Spitfish
Key Features
- Dynamic EQ peak filter design that mirrors classic analog de-esser behavior for natural sibilance reduction
- Three intuitive controls — Depth, Sense, and Tune — for precise targeting and compression of harsh frequencies
- Listen mode for soloing the processed frequency range, making it easy to identify exact sibilance before applying reduction
- Soft mode for gentler, more transparent de-essing when a lighter processing touch is required
- Stereo switch for handling both mono and stereo vocal tracks without additional routing
- Minimal CPU footprint suitable for running multiple instances across a large vocal session
Description
Spitfish by Digitalfishphones is a dedicated de-esser plugin designed for mono and stereo vocal tracks. It emulates the behavior of classic analog de-essers by acting as a dynamic EQ peak filter, targeting and reducing harsh sibilant frequencies without affecting the rest of the signal.
The plugin's interface centers around three main controls: Depth, Sense, and Tune. The Depth knob sets how aggressively sibilants are compressed, the Sense knob adjusts the detection threshold, and the Tune knob sweeps the target frequency range to zero in on the specific sibilance you want to tame.
A built-in Listen mode lets you solo the frequencies being processed, making it straightforward to dial in the exact problem area before applying reduction. A Soft mode is also included to produce gentler, more transparent de-essing when a lighter touch is needed.
Spitfish has earned a reputation as one of the most reliable de-essers available, frequently recommended in mixing forums and production communities for its no-fuss operation. It handles typical vocal sibilance problems effectively and is often compared favorably to paid alternatives costing significantly more.
Note that the original developer, Digitalfishphones, closed down in 2024 and has transitioned to TOURAGE DSP. Spitfish remains a 32-bit Windows-only VST plugin and is no longer actively developed or updated.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Spitfish compatible with 64-bit DAWs?
Spitfish is a 32-bit plugin, so it requires a 32-bit to 64-bit bridge like jBridge or the built-in bridging in some DAWs to run in modern 64-bit environments. Some users report it works well through a bridge, though stability can vary depending on the host.
Can Spitfish be used on instruments other than vocals?
While it is designed primarily for vocal de-essing, Spitfish can be used on any source with harsh high-frequency content. Producers have used it on hi-hats, acoustic guitars, and cymbal overheads to tame excessive brightness.
What happened to Digitalfishphones?
Digitalfishphones closed in 2024 after more than two decades. The developer transitioned to a new company called TOURAGE DSP, which now sells paid plugins. Spitfish is no longer updated, but existing copies remain fully functional.
How do I set up Spitfish for the best results?
Start by enabling the Listen button and turning up the Sense knob. Sweep the Tune knob until you hear the sibilance you want to target, then increase the Depth knob gradually until the harshness is reduced without making the vocal sound dull.
