How to filter noise from audio recording

Audio recording has become one of the most useful tools on our smartphones. From music production, podcasting, film, and video production, there are a lot of useful applications, and apps like Apple’s Voice Memos are proving to be an essential tool for musicians, sound engineers, and producers. 

Regardless of how critical audio recording is, one common challenge is noise. From traffic and wind to static and chatter, there is a lot that can ruin your audio recording and here’s how to filter noise from audio recording.

Editing voice recordings

With the right editing tools and techniques, you can easily filter out the noise and enhance the clarity of your audio. Here’s how to remove noise from audio recordings using simple yet effective methods.

Filter noise using Audacity

When it comes to editing voice recordings, a popular method to filter noise is to use Audacity, a popular free audio editor. It includes a noise reduction tool and here’s how to use it:

– Open your audio file in Audacity.

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– Select a portion of your audio recording that contains only background noise.

– Go to Effects >> Noise Reduction and click “Get Noise Profile.”

– Select the entire recording and return to Noise Reduction to adjust settings.

– Click Ok to apply the effect and reduce noise.

Remove background noise on Pixel phones

If you have a Google Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, or Pixel 9 Pro Fold, you can remove background noise from an existing recording. Here’s how it works:

– Open the Recorder app on your device.

– Tap your profile photo or initial.

– Click on Recorder settings.

– Turn on Clear voice.

Remove background noise on Apple iPhone

If you have an iPhone, you can turn on Enhance Recording to reduce background noise and echo when you play the recording. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

– Go to the Voice Memos app on your iPhone.

– In the list of recordings, click on the recording you want to enhance and then tap the three dots in the right-hand corner.

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– Tap Options and click the toggle next to Enhance Recording.

– Close and tap the play button to hear your recording without background noise.

Apply EQ and high-pass filters

If you are struggling with low-frequency noise such as wind or AC hum then you can remove that with a high-pass filter. Here’s how to apply EQ filtering:

– Open your audio in a digital audio workstation like GarageBand, FL Studio, or Reaper.

– Use an EQ filter to cut out unwanted low-end frequencies below 100Hz.

– Now, adjust mid and high frequencies for better vocal clarity.

Use a Noise Gate to block unwanted sounds

You can also use a Noise Gate to automatically remove background noise when no one is speaking. Here’s how it works:

– Open your audio editing software.

– Apply a Noise Gate and adjust the threshold to only allow voice through.

– Fine-tune attack and release settings for smooth transitions.

In addition to the above methods, you can also filter noise from audio recordings using Adobe Audition or other AI-powered software. While these tools are great at removing noise from audio recordings, the best way to eliminate noise is by recording in a quiet space, using a high-quality microphone, and investing in a pop filter.