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An introduction to Softube Weiss Deess, based on information from the maker and distributors: what it does, how to use it and who it may suit. It is not scored.
Whether you’re trying to tame sibilance in a lead vocal, rein in a sharp-sounding hi-hat, or reduce harshness while mastering, a truly great de-esser is as elusive as it is essential.
— Softube official site
What is Weiss Deess?
Weiss Deess is a de-esser plugin from Sweden's Softube. The maker says it ports algorithms from the Weiss DS1-MK3, a digital mastering hardware unit, and redesigns them for the modern studio. It is available on its own and as part of the Weiss DS1-MK3 collection.
It is not limited to lead-vocal sibilance. The maker also mentions taming a sharp-sounding hi-hat and reducing harshness while mastering.
Its main feature is two completely independent bands. The maker argues that sibilance in complex material or mastering rarely sits at a single frequency, which is the reason for two bands. Several filter shapes and detailed bandwidth control are provided.
The interface centers on a large display that shows FFT readouts together with the filter shapes. The faceplate is kept uncluttered, while detailed settings such as ratio, attack, release, knee and make-up gain sit in a side menu. A low-latency mode allows de-essing while tracking.
Two independent bands
Each of the two bands is set independently. This makes it easier to divide roles when handling separate sibilant regions or non-vocal harsh bands together.
Filter shapes and bandwidth
Several filter shapes are available along with detailed bandwidth control. The maker says this is to home in on the target without collateral damage.
FFT and filter display
A large color display shows frequency content and filter shapes together, useful for checking visually where and how much processing is applied.
Detailed side menu
Ratio, attack and release, knee, make-up gain and more are in a side menu, so the main view stays simple while deeper settings remain available.
Low-latency mode
A mode with reduced latency is for use while tracking. The maker suggests treating sibilance at recording rather than spending time on it during mixing.
Softube Extended Features
Softube includes its Extended Features, easy-access panels that add modern precision and workflow, in this plugin.
Specifications
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Formats | AU, VST, VST3, AAX (64-bit, Pro Tools 11.0.2 or higher) |
| OS | macOS 11-13 (Intel/Apple silicon), Windows 10 and 11 (64-bit) |
| Sample rates | 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4 and 192 kHz (mono/stereo) |
| Licensing | Softube account and iLok account required |
| List price (official) | 199 euros |
What is included and system requirements
- Weiss Deess license (Softube account plus iLok)
- AU, VST, VST3 and AAX versions
- Sold individually and also included in the Weiss DS1-MK3 collection
How to use it
- Create Softube and iLok accounts and add the license after purchase.
- Install with the Softube installer and rescan plug-ins in your DAW.
- Insert Weiss Deess on the vocal or other track to treat.
- Watching the FFT display, set the first band at the frequency where sibilance occurs.
- Use filter shape and bandwidth to define the range.
- If needed, set the second band for another problem region.
- Adjust ratio, attack and release in the side menu.
- Switch to low-latency mode when using it while recording.
Lead vocal sibilance
It may suit lead vocals where sibilance stands out, letting you specify the band. The maker lists this first.
De-essing while recording
Low-latency mode could be used to reduce sibilance while tracking a vocal.
Sharp sounds such as hi-hats
The maker gives sharp-sounding hi-hats as an example, so you might try it on harsh drum material.
Mastering
The two-band layout may help tidy harsh highs across a mix, a use the maker lists.
Who it may suit
- People who want to treat sibilance in two specified bands
- Users who prefer to adjust while looking at an FFT display
- Those who want to de-ess at the recording stage
- Owners of other Weiss or Softube products
Good to know before you buy
- Both a Softube account and an iLok account are required.
- The listed OS support is macOS 11-13 and Windows 10/11; check the official page for newer OS versions before buying.
- Softube officially tests the latest Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Cubase, Ableton Live, Studio One and Reaper.
- It is also included in the Weiss DS1-MK3 collection.
How it differs from similar products
We do not pick a winner; the official figures are placed side by side.
MH Precision DeEsser v4
Weiss Deess has two independent bands and lists at 199 euros, while MH Precision DeEsser v4 targets one frequency region with Center, Bandwidth and Sharpness controls at $179.
SSL Native Vocalstrip 2
Weiss Deess is a dedicated two-band de-esser, while SSL Native Vocalstrip 2 is a vocal channel strip combining a de-esser, de-ploser, 3-band EQ and compander.
Price
$69 (Plugin Boutique, checked 2026-10-27). Prices can vary by region and promotion, so check the official page before buying.
See Weiss Deess on the product page
Sources: softube.com pluginboutique.com (checked 2026-10-27)
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