dbx 520 500 Series De-Esser

500 Series De-esser, with Adjustable 800Hz-8kHz Operation and LED Gain Reduction Meter
Rated 5/5 8 Write review Item ID: 520DeEsser
dbx 520 500 Series De-Esser image 1
dbx 520 500 Series De-Esser image 1
$179.00
Sweetwater Savings: $31.76 MSRP: $210.76
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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.

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

Tech Specs

  • Processor Type: De-esser
  • Manufacturer Part Number: DBX520

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Customer Reviews

Rated 5/5
Based on 8 reviews
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Rated 5/5

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 from Florida on
Music background: Engineer / Producer
Rated 5/5

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 on
Rated 5/5

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 from Los Angeles on
Music background: Professional
Rated 5/5

Sssssure works for me!

Great de-esser, the dbx 520 sounds very natural and it,s a set and forget type of piece, once you know your target frequency range. Just sweep the range on a pre-recorded track that,s sibilant and you,ll find it as fast as it takes to read this! So now I can use any condenser mic in my locker, where as before I,d skip on. Made all my condenser mics usable again for vocals. Bring On the Sssssssss, cause this will tame them. Thanks, Chris!
by from Ponte Vedra Bch. FL on
Rated 5/5

I love it!

It is cheap, it works perfectly, just remove the silbants or the frequency selected, what more i can say! It is great, you cannot be wrong with it. This is way better than the de-esser plugins, and it does not destroy the vocals! .... just the selected frequency!
by from Chile on
Music background: Guitarrist, amateur audio engineer, home studio owner.
See also: 500 Series Compressors, dbx, dbx 500 Series Dynamics
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