick to Set

The principle of the DeEsser Mk2 is clear: remove unwanted sibilant frequencies in a simple and musical way. Auto-Dynamic targets reduction that follows the actual dynamics of the voice, so the action focuses on problematic consonants without "closing" the upper spectrum on the rest of the phrase. The result: preserved intelligibility, less aggressive upper mids, and a more controlled vocal feel, especially when subsequently compressed or brought forward in the mix.

"S" Reduction LED Indicator: Precision and Control in Real Situations

In both recording and mixing, a de-esser is judged as much by ear as by the consistency of the setting against performance variations. The "S" reduction LED indicator helps visualize when and how much the device is acting, speeding up the placement of the processing: enough to calm sibilance, not too much to avoid the "lisp" effect. This is particularly useful on very close-miked vocals, bright takes, or singers with very pronounced attacks.

Female Mode: Adapting the Sensitive Range to Vocal Characteristics

Sibilance does not always occur in the same place depending on tessitura, microphone, distance, or applied equalization. Female mode allows adapting the treatment behavior to the voice's characteristics to more effectively catch the relevant sibilance area. This is a practical asset for quickly switching between different voices in the same session (lead vocals, backing vocals, voice-over) while maintaining a natural sound.
Finally, the dual-channel architecture and wide frequency response of the DeEsser Mk2 make it both a specialized and versatile tool: specialized because it targets a specific problem (sibilance), versatile because it can integrate into many workflows (tracking, mixing, post) with comfortable headroom and performance suited to demanding studio use.

Technical specifications

Number of channels

2

U-height

1

Frequency response	10 - 100,000 Hz (-3.0 dB)	Input impedance	22 kOhm
Noise (A-weighted)	-97 dB	Output impedance	100 Ohm
Dynamic range	118 dB	Dimensions (W x H x D)	482 x 44 x 237 mm
Max input/output level	21 dBu	Weight	3.3 kg