FabFilter Pro-DS is a de-esser for vocals and high-frequency material that reduces sibilance with a wide band linear-phase split band processing approach.
FabFilter Pro-DS at a glance
| Developer | FabFilter |
|---|---|
| Type | Effects / De Esser |
| Formats | VST3, VST2, AU, AAX |
| Operating systems | Windows 11 or later, macOS 10.12 or later |
| Apple Silicon | Native |
| Architecture | 64-bit |
| Free trial | Available |
| Price on Plugin Boutique (October 2026) | €167.59 |
What FabFilter Pro-DS does
The plugin is made by FabFilter and runs as VST3, VST2, AU and AAX on Windows and macOS. Its detection is built around a Single Vocal mode, which the developer describes as highly intelligent, and an Allround mode for other material. Threshold, range and HP/LP filtering are adjustable, and a real-time de-essing display shows which parts of the signal are being processed.
Sibilance is reduced with program-dependent compression and limiting, and a look-ahead of up to 15 ms can be enabled. Stereo linking is freely adjustable, and processing can be limited to the mid or side signal. Linear-phase oversampling goes up to four times.
Key features
- Single Vocal and Allround detection. The Single Vocal algorithm identifies sibilant parts in a vocal track, while the Allround mode is meant for high-frequency limiting on any material.
- Real-time de-essing display. The display shows the processed audio alongside the affected parts, so the reduction can be seen while adjusting the settings.
- Threshold, range and HP/LP filters. Threshold and range are set separately, and high-pass and low-pass filtering controls define the frequency area the detector listens to, with a real-time spectrum analyzer built into the filter controller.
- Look-ahead and stereo options. Look-ahead can be set up to 15 ms, stereo linking is freely adjustable, and processing can be restricted to mid-only or side-only signal.
- Side-chain meter. A side-chain input meter helps choose a suitable Threshold value.
- Oversampling and processing. Wide band linear-phase split band processing runs with oversampling of up to four times, and the developer lists transparent program-dependent compression and limiting.
- Interface and control. Double-click text entry sets parameter values, the interface comes in large and compact sizes, undo/redo with A/B comparison is available, and Smart Parameter Interpolation with sample-accurate automation covers all parameters.
Compatibility
It runs on macOS 10.12 or higher and on Windows 11, and a trial version is available. The developer lists support for common Pro Tools hardware control surfaces.
FabFilter Pro-DS compared with similar plugins
Deesser by Softube is also a VST3, VST2, AU and AAX effect for Windows and macOS, and Velvet by iZotope shares the same four formats and operating systems. Both belong to the same de-esser type as Pro-DS.
| Plugin | Developer | Type | Formats | Systems | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FabFilter Pro-DS | FabFilter | De Esser | VST3, VST2, AU, AAX | Windows, macOS | €167.59 |
| Deesser | Softube | De Esser | VST3, VST2, AU, AAX | Windows, macOS | €78.34 |
| Sibilance | Waves | De Esser | VST2, AU, AAX | Windows, macOS | €37.69 (regular €88.06) |
| Velvet | iZotope | De Esser | VST3, VST2, AU, AAX | Windows, macOS | €52.36 |
| De-Esser | Harrison Consoles | De Esser | VST3, VST2, AU, AAX | Windows, macOS, Linux | €52.56 |
Price and availability
FabFilter Pro-DS was listed on Plugin Boutique in October 2026 at €167.59. A free trial is offered. Prices change often, so the store page shows the current one.
FabFilter Pro-DS FAQ
Does FabFilter Pro-DS run on Apple Silicon Macs?
Yes. The developer lists native support for Apple Silicon, on macOS 10.12 or higher.
Where can I download FabFilter Pro-DS crack for free?
Pro-DS circulates as a crack, a cracked version and a repack, and the macOS build is shared as a .dmg crack.