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The HOFA IQ-Series DeEsser is the best tool for editing harsh sibilants in vocals or in an entire mix. The specialized and very natural sounding voice recognition makes the IQ-Series DeEsser easy to use and very intuitive.
HOFA IQ-Series DeEsser – DeEssing in its most natural form and a BUS mode that is second to none.
The integrated voice recognition algorithm can control sibilants in a very transparent and effective way.
The vocal sound remains natural and authentic, even with heavy processing.
In addition, an innovative BUS mode is available that can control an adjustable frequency range with previously unattainable precision. The selected range is monitored in high resolution, and any frequency peaks that occur are tamed.
This makes the IQ-Series DeEsser a game changer for mixing and mastering.
The HOFA IQ-Series DeEsser is a professional audio plugin for reducing annoying sibilants like S, Sh, Z in vocals, spoken word, instruments, and full mixes.
Its standout feature is the integrated speech detection which was developed by HOFA. Unlike traditional de-essers that work purely frequency-based, the IQ-Series DeEsser intelligently detects whether it’s actually a sibilant. The result: even with heavy reduction, the voice still sounds natural.
The HOFA IQ-Series DeEsser offers four specialized modes:
The BUS mode is based on a completely separate algorithm and is especially innovative. It monitors a freely adjustable frequency range at high resolution and precisely smooths out any frequency peaks that occur. That makes it suitable not only for vocals, but also for:
Sibilants are hissing sounds in human speech – specifically the consonants S, Sh, Z, Ts and Ch. Phonetically, these are so-called “fricative consonants”: when speaking, the tongue forces air against the teeth, creating a hissing noise. These sounds can be disproportionately loud and unpleasant.
A static EQ cut at 8 kHz does reduce sibilants but does it constantly – even when there are no sibilants. That makes the voice duller as a whole and takes away “air” and presence. A de-esser, on the other hand, works dynamically: it only kicks in when a sibilant actually occurs, and otherwise leaves the voice unchanged. That sounds much more natural.
“Set and forget” is the IQ-Series DeEsser’s design philosophy: you set just one main parameter (threshold), and the plugin takes care of the rest automatically. The intelligent speech detection means that no time-consuming frequency scanning or complicated multiband setup is needed. That saves a lot of time when mixing.
Absolutely. Even though the plugin is often used in music, it’s also perfect for:
The WIDE mode, in particular, delivers very natural results on spoken voice.
Yes—this is exactly what the BUS mode was developed for. It’s ideal for mastering, for example when a finished mix sounds too harsh or occasional harsh frequency peaks pop up. Audio engineer Peter Mansson (Bonnie Tyler, Lykke Li) confirms: the IQ-Series DeEsser also works brilliantly as a gentle master-bus de-esser.
Yes, since the HOFA IQ-Series DeEsser stands out with:
“I have tested your DeEsser extensively and would like to give you great praise!
I have been doing studio work for a long time and I am absolutely stoked about this tool! I have been searching for a long time and have not found anything that is so easy to use and works so efficiently. I record digitally, but with the help of the HOFA DeEsser, I can achieve a sound that comes very close to the old warmth.”
Jürgen Herrmann
Musician, Songwriter
I Love how easy it is to get really good and transparent results with the Hofa IQ-Series DeEsser. Really smooth for vocals. Also love how it handles Guitars Squeaks from acoustic guitars as well as a subtle DeEsser on the Master Bus. A winner and a new go-to DeEsser!
Peter Mansson
Audio Engineer (Bonnie Tylor, Blue, Lykke Li, How I Met Your Mother)
The IQ-Series DeEsser processes “parselmouths” so efficiently and unobtrusively – it’s almost a miracle.
Professional Audio
… With the IQ-Series DeEsser, HOFA is joining the ranks of manufacturers that came up with a real technical innovation in 2015. (…) an extremely powerful tool that is easy to use …
Editors Choice 2015 – Professional Audio
I probably spent cumulative years while trying all sorts of de-esser plugins and painstakingly tweaking them.
IQ-Series DeEsser: basically a one knob (threshold) formula which does the trick in no-time. And the best part: No “sss'” are turning into “fff’s”. Bring on the sibilant vocals now!! 🙂
Eldad Guetta
Audio Engineer
Credits: Chrissie Hynde, Robbie Robertson, George Lucas, Gary Rydstrom, Zack Snyder, Damien Chazelle
London, UK
You clearly have the best de-esser on the market and I had no choice but to purchase it. I’ve tested all others and it’s clear your de-esser gives me the ability to get the most natural results quickly. Thank you.
Cleon Richardson
song writer/ arranger/ producer/ recording and mixing engineer/ choir director and teacher
Trinidad and Tobago
Formats: VST3, AU, AAX
Operating System: macOS 10.13 or later, Windows 10 or later
HOFA plugins are continuously tested on the following DAWs:
Ableton Live, Apple Logic, Avid Pro Tools, Bitwig, Cockos Reaper, Image Line FL Studio, Magix Samplitude/Sequoia, Fender Studio Pro, Steinberg Cubase/Nuendo/Wavelab
You have two licenses available. These are managed via the HOFA Plugins Manager, where they can also be deactivated and transferred to other computers.
It is also possible to activate and use HOFA plugins offline. Licenses on USB sticks can be used alongside USB licenses from other plugin manufacturers without any issues.
You can read the detailed manual here:
You will find helpful answers to many questions in our support center:
You can also reach us on weekdays at plugins@hofa.de and +49 7251 3472-444
1 review for IQ-Series DeEsser
Joe –
In my opinion, the best and easiest to use de-esser on the market!
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