Home / SPL AUDIO DeEsser Mk2 The original – redesigned
Product Overview
The Original Audio Revolution, Re-Imagined for Modern Mixing
The SPL DeEsser Mk2 solves a major problem in modern vocal production: removing harsh sibilant spikes without causing audible compression pumping or a muffled, "lisping" vocal performance. In the 1990s, SPL revolutionized audio processing by introducing a level-independent sibilance canceling technology. Instead of using traditional compression thresholds that choke the whole signal, the DeEsser detects the phase of sibilant frequencies and injects them back inverted to cancel out the harshness passively.
The Mk2 generation preserves this iconic, purely analog circuitry while adding refined controls and a clean layout. Hand-assembled in Germany, this two-channel processor offers seamless sibilance control, helping mix engineers position vocals or voiceovers upfront in a mix without any abrasive edge.
Unlike traditional de-essers that use narrow-band compressors to clamp down on high frequencies, the DeEsser Mk2 operates via unique phase cancellation. Its internal detector monitors the vocal spectrum, automatically isolating S-frequencies. It then generates a mirror-image, phase-inverted version of that exact frequency band and mixes it back into the main audio path. This subtraction process drops the sibilant energy effortlessly. Because it doesn't affect the main signal volume, your vocal retains its natural open character, breath, and dynamic scale.
Dual-Band Focus and Level-Independent Auditing:
The DeEsser Mk2 features two highly targeted, specialized processing bands to handle different vocal types:
Female S-Reduction: Sets the center sibilance detection matrix around 7 kHz, tracking the typical higher-register sibilant zone of female vocalists.
Male S-Reduction: Lowers the center sibilance focus down to 6 kHz to capture the lower-registered sibilant spikes common in male tracking.
Threshold-Free Operation: Since the processing responds to the relative ratio of sibilance rather than absolute signal level, it acts consistently across quiet whispers and explosive vocal choruses without requiring continuous threshold tweaking.
Advanced Sidechain Filtering and Hard Relay Bypass:
The Mk2 introduces an upgraded processing workflow for aggressive tracking:
Switchable High-Pass Filter: Adds a precise 12 dB/octave tracking high-pass filter to the sidechain detector path. This keeps low-mid muddy frequencies out of the control loop, ensuring the phase cancellation triggers exclusively on sharp high frequencies.
Relay-Driven Hard True Bypass: Features gas-insulated hardware relays that bridge the input and output jacks instantly when bypassed. This ensures completely click-free switching and forms an automated copper passthrough to keep your signal alive if the rack loses power.
Key Features
DUAL-CHANNEL MODULAR CONTROL: Provides two independent channels of dynamic sibilance processing in a compact 1U rackmount footprint.
AUTO-DYNAMIC CANCELING STAGE: Employs phase-inversion subtraction to eliminate harsh "S" sounds without using standard high-frequency compression.
LEVEL-INDEPENDENT TRACKING: Monitors relative frequency ratios rather than input volume, treating loud sections and quiet passages identically.
MALE & FEMALE DUAL VOICING: Front-panel switches shift detection centers (6 kHz for Male, 7 kHz for Female) to match the performer's vocal range.
INTEGRATED SIDECHAIN HIGH-PASS: Built-in sidechain filter optimizes detection accuracy, preventing low-mid blooming from triggering the circuit.
HIGH-VOLTAGE ANALOG AUDIO RAILS: Runs on an optimized internal power grid to deliver an ultra-wide 116 dB dynamic range with exceptional headroom.
AUTOMATED RELAY HARD BYPASS: Gas-sealed mechanical copper relays guarantee click-free manual bypassing and protect the signal path during power loss.
PREMIUM GERMAN MASTERING BUILD: Built in Germany with a 4mm thick black-anodized aluminum faceplate, solid-milled knobs, and balanced Neutrik XLR I/O.
Technical Specifications
Feature
Specification
Device Type
Dual-Channel Analog Dynamic Sibilance Processor / De-Esser
Form Factor
1U 19-inch Hardware Rackmount Unit
De-Essing Technology
Auto-Dynamic Phase Cancellation Matrix
S-Reduction Attenuation Range
0 to -20 dB (Continuously variable per channel)
Male Detection Center Frequency
6 kHz (Broadband target range)
Female Detection Center Frequency
7 kHz (Broadband target range)
Sidechain Filtering Profile
12 dB/Octave High-Pass Filter embedded in detection chain
Analog Inputs
2 x Neutrik XLR (Electronically balanced)
Analog Outputs
2 x Neutrik XLR (Electronically balanced)
Input Impedance
22 k$\Omega$ Balanced
Output Impedance
< 100 $\Omega$ Balanced
Maximum Input & Output Level
21 dBu
Frequency Range (-3 dB)
10 Hz – 100 kHz — Extended linear audio response
Dynamic Range
116 dB (High-voltage internal rails)
Common Mode Rejection (CMRR)
> 80 dB (@ 1 kHz)
THD + Noise (0 dBu, 10 Hz – 22 kHz)
0.002 % (Ultra-low harmonic distortion)
Residual Noise Floor (A-Weighted)
-93 dBu
Crosstalk Rejection
-90 dB (@ 1 kHz)
Bypass Architecture
Relay-Driven Hard Copper True Bypass Matrix
Power Supply Infrastructure
Internal Linear Power Supply with Low-Noise Toroidal Transformer
Mains Operating Voltage
Selectable: 230 V AC / 50 Hz or 115 V AC / 60 Hz
Fuses Array
T 315 mA (for 230 V) | T 630 mA (for 115 V)
Power Consumption
Max. 15 W
Dimensions (W x H x D)
482 x 44 x 237 mm (19 x 1.73 x 9.33 inches)
Unit Weight
3.1 kg (6.83 lbs)
Shipping Weight (With Box)
4.6 kg (10.14 lbs)
What’s Included in the Box
1 x SPL AUDIO DeEsser Mk2 Dual-Channel Dynamic Envelope Processor Rack Unit
1 x Standard AC Power Connectivity Cable (IEC)
1 x Official SPL Studio Series DeEsser Mk2 Operations Guide
