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dbx 520 500 Series De-Esser

500 Series De-esser, with Adjustable 800Hz-8kHz Operation and LED Gain Reduction Meter
11 Write review Item ID: 520DeEsser
$229.00

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dbx 520 500 Series De-Esser
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Eliminates Sibilance Transparently

Tame harsh sibilance with the dbx 520 de-esser module for your 500 series rack. The 520 serves up precise sibilance control even if your signal level varies wildly, making it an easy set-and-forget processor for tracking, mixing and live sound applications. With comprehensive metering and a de-essing range of 800Hz to 8kHz, Sweetwater can recommend the 520 module for vocals, cymbals, and any other harsh source you need to soften up. Every serious audio engineer needs a good de-esser in their rack, and you'll be well-served by the dbx 520 de-esser module.

Related Videos: 520 500 Series De-Esser

dbx 520 De-esser 500 Series Module Features at a Glance:
  • De-esser module for 500 series racks, based on dbx's famous 902 de-esser module
  • Perfect for reducing harsh sibilants in vocals, cymbals, and more
  • Wide, adjustable de-essing range from 800Hz to 8kHz
  • De-essing ranges up to 20dB of gain reduction
  • Gain Reduction metering for easy setup and precise operation
Stop sibilance with the dbx 520 de-esser module!

Additional Media

500 Series Buying Guide
Signal Processing Buying Guide

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Tech Specs

  • Processor Type: De-esser
  • Number of Channels: Single
  • Module Slot Size: Single
  • Power Usage: ±16V DC, 76mA per power rail
  • Width: 1.5"
  • Depth: 5.25"
  • Manufacturer Part Number: DBX520

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Customer Reviews

4.6 out of 5

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Does exactly what you need it to do, for a great price!

Summary:
Though DBX's products are mainly known for being the secret sauce added to drum mixes, their De-Esser is a pleasantly priced 500 series module that does exactly what it advertises, and well!

In depth:
The DBX 520 gets the job done better than any software de-esser I've ever used!
This design is simple, and straight to the point. Within 2 minutes, I had it set to my exact "S" frequency and since then I haven't touched it. Marvelous what such a simple trick can do for your overall sound.
If you record vocals, adding one of these into your chain is a cost-effective way to cut out unwanted frequencies and reduce the sharpness in your tracks.

Thanks to Geoff and the Sweetwater team, I got mine last week and have had a ton of fun working on my upgraded vocal takes.
by J Thoubbs on
Music background: Self-produced Musician/Audio Engineer

Just WOW!

the dbx 520 De Esser is GREAT for everything you can think you need it on. 100 Worth every penny just buy it already lol
by John J Boxley from Fredericksburg, VA on
Music background: recording and mixing engineer

Such a Steal

I wasn't big on the DBX name, but after reading reviews and seeing the price of this thing I figured I would give it a chance. WOW! First off, it works better than any plug-in can. No debate. Considering some plugins are the same price as this or higher, that means it holds it's value. It saves me time in mixing and while I still use a plug-in deEsser just to clean up anything it misses, I rarely have to manually edit the audio to get rid of the harsh ssss. This unit is pretty much set it and forget it and on top of that seems to add a touch of harmonic value to the recording! If you have a 500 rack, this is a simple inexpensive must have! Everything else in my rack cost almost 10 times the cash this awesome unit does. Don't overlook it because of the price.
by Outlawed Beats from Florida on
Music background: Engineer / Producer

Glad I bought 2

You never think you need one until you wan't a brighter vocal. I needed to do a voice over that was modern and bright without the SS...This did the trick at the source.No need for a plug in
by Sweetwater Customer on

No brainer

I think I have almost every de-essing plugin there is, even the LSR emulation of the 902. They all get used at various times depending on how specific or problematic the esses are. I saw this here and I figured why not, worst case it'll function as a cover for an empty space in the 500 rack and it's cheaper than a plugin. I couldn't be more blown away, literally set and forget and works better than plugins (surprisingly even beat my favorite, the amazing FabFilter Pro DS). My main client uses a Sony C800g and while it's great for him the sibilance can be murder with some guest vocalists. After I mix or two I decided to experiment with moving it to the tracking chain before the compressor. Instant win, didn't degrade the sound, only killed the sibilants. While not as exciting as a preamp or compressor I feel like this is the best secret weapon anyone wanting to get smooth vocals should have. I can't say how close to a 902 it is as it's been a long time since I used one but I'm happy either way. Also works great on acoustic guitars to minimize fret noise. I'm ordering another.
by dB from Los Angeles on
Music background: Professional
See also: 500 Series Compressors, dbx, dbx 500 Series Dynamics
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