BDX902 De-Esser Behringer Wing Effect Tutorial

The BDX902 De-Esser is a Gate Model emulation on the Behringer Wing. This Behringer Wing Effects Tutorial on the BDX902 De-Esser will teach you all about the 902 and how to best use it!

BDX902 De-Esser Gate Model

Now, the BDX902 DeEsser is modeled after the dbx model 902 De-Esser. According to the dbx documentation, “The 902’s unique features make it possible to achieve the exact amount of de-essing desired regardless of variations in signal levels.”

In the dbx documentation it goes on to describe:

​​Log-Domain Processing: 

The 902 examines the differences in dB between the high frequency and full-bandwidth portions of the signal, allowing de-essing of signals which change in level by as much as 60 dB. Conventional de-essers require readjustment of their threshold control when a vocalist drops from singing voice to a whispering voice. By contrast, the 902 does not even have a threshold control to require adjustment.

User-Defined Crossover Frequency: 

The two-pole, maximally flat filter design used by the 902 in separating high frequencies from low frequencies can be user adjusted over a range of 800 Hz to 8 kHz.

RMS Level Detection: 

dbx patented RMS level detectors enable the 902 to sense level on the same basis as the human ear — providing a natural and accurate response to audio waveforms.

All of that means that this is a very simple and transparent de-esser!

BDX902 Controls

• IN – This is the active/bypass switch. When the light is on, the BDX902 is in an active state. For de-essing, the default is to leave this ON.
• SOLO – The Solo button activates a solo of the control portion of the de-esser, press this to help tune to the right frequency portion of the signal for setting the frequency knob. For de-essing, the default is to leave this OFF.
• HF ONLY – Allows the 902 de-essing action to affect either the entire audio bandwidth, or the high frequencies only. For de-essing, the default is to leave this ON.
• FREQUENCY – Using the Frequency knob allows us to choose the frequency at which the BDX902 divides the audio signal into high and low-frequency parts for assessment. The 902 detects sibilant material by comparing the high-frequency level of an audio signal and the signal’s full bandwidth level in decibels (dB). When the high-frequency level significantly exceeds the full bandwidth level, the BDX902 will initiate the de-essing process. For standard vocal de-essing, set this control to approximately the 12:00 position (2.5 kHz). If you are processing instrumental material in a unique way, adjust the control back and forth until you find the optimal setting.
• RANGE – This control determines the level of the de-essing effect when detecting sibilance. For standard vocal de-essing, keep this control within the NORMAL range. If you turn the RANGE control clockwise past the NORMAL range, it will overly reduce vocal sibilance or make it sound muffled. More extreme settings are suitable for special effects and processing instrumental material. While the BDX902 remains effectively imperceptible during regular “de-essing” operation (sibilants continue to sound natural), there might be a tendency to excessively adjust the range control clockwise beyond the normal range. However, prolonged listening will reveal that this extra de-essing effect sounds unnatural for vocals.

BDX902 Application

The BDX902 de-esser is designed primarily to eliminate the need for adjustments when de-essing various vocal materials. The user controls also offer the opportunity to achieve interesting and valuable effects. You can modify the high end of specific percussive source materials dynamically by adjusting the filter cutoff frequency and the maximum gain reduction. For instance, you can completely remove the pick noise from a guitar track without affecting the guitar’s timbre. When a guitar string is struck, it initially produces a high-level, high-frequency ‘click,’ with the fundamental string vibration’s amplitude gradually increasing. Processing a guitar track through the de-esser can significantly enhance its brightness through standard high-frequency equalization, without overemphasizing annoying pick noises.

BDX902 Recommended Settings

Three settings that I would recommend trying for the BDX902 on the Behringer Wing are:

BDX902 De-Esser for Speaking:

I find that using the BDX902 on a speaking microphone is one of the best uses for this de-esser. When setting this up I will start with these settings and then adjust the Frequency knob until I hear a more pleasant essing. After that, I will then reach for the range knob to increase or decrease the amount of de-essing.

• IN: ON
• SOLO: OFF
• HF ONLY: ON
• FREQUENCY: 3 kHz
• RANGE: NORMAL to 6 dB

BDX902 De-Esser for Singing:

• IN: ON
• SOLO: OFF
• HF ONLY: ON
• FREQUENCY: 4.4 kHz
• RANGE: NORMAL to 6 dB

BDX902 on Acoustic Guitar:

• IN: ON
• SOLO: OFF
• HF ONLY: ON
• FREQUENCY: 6 kHz
• RANGE: 6 dB to 12 dB