How to remove noise from audio files with Audacity

Have you ever had to edit an audio file and find out if something was wrong? For example, in the file there is a squeak, ticking clock, a chirping sound, or some background noise.

You really need to remove this, otherwise the audio file you create will lose professionalism. Fortunately, removing noise from audio files is very simple, if you have the right tools.

The following article will show you how to eliminate noise with Audacity.

Why should you use Audacity?

If you have never used Audacity, you can still download and use it to remove background noise from your audio files. Whether or not the audio file is recorded with the software does not matter.

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You certainly have heard about Audacity. It's the most popular free and open source digital audio workstation (DAW), including all the features and options you'll need during the editing process. Audacity can help you streamline podcast production, create great sound effects and more.

If you are new to Audacity, you should review TipsMake.com 's instructions on how to record using Audacity. In the meantime, you can open your audio file in Audacity by visiting the File> Import menu and browsing for the file you want.

Why should the voice be separated from background noise?

In some cases, you may be happy with retaining the surrounding sound. You may not even find that background noise is a problem. So when should you remove it?

There is a simple rule here that if ambient noise reduces the quality of the music or the main content of the recording is a conversation, ambient noise needs to be removed. At the very least, it needs to be reduced.

Podcasts, songs, recordings, or anything that needs refinement in production, needs to be removed from background noise. Everything else, such as a personal note or a recorded interview will be fine, if you keep the audio around.

How to remove noise from audio files

To filter noise, you will need to find a part in the audio file where the sound can be extracted. This may involve splitting a stereo track into two mono tracks. You can do this through the down arrow on the Track Control Panel , by selecting Split Stereo Track .

Once you've found the audio file to edit with Audacity, you should select it with your mouse. Make sure the Selection tool is selected, then left click and drag the background sound around.

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This Noise Reduction feature will use this audio selection to find similar surroundings and remove it. This feature is not only smart, but the end result it brings is almost always great.

How to use the Noise Reduction feature in Audacity

With the sound selected (highlight in blue), open Effects> Noise Reduction . You will see a dialog with a two-step tool. First, go to Step 1 and click the Get Noise Profile button. You have selected your profile, so click this button.

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At this point, the Noise Reduction box will close. Don't let this confuse you. Instead, select the audio you want to remove the noise. If it is the entire track, just left click on the title to select all. If not, select the larger part of the track.

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Now, go back to Effects> Noise Reduction and see Step 2 . In most cases, Noise Reduction, Sensitivity and default Frequency Smoothing settings will work fine. Click OK to accept these settings. It may take a while for the noise reduction feature to be applied, depending on the track duration.

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Of course, you are free to change Noise Reduction settings , Sensitivity and Frequency Smoothing . If you have time to adjust them, it will help you achieve better results. Note that with longer tracks, processing time will increase.

Once this is done, please preview the result. If you're happy with them, press File> Save to keep the changes. After that, you can use other tips to make the audio part better, before you export the result as an MP3 file.

How to extract clear voice from sound files and noise

This is not just a matter of removing some squeak or unwanted noise from audio files.

With Audacity, you have the necessary tools for all types of audio file manipulation. For example, you can have a track, the content is someone's speech in front of an audience, it's hard to hear. What is the solution?

Using Audacity, you can retain your voice, remove noise and ambient sound. Again, find a part in the audio file, long enough to be able to detach the surrounding sound and the part of the speech you want to keep.

When you're done, follow the steps in the section above to extract a relatively clear voice from the original noise sound file. In most cases, the results will make you satisfied. If not, you may need to find a more specialized solution.

In most cases, you will be able to remove hiss or any other background noise with Audacity. Audacity is a great tool for this kind of audio editing. This is one of the many possibilities that this software boasts can accomplish well.

But what if Audacity doesn't work in your case? If you fall into this situation, you may need the power of a paid DAW.

Besides, you can refer to the article: 8 free audio editing software from TipsMake.com to review some of the best Audacity alternatives, for audio recording and editing purposes.

Hope you are succesful.