Lindell 902 De-Esser plug-in: vintage dBx fighting esses
Partnering with Plugin Alliance, developer Lindell Audio released the Lindell 902 De-Esser plug-in to MEGA subscribers with a broader launch scheduled for January 4, 2022. The plug-in replicates the dBx 902 de-esser from the 1980s. It’s a well-loved tool with a clever design and simple workflow – typical dBx, I’d say. As it’s almost customary with digital replicas, Lindell didn’t skip improving the experience with meaningful enhancements. So yeah, here’s more about the 2-knob de-esser from the 80’s headed to your DAW…
Lindell dBx 902 de-esser plug-in
Somewhat famously, the dBx 902 doesn’t have the threshold control you may expect. What’s going on here? Like the original hardware, the plug-in automatically compares the level of the ess frequency to the rest of the signal and dynamically dials itself in. It’s an elegant solution compared to the typical fixed threshold workflow which tends to have you compromising between the loud and quiet sections of a performance. Additionally, the dBx 902 sounds nice, like good analog gear tends to do. So it’s good on vocals and harsh-sounding instruments like cymbals and distorted guitars.
What’s in it for you? Adjust the frequency and range parameters, add a bit of air with the namesake knob, and dial in the mix blend. That’s mostly it! To modernize the experience, Lindell added a graphical visualizer, the aforementioned mix and air knobs, as well as a Listen mode to hear the processed signal in isolation. Otherwise, the Lindell 902 claims to be a faithful emulation. I honestly wouldn’t doubt such claims coming from the Plugin Alliance inner circle.
Price and availability
The Lindell 902 De-esser price has not been revealed yet. Subscribers to the Essential, Mix & Master, or Mega bundles can already use the full version. The latter will be launched for non-subscribers on January 4, 2022. You can download the plug-in and trial it for 14 days in the meantime. The plug-in works under Windows 7+ and macOS 10.9+ in 64-bit VST2, VST3, AU, and AAX formats.
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