How to Remove Background Noise in Audacity (Step by Step)
Audacity removes noise in two passes: it first learns what the noise sounds like, then subtracts it from the whole recording.
Use Noise Reduction in Audacity
- Select one or two seconds where only the noise can be heard.
- Open Effect > Noise Removal and Repair > Noise Reduction and click Get Noise Profile.
- Select the whole track (Ctrl/Cmd + A).
- Open Noise Reduction again. Start with Noise reduction 12 dB, Sensitivity 6, Frequency smoothing 3, then click OK.
- Listen. If the voice sounds metallic, undo and lower the dB value.
Tips
- This works best on steady noise such as fans, hiss and AC.
- Noise that changes, like traffic, dogs or other people talking, is hard for a single noise profile.
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