5 Types of Audio Noise & How to Clear Them Out

Audio noise is part of the audio world, but when you know its source and how to get rid of them, it can be a big sigh of relief, at the least. Although some types of audio noise are innate in the audio sound like speaker hums and hisses, these commotions generally come from substandard wiring, earth or ground loops, and other electromagnetic interferences.

windmills

Noise is typically described as a disagreeable sound in acoustics. When a series of analog sine waves combine to generate sound waves,  this determines the sound’s qualities whether it will be enjoyable or unpleasant to listen to.

In audio broadcasting or recording, audio noise typically refers to the extra low-level sound generated by vibrating objects. Since there are slight changes in the air pressure, it generates an unwanted sound that travels as waves through the air and reaches the human ear.

To clear unwanted audio noises, let’s understand its types so you will know what to do:

__________

Stop worrying about background noise. Get Noise-Cancelling Headphones for a clear track.

Click Here to Learn More--->

___________

Types of Audio Noise That You Want to Read Rid Of

1) Natural Sound

These sounds are created by both biological and non-biological sources, such as wind, water, tree leaves, insects, animals, and environment chimes in actual environments. To your typical soundscapes, all of them add a layer of soundwaves.

The sound of the wind is the most frequent offender. Since the weather is unpredictable, it can destroy your internet audio. Your microphone’s diaphragm typically interacts with the wind to produce extra-low frequencies. The annoying or rumbling sound that had been obstructing your audio has returned.

Brown Field and Blue Sky

Check Mark, Tick Mark, Check, Correct, Ok, Yes, GreenHow can you get rid of wind?

The best approach is to keep the wind away from your microphone’s capsule. You can do this by pointing it away from the direction of the wind or by shielding the mic in its position. Thanks to the foam designs that come with your microphone or earphones, they work as a windshield. This is where furry designs fit great.

2) Electrical Interference

There are always erroneous electrical waves that interfere with pure signals. These ubiquitous noises come from signal grounding, radio frequency interference (RFI), and conducted noise. Other types of noise produced by electronic components include shot noise, flicker noise, and burst noise; in these cases, a higher current can likewise produce more noise.

Any device that uses electricity has the potential to interfere. Radio interference problems that impact a good radio frequency include the buzzing or hissing sounds heard on AM and FM radios.

Gray Electric Posts

Check Mark, Tick Mark, Check, Correct, Ok, Yes, GreenHow to get rid of electrical noise?

Shielded cables can help minimize mode electrostatic noise. Cable routing is also important so signal cables as dispelled away from electrical and power sources. Using smaller resistors also reduces thermal noise. Proper cable routing, good ground, and the right signal cable will stop electromagnetic interference and keep signals clean.

3) Ground or Earth Loops

White Ceiling with Electrical Wiring Poking OutGround loops are a prime cause of hums and interference in your audio, video, and computer networks. They happen when two circuit points that are supposed to have the same ground reference potential unintentionally create a different potential between them resulting in an induced feedback loop caused by these circuits sharing the same electrical ground.

The cause of ground loops can also be due to the combination of cabling, equipment interaction, faulty ground wiring, and environmental elements like humidity. They can also be caused by multiple pieces of equipment that are connected together and plugged into different power outlets.

Check Mark, Tick Mark, Check, Correct, Ok, Yes, GreenHow to get rid of these loops?

To change the system to a single-point ground, remove one of the ground paths. For connections requiring low impedance, use short but high-quality power cables. Additionally, using a transformer ensures balanced cables and audio equipment by balancing inputs and outputs. Keep the metal casings apart at all times. Make sure that all electrically connected devices are plugged into the same outlet and that the grounded plugs are connected to the same circuit.

4) Mechanical Noise

Woman using smartphone and taking notes in notebookIf you think your video or audio equipment does not do toss anything to the table, you’re wrong. Although they are working silently, the sound of your moves, keyboard sound, squeaky stands, motor fan, cable wires, screws, and even operator clothing can also give away noise. That includes hums and hisses from speakers and microphones. Since these sounds are constantly happening near you and your audio device, they are free to govern the audio track.

Check Mark, Tick Mark, Check, Correct, Ok, Yes, GreenHow to get rid of mechanical noises?

The easiest option is to stay away from any circumstance that can produce extra noise. Change the manner your audio and video equipment is installed if there are persistent harsh noises or vibrations. Additionally, no onboard microphone means no propulsion sounds. You can keep track of things by controlling certain noises, such as mechanical noises.

5) Background Noise

Woman in White Shirt Using Black Headphones

Can you hear the cars passing or other street noise from outside? What about people inside the house talking or colleagues in the next rooms? Are you disturbed by the sound of your kitchen appliances or even the buzz from the fluorescent lights?

Those are just a few of the many background noises that affect the audio. It may sound simply like some typical sounds around you, but they actually mess up the good signal that you are supposed to be getting. The result is an unclear outcome. It’s either you hardly can hear the other side, or your voice is not clear to listeners.

Check Mark, Tick Mark, Check, Correct, Ok, Yes, GreenHow to get rid of background noise?

You cannot escape noise sources when you are outside, but you can select an inside location that is less boisterous or crowded. Most low-level unwanted noise can be effectively reduced by utilizing close-up approaches such as employing a lavalier mic or noise-canceling headphones. Unlike omnidirectional mics, which record audio in all directions, directional mics are built to pick up the loudest sound from the front.

How to Remove Background Noise from Audio 

The key is to set up the area before recording or start in a place that is quiet. You might need to shut all of the windows and switch off all of the equipment in your house, such as the air conditioner or the washing machine. Getting familiar with the common ambient noises in your environment will help you find a way to reduce noise when you’re recording.

Are You Having issues with audio noise in your recordings?

Recording clean audio is a real challenge, but having to reduce background noise is even harder. This is where noise reduction or removal comes in and will help eliminate unwanted sound in your video.

Watch this video.

__________

To Sum It Up

There will always be noise no matter where you are. It is an element that comes from the air, wind, environment, resistors, and other power sources. However, since you are now acquainted with the main categories of noise and their typical origins, the goal is to identify the underlying issue and go from there.

Remember the most practical step is to get the quietest place possible for a clean and clear recording. If you know how to use any noise reduction tools available, it is very helpful. I hope the above information will help you handle audio noise in a less problematic approach. Here’s the good news: Audio noise is not much of a problem these days because there are noise-canceling headphones you can trust.

Want to learn how to fix the sound of your headphones? Read here.

Do you know of other audio noises I’ve missed? Let me know in the comments.