Cubase 11 Vocal Mixing - 4 Ways To De-ess Vocals

Introduction

This tutorial provides four effective methods for de-essing vocals in Cubase 11. De-essing is crucial for reducing harsh "s" sounds that can disrupt the clarity and professionalism of a vocal mix. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned mixer, these techniques will enhance your mixing skills and help achieve polished, radio-ready vocals.

Step 1: Use a De-esser

A de-esser is a specialized audio processor designed to reduce sibilance.

1. Insert the De-esser:

   • Open your vocal track in Cubase.
   • Go to the 'Inserts' section and choose a de-esser plugin (Cubase includes a built-in de-esser).

2. Adjust Frequency:

   • Set the frequency threshold where sibilance occurs (typically between 4 kHz and 10 kHz).

3. Set the Ratio:

   • Adjust the ratio to determine how much sibilance you want to reduce. Start with a ratio of about 4:1.

4. Fine-tune:

   • Listen to the vocal track and tweak the threshold and ratio until the harshness is minimized without affecting the overall vocal quality.

Step 2: Use a Dynamic EQ

Dynamic EQs can be more flexible than static EQs for de-essing.

1. Insert Dynamic EQ:

   • Load a dynamic EQ plugin in the Inserts section of your vocal track.

2. Select Frequency Band:

   • Choose a band that targets the sibilant frequencies (again, typically 4 kHz to 10 kHz).

3. Set Dynamic Range:

   • Adjust the dynamic range to control how much the sibilant frequencies are attenuated when they exceed the threshold.

4. Threshold Setting:

   • Set the threshold to engage the EQ only when sibilance is present.

5. Listen and Adjust:

   • Play the track and adjust the settings to find a balance that reduces sibilance while maintaining vocal clarity.

Step 3: Go Manual

Manual de-essing involves editing the audio waveform directly.

1. Select Sibilant Sections:

   • Zoom in on your vocal track and identify areas with excessive sibilance.

2. Automate Volume:

   • Use volume automation to lower the volume of these specific sections without affecting the rest of the vocal.

3. Apply Fades:

   • If necessary, apply fades to the beginning and end of these sibilant sections to smooth transitions.

4. Listen Back:

   • Ensure the manual adjustments blend seamlessly with the rest of the vocal performance.

Step 4: Use SpectraLayers One

SpectraLayers One allows you to visualize and manipulate audio frequencies.

1. Open SpectraLayers:

   • Select your vocal track and open it in SpectraLayers.

2. Identify Sibilance:

   • Use the visual representation to locate and highlight sibilant frequencies.

3. Reduce Sibilance:

   • Use the tools within SpectraLayers to lower the sibilant frequencies while preserving the integrity of the vocal.

4. Export Back to Cubase:

   • Once adjustments are made, export the edited audio back to Cubase.

Extra De-essing Tips

• Use Multiple Methods: Combining several techniques can yield the best results.
• Listen on Different Speakers: Test your mix on various playback systems to ensure sibilance is controlled across all.
• Take Breaks: Ears can become fatigued; take breaks to maintain a fresh perspective on your mix.

Conclusion

De-essing is an essential skill for achieving clean, professional vocals in your mixes. By utilizing a de-esser, dynamic EQ, manual editing, or SpectraLayers One, you can effectively control sibilance and improve your overall sound. Experiment with these methods to find the approach that works best for your vocal tracks and continue refining your mixing techniques.