How to Reduce Noise in Audio Recordings: A Complete Guide

Background noise can be a major obstacle when recording audio for videos, podcasts, or voiceovers. Reducing unwanted noise is crucial for delivering clear, professional-quality sound. In this guide, we will explore several techniques and tools you can use to minimize noise in your recordings and produce high-quality audio.

Table of Contents

Why Reducing Noise is Important

Reducing background noise is essential for producing clear and professional audio. Noise can distract your audience and diminish the quality of your content. Whether you're recording a voiceover, a podcast, or a video, clean audio helps convey your message more effectively.

Ways to Reduce Noise During Recording

1. Choose a Quiet Recording Environment

The best way to reduce noise is to avoid capturing it in the first place. Find a quiet space where external sounds like traffic, air conditioning, or other disturbances are minimized. You can also use soundproofing materials like curtains, carpets, or foam panels to absorb unwanted noise and reduce echoes.

2. Use a High-Quality Microphone

Investing in a high-quality microphone is key to reducing noise. USB condenser microphones, dynamic microphones, or lavalier mics with noise-canceling features can drastically improve sound clarity. Always opt for a microphone that best suits your recording environment and purpose.

3. Position the Microphone Correctly

Placing your microphone at the right distance from your mouth is crucial. If the mic is too far away, it may capture more ambient noise. Ideally, position the mic around 6-12 inches from your mouth, and use a pop filter to minimize plosive sounds like “P” and “B” that can distort the audio.

Post-Recording Noise Reduction Techniques

1. Use Noise Reduction Software

After recording, you can use audio editing software like Audacity or Adobe Audition to reduce background noise. These programs offer noise reduction filters that isolate and remove unwanted sounds without affecting the quality of your voice.

2. Equalization (EQ)

Equalization helps balance the frequencies in your audio recording. You can reduce low-frequency hums or high-pitched hisses by adjusting the EQ settings. For example, cutting frequencies below 100 Hz can eliminate rumbles, while slightly boosting the mid-range (500 Hz - 2 kHz) improves vocal clarity.

3. Compression

Using compression in audio editing ensures a more consistent volume level across your recording. Compression can reduce the volume of loud sounds and amplify quieter sections, making your audio smoother and more balanced.

For more tips on improving audio quality, check out our Custom Voice Over Guide.


Best Noise Reduction Software

Here are some of the best noise reduction software options, categorized by different user needs and budgets:

1. Audacity (Free)

  • Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux
  • Why It’s Great: Audacity is a free, open-source audio editor that includes a powerful noise reduction tool. You can sample a portion of the background noise (like hum or hiss) and then apply noise reduction to the entire track. It's a great option for beginners due to its ease of use and versatility.
  • Best For: Beginners or those looking for free software with robust features.

2. Adobe Audition (Paid)

  • Platform: Windows, macOS
  • Why It’s Great: Adobe Audition is a professional-grade audio editing software that comes with advanced noise reduction features like "Adaptive Noise Reduction" and "DeNoise." It provides precise control over the noise-reduction process and offers many other audio editing tools for perfecting your sound.
  • Best For: Professionals and advanced users who want high-quality audio with full control over noise reduction.

3. iZotope RX (Paid)

  • Platform: Windows, macOS
  • Why It’s Great: iZotope RX is considered one of the most advanced noise reduction tools available. It offers specialized modules like “Voice De-noise,” “Spectral De-noise,” and “Hum Removal.” Its spectral repair feature lets you visually edit unwanted noise in your audio.
  • Best For: Audio engineers, podcasters, and professionals needing the most precise and effective noise reduction tools.

4. Krisp (Free & Paid)

  • Platform: Windows, macOS
  • Why It’s Great: Krisp is an AI-powered noise cancellation tool that works in real-time to block background noise during calls and recordings. It integrates with various apps like Zoom, Skype, and even streaming platforms, making it ideal for live noise reduction.
  • Best For: Remote workers, streamers, and podcasters who need real-time noise cancellation.

5. Acon Digital DeNoise (Paid)

  • Platform: Windows, macOS
  • Why It’s Great: Acon Digital's DeNoise offers high-quality noise reduction for both static and dynamic background noise. It has a simple, user-friendly interface and offers both real-time and post-processing options for noise removal.
  • Best For: Professionals looking for a simpler, but effective noise reduction plugin for their DAW.

6. Waves NS1 Noise Suppressor (Paid)

  • Platform: Windows, macOS
  • Why It’s Great: The Waves NS1 plugin is known for its one-slider control, which makes it easy to reduce background noise without complex settings. It’s lightweight and designed for quick, intuitive use while maintaining high sound quality.
  • Best For: Musicians, voiceover artists, and video editors who want quick noise reduction with minimal configuration.

7. Descript (Free & Paid)

  • Platform: Windows, macOS
  • Why It’s Great: Descript offers noise reduction as part of its all-in-one audio and video editing suite. It is easy to use, especially for podcasters and video creators, as it offers features like automatic transcription and AI-powered editing alongside its noise reduction tool.
  • Best For: Podcasters and content creators looking for a multi-functional tool that includes noise reduction.

8. NVIDIA RTX Voice (Free)

  • Platform: Windows (requires NVIDIA RTX graphics card)
  • Why It’s Great: NVIDIA RTX Voice uses AI to remove background noise in real-time, making it an excellent solution for gamers, streamers, and those participating in video calls. It’s especially good at removing keyboard clicks and environmental noise.
  • Best For: Gamers and streamers with NVIDIA RTX GPUs who need real-time noise suppression.

Quick Comparison

SoftwarePriceBest ForPlatform
AudacityFreeBeginners, free usersWindows, macOS, Linux
Adobe AuditionPaid (subscription)Professionals, advanced usersWindows, macOS
iZotope RXPaidAudio engineers, podcasters, professionalsWindows, macOS
KrispFree & PaidReal-time noise cancellation, remote workWindows, macOS
Acon Digital DeNoisePaidSimpler noise reduction with high qualityWindows, macOS
Waves NS1PaidQuick noise reduction, musicians, voiceoversWindows, macOS
DescriptFree & PaidPodcasters, content creatorsWindows, macOS
NVIDIA RTX VoiceFreeGamers, streamers with NVIDIA RTX graphics cardsWindows

Each of these options provides excellent noise reduction features depending on your specific needs and budget.

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