From podcasts to live streams and video content – background noise can severely reduce the impact of your productions. Not only is background noise disruptive for your viewers or listeners, but it can also affect your ability to easily edit sound and video clips together.

Learning how to remove background noise from video or audio clips is one small step that makes a huge impact on the overall quality of your content. Find out how Adobe Express can help remove background noise from your sound clips, so you can focus on what’s most important – your creativity.

What causes background noise?

Background noise is a general term for ambient noise that distracts listeners or viewers from the focus of the production. This could be anything from background chatter, wind, traffic or low-frequency sounds.

Disruptive background noise can also affect your ability to edit sound and video clips in post-production, as each voice clip will have a different level of noise in the background.

Ambient noise can sometimes be caused by simply having loudspeakers in the vicinity or faulty electronics such as a damaged microphone. Bad connections between electrical hardware used for recording can also generate background noise in the form of a low humming or hissing sounds.

If you are planning to record for a long session, take some samples first to check that your clip is as free of noise as possible. Don’t worry if your recording space is a little noisy. You can always remove background noise from audio recordings afterwards.

When might you need to remove background noise?

The reasons for why you want to remove background noise from video or audio recordings can vary. However, there are some situations where audio clarity is even more important.

• Podcasts. Traditionally, podcasts are all about speaking freely and allowing an environment to discuss a topic. As the voice is the main focus here, keeping background noise to an absolute minimum will increase the production quality of your podcasts.
• Recording music. Whether you’re just getting started making music or you’re a seasoned pro, background noise is the last thing you want distracting listeners from your vocals, compositions and musical covers.
• Voiceovers. If you have created a video which already has sound, you may want to overlay a voiceover afterwards. Allow your video’s original sound and your voice to blend seamlessly by removing background noise when recording your voiceover.
• Radio advertisements. Ensure that you leave the best impression with a great-sounding radio advert that’s free of background noise. You could achieve this by recording in a soundproof room.
• Film production. Sound plays a deciding part in immersing your audience in film and background noise can instantly break that immersion. Think about the spaces you are recording in and experiment with different mics according to the acoustics of the environment. Then remove any background noise that remains.

How to remove background noise from a video with AI.

The good news is that you can also remove background noise using AI tools. Using Adobe’s AI-driven technology, you can clean up the audio of your video clips or individual audio clips in just a few clicks.

1. Select the audio or video clip you want to edit.

Find the clip you would like to remove background noise from and import it into the tool. The tool supports various audio formats such as MOV and WAV as well as common video formats. You can upload individual clips and edit them together online.

2. Open the DeNoise tool to remove most of the background noise.

Once the upload for your file or files is complete, click on Audio Effects > Noise Reduction/Restoration > DeNoise. This will open a new menu to control the DeNoise function.

3. Use the DeNoise tool to reduce the background noise.

Click on Edit and open the Effect Controls. Here, you can use the Reduction Knob to reduce the background noise. Choose a value which works for you – we suggest starting at around -10db, as all clips will have a value of zero when you start working on them.

4. Listen to your clip.

Click on Play to hear the difference the DeNoise tool has made. If you are happy with the results, you can move onto finalising and downloading your clip with background noise removed. If you think the clip needs further tweaks, return to step 3.

5. Save and download your clip.

Repeat the process for any other clips you would like to remove background noise from. Then you can download your high-quality audio or video clip and continue making great content with crisp, high-quality audio.

5 tips for reducing background noise while recording.

If you’re looking to remove background noise, prevention is the best cure. Make editing easier by remembering these easy tips to help reduce background noise.

• Use a pop filter when recording. Background noise is sometimes linked to your speech. Hard consonants such as “p” or “t” can cause unwanted distortion or a ‘popping’ noise. A simple fix is the use of a pop filter to eliminate this.
• Adjust your mic’s position from your face. Find the sweet spot for your mic position to pick up your voice clearly without it getting distorted by any background noise. Experiment with different distances according to the environment you’re recording in.
• Invest in a stable mic stand. If you’re streaming or recording a podcast, a stable boom arm or similar stand will minimise background noise from vibrations and also allow for easily adjustable positioning.
• Pay attention to your surroundings. It might go without saying, but try to avoid an environment where background noise might creep in. If you regularly record in a noisy environment, you may need different equipment such as a dynamic microphone.
• Soundproof your recording space. A recording space with soft furnishings or bespoke soundproofing will drastically improve your sound quality by absorbing background noise.

Editable AI video template ideas from Adobe Express.

Try Adobe Express for free now

Good to know.

How do you remove background noise from an audio clip?

Using our online tool, you can remove background noise from audio and video for free. Simply upload your files and use the AI-driven DeNoise function to adjust the level of background noise removal you would like. Once you’re done, click download and you’re ready to go.

Does noise cancelling remove background noise?

Some microphones specialise at removing background noise at the point of recording. This can be very useful for saving time in post-production, as a large amount of noise should already be removed. As with all noise cancelling technology, it does have its limits, so experiment with recording in different environments until you’ve got the right balance.

Is Adobe Express free?

Yes, our free plan offers many core features including thousands of templates, photo editing and effects, animation, and 2GB of storage. See our pricing page for details and to compare plans.