Waves Sibilance de-esser plug-in: features and spec-based rating

Waves’ Sibilance is a de-esser that splits the sound into its basic components before processing. It aims to lower only the “S” components and leave the brightness of the highs. A zero-latency version is included.

A de-esser reduces only the harsh sounds that stand out on “S” and similar sounds in singing (sibilance).

In this article we compare Sibilance with 12 de-esser plug-ins and rate how well it serves its purpose on three criteria. The basis is official manufacturer information.

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Summary

Among the 12 de-esser plug-ins, Sibilance is rank B. The ranks run S, A, B and C, and B is third from the top. Averaging the scores for each criterion (out of 5, with the one criterion that matters most for the purpose counted double) gives 3.3.

Strengths

• Natural reduction (4 points): it reduces only the harsh sounds naturally, without changing the voice quality.

Things to keep in mind

• Speed (2 points): you have to set the details yourself.

Who it suits: people who want to reduce sibilance while keeping the brightness of the voice.

Main features of Sibilance

A method that splits the sound into components before processing

Sibilance is a de-esser that splits the sound into its basic components before processing. It finds the unwanted “ess” and “shh” components and lowers the volume of only those, so even where there are high-frequency components, it is said to keep the tone, length and resonance of the voice.

Frequency range and detection modes

You can change the frequency range to de-ess, from a wide band to a split band. There are a detection mode that lets you choose between short sounds (transients) and longer “S” sounds, and a graph that shows how much de-essing is applied.

A zero-latency version

A zero-latency version is included, so it can be used for live playing and for monitoring while recording. It is also described as suitable for narration and podcasts as well as vocals. The content of this article was confirmed on the product page of the retailer, Plugin Boutique.

Where it is useful

• Reducing the “S” sounds of a vocal while keeping the brightness
• Using the zero-latency version to make monitoring easier while recording
• Tidying up the sibilance in narration and podcasts

Rating by criterion

Natural reduction: 4 / 5

We check whether it has a mechanism that reduces only the harsh “S” sounds that hurt the ears, without changing the voice quality.

Using a mechanism that processes the sound by component (Organic ReSynthesis), the manufacturer explains that it lowers only the unwanted “S” components and keeps the brightness of the highs. It is not described as AI learning.

Speed: 2 / 5

We check whether it has features that get you to a good setting quickly (automatic settings, a single knob and so on).

The controls are standard. You adjust the frequency range from a wide band to a split band and choose a detection mode. There is no automatic setting function.

If “speed” matters most to you, smart:deess and Vocal De-Esser (5 points) are a better fit.

Breadth of uses: 3 / 5

We check whether it also handles problems other than sibilance (plosives, harsh ringing) and can be used while recording.

A zero-latency version is included, so it can be used live and while recording. We could not confirm M/S or sidechain listening.

How we score (De-esser plug-ins)

Criterion	Basis	5 pt	4 pt	3 pt	2 pt	1 pt
Natural reduction	A mechanism that reduces only the sibilance (harsh "S" sounds) without changing the voice quality	AI identifies each consonant one by one and shapes it by spectrum, not only by volume	A mechanism that acts only on the problem band (split band, dynamic EQ, resonance suppression, AI learning and so on)	A general method that sets a band and lowers the overall volume	—	—
Speed	How quickly you can reach a good setting	AI sets everything automatically just by loading it	It follows changes in the voice's level automatically, or almost everything takes a few operations	A vocal mode makes it easy to set	Standard controls	—
Breadth of uses	Plosives, harsh resonances, stereo and use while recording	Works on harsh resonances in general, and supports M/S processing and operation with no delay	Two or more of M/S, sidechain listening, low latency and use on other material	One use besides sibilance, such as plosives	Sibilance only	—

Each criterion is scored from 1 to 5 on how well the product serves one goal: naturally reducing the sibilance of a vocal. Scores follow the conditions in the table above, and the rank is based on an average in which "Natural reduction" counts double. The basis is official manufacturer information. Sound quality and CPU load are not measured, so they are not scored; reviews from trade magazines are introduced in the articles for reference. Price is not part of the score. Features that cannot be confirmed from the manufacturer's or a retailer's description are scored as if absent. The "OBS (streaming)" column in the table shows whether the official page lists the VST2 format that the streaming software OBS Studio can use (○). OBS does not support the VST3 format. It is not part of the score.

Sibilance system requirements and getting started

Operating system	Windows 10 or later / Mac (macOS 12 to 15)
Plug-in formats	Windows: VST, AAX / Mac: VST, AU, AAX (as listed by the retailer)
Other	A Waves account and the installer app (Waves Central) are required. To use it in OBS, go through Waves’ official StudioRack
OBS (streaming)	Works with conditions (via Waves’ official StudioRack)

Checked on the manufacturer’s official pages on October 17, 2026.

Compared with other de-esser plug-ins

Click a heading to sort. On a phone, the table scrolls sideways.

Read next

• Renaissance DeEsser: features and rating (rank B)
• Pro-DS: features and rating (rank A)
• smart:deess: features and rating (rank S)
• pure:deess: features and rating (rank A)