sonible smart:deess review
A focused vocal plug-in that detects phonemes and shapes harsh sounds.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
sonible smart:deess is a desktop audio plug-in for reducing sibilance and plosives in voice recordings. Its neural-network phoneme detection identifies sounds such as S, Z, Sh, Ch, T and P, then processes their full duration. That makes it a fit for vocal mixers who want targeted control over harsh consonants, rather than a general-purpose restoration tool. It runs on Windows and macOS and supports VST, VST3, AU and AAX formats. The product is from sonible GmbH, founded in 2013.
Its workflow centers on automatic voiceprint analysis, followed by broadband and spectral processing to shape and refine harsh sounds. Color controls let users adjust sibilant character toward soft, balanced or sharp, while automatically generated settings can be refined. The feature set is deliberately narrow: it addresses sibilants and plosives rather than broader vocal editing. Choose it when phoneme-aware control is the priority; mixers seeking a wider range of audio tools should consider an alternative with broader capabilities.
The published pricing details list a perpetual license at a regular one-time price of €129, alongside a 30-day trial. There is no free plan. Authorization can be machine-based or through iLok. Listed DAW support includes Logic Pro, Ableton Live, Pro Tools 11+, Reaper, Cubase, Nuendo, FL Studio and StudioOne. Support channels are tickets and documentation. The trial offers a way to evaluate the focused processing before buying; the paid license suits users who want ongoing access without a subscription model.
sonible smart:deess pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Detects S, Z, Sh, Ch, T and P phonemes in real time
- Combines broadband de-essing with spectral processing
- Offers Color controls and automatic voiceprint analysis
- Where it doesn't
- Focused on sibilance and plosive reduction rather than broader audio work
- Paid product with no free plan
- Requires Windows or macOS and a compatible DAW
sonible smart:deess fact sheet, pricing and score →
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