How to Clean Up Sound Effects by Removing Low-end Noise | Audio

By SFXsource
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The audio side of video is often not well recorded due to small production budgets and short time frames. Therefore, during post-production, producers can be assaulted by a series of previous sonic missteps. An annoying rumble or hum in the low end is a common problem in audio recorded for video.

Certainly many of the software plugins on the market that filter out noise work very well. Though, under a tight deadline, it may prove impossible to seek out, purchase, and learn the functions of whatever new plugins you may find. As an easy alternative, use the standard eq and reverb plugins provided in your video or audio software.

Use standard package plugins and the following tips to eradicate nasty noise from the bottom end of your audio recordings:

Initially you can try using a Single Band EQ to attempt to erase much, if not all, of the unwanted hum. Using such an EQ you can take away all the audio below or above a certain frequency. For instance, since a low end rumble from an air conditioner emits around 60 Hz then by placing a Single Band EQ at 80 Hz one can most likely eradicate most of the unwanted noise without damaging any voice tracks.

Second, use a Parametric EQ to "notch" targeted areas by using a very small width of the sound spectrum to decrease a specific tone and its octaves, such as 60 Hz, 120 Hz, and 240 Hz. By targeting only small areas of sound one hopes to rid the offensive noise while preserving the surrounding frequencies.

Third, use a Parametric EQ to boost the desired audio slightly. By doing so, it will be prominent over the noise and take the listeners attention away from the unwanted hum. For example, boost a bit at 5 Khz to raise the human voice over a low hum.

Fourth, after cutting out the lower end, a bit of reverb can be used on the mix. Such an effect can wash over and warm up a "tin can" feel that might come from taking out the bottom end.

Following the above strategies may not completely erase all problems associated with bad audio, but they can improve the quality of the product when unwanted noise and dialog are competing for attention in the mix.

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