Getting rid of background noise (in post)

[ciencin]

Is it possible to get rid of background noise in post?
i.e. I have an interview recorded but there is a lot of car/street noise in the background, any software out there that can do that without leaving the audio too messy?

Thanks

 

[Jim Brennan]

Not really. Sometimes if there is a constant hum, you can isolate it and get rid of it. But random street noises are another issue. Depending on the interview, you can lower your levels when the subject isn't talking, and add some room tone (although since it's an interview, there probably aren't many opportunities for that), then play with various EQ settings to see what changes you can make. But in the end, there isn't much you can do.

 

[timbook2]

you can try to use a noisegate but its likely to make things worse. you would have to go through the whole audio file and do it by hand, reducing the noise when the voice is not speaking but in the moments where noise and voice are together you have very little choice/chances