1 Topic by jpoulsen (edited by jpoulsen 2024-08-19 12:21:34)

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Topic: Deesser in Totalmix FX

Hi, I love the built in DSP options in TotalMix FX, and was wondering if it was possible for RME to add additional effects like a deesser?

I use my interface both at home, but also on live streaming gigs where stability is key, so when I use it live I don't run it through the computer with an application like Liveprofessor, but just rely on the built in effects like noise gate, eq and compressor. If the "control" computer has issue the interface simply just continues to run and supply audio mixing and effects to the streaming machine/computer. It also simplifies setup. These "live-gigs" are not high end music, but mostly spoken words, so built in effects are more than suitable in quality. The only thing missing in having a complete "vocal" chain built-in, in my opinion is a deesser.

2 Reply by waedi (edited by waedi 2024-08-19 18:04:43)

  • waedi
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Re: Deesser in Totalmix FX

Isn't a Deesser just a specialized EQ ?
Use the Totalmix EQ and lower the ess frequencies.
Typically for man voices 5 - 6 kHz
for female voices 7 - 8kHz

https://i.ibb.co/jRS2YSh/Bildschirmfoto-2024-08-19-um-19-02-00.png

M1-Sequoia, Madiface Pro, Digiface USB, Babyface silver and blue

3 Reply by ramses (edited by ramses 2024-08-19 18:31:44)

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Re: Deesser in Totalmix FX

Nope. A De-Esser is more than just a specialized EQ.

It is a dynamic tool specifically designed to reduce sibilance (the sharp "S" sounds) in vocal recordings or speech.
While an Equalizer (EQ) allows for general control over the frequency levels in audio material, a De-Esser operates more selectively and dynamically. Otherwise, an EQ would be sufficient.

There are quality / feature differences among De-Essers why some people have multiple and choose the appropriate one depending on the audio material and its requirements.

Some people use a different method and edit the Wave file in the DAW and lower the volume level of sharp "S" sounds.

BR Ramses - UFX III, 12Mic, XTC, ADI-2 Pro FS R BE, RayDAT, X10SRi-F, E5-1680v4, Win10Pro22H2, Cub14

4 Reply by Kubrak (edited by Kubrak 2024-08-19 21:44:49)

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Re: Deesser in Totalmix FX

Maybe that one could patch simple deesser in TM.

One would have to split the signal to two. In one branch pass everything except sibilant frequences. In the other branch pass just sibilant frequences and apply compressor to it.
And at the end join the both signals to one again.

So, nonsibilant frequences would not be affected and sibilant ones processed by compressor.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/De-essing … essing.svg

  • waedi
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Re: Deesser in Totalmix FX

Kubrak wrote:

Maybe that one could patch simple deesser in TM.

One would have to split the signal to two. In one branch pass everything except sibilant frequences. In the other branch pass just sibilant frequences and apply compressor to it.
And at the end join the both signals to one again.

So, nonsibilant frequences would not be affected and sibilant ones processed by compressor.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/De-essing … essing.svg

Sounds nice on the first look, but on the second look there is a loopback involved,
you can use a DAW.

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  • Kubrak
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Re: Deesser in Totalmix FX

Yes, loopback is needed, but is not it possible to make a loopback right in TM? So, that one could make this homemade deesser for standalone use?

  • waedi
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Re: Deesser in Totalmix FX

Kubrak wrote:

Yes, loopback is needed, but is not it possible to make a loopback right in TM? So, that one could make this homemade deesser for standalone use?

No, Loopback does not loop back into Totalmix, it is a forwarding to input channels available for DAW.

Loopback into Totalmix itself is too dangerous for feedback loop.

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  • Kubrak
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Re: Deesser in Totalmix FX

Yes, that is what I meant. Loop it in TM to hardware inputs (not used ones), say ADAT ones.

OP cannot use DAW as he wants standalone use.

  • waedi
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Re: Deesser in Totalmix FX

Ah you mean a cable loopback ! Yes of course thats a good workaround.

M1-Sequoia, Madiface Pro, Digiface USB, Babyface silver and blue

10 Reply by jpoulsen (edited by jpoulsen 2024-08-20 11:11:08)

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Re: Deesser in Totalmix FX

Hi folks, thanks for your suggestions, I had just considered that work-around just to discover TM can't loopback to itself, but using a cable should work. I'l try come up with a setup, would it be possible to simply use the adat optical cable and then put it back into the input? Only issue maybe I could run out of free channels, as I sometimes need up to 8 analogue inputs. :-)

I didn't buy the UCX II for this live streaming setup, I was just so impressed with how good TotalMix works, and then thought it could be used for this as well.

I'm actually mostly going to use the device for a surround/atmos mixing setup at home, but RMEs devices are so powerfull and flexible they can be used for so much. :-)

11 Reply by Kubrak (edited by Kubrak 2024-08-20 15:59:54)

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Re: Deesser in Totalmix FX

TM has some kind of loopback, but I haven't found way how to set it. It must be simple, but....

Using ADAT cable from out to in would do the trick. Let us know if this "homemade" deesser works. It should, more or less.

It is a pity Babyface does not have compressor FX section, I could have used this deesser in my BF.

12 Reply by hselters (edited by hselters 2024-08-20 18:17:57)

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Re: Deesser in Totalmix FX

jpoulsen wrote:

Only issue maybe I could run out of free channels, as I sometimes need up to 8 analogue inputs. :-)

You can use any other channel for this, e.g. aes or spdif.

  • ramses
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Re: Deesser in Totalmix FX

Kubrak wrote:

TM has some kind of loopback, but I haven't found way how to set it. It must be simple, but....

Loopback is simple. Activate loopback on an HW output, then you can record the signal on the corresponding HW input.
You find the loopback button behind the "wrench" symbol.

BR Ramses - UFX III, 12Mic, XTC, ADI-2 Pro FS R BE, RayDAT, X10SRi-F, E5-1680v4, Win10Pro22H2, Cub14

14 Reply by jpoulsen (edited by jpoulsen 2024-08-29 08:38:01)

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Re: Deesser in Totalmix FX

Hi Folks, it seems to work fine, I just have to dial in the fine details. I'm no expert in compressors and eq's but does this make sense for a starting point:

https://i.postimg.cc/yY1dK7nG/temp-Image-Cn-Yacj.avif