The #8 Key to Clean, Professional Audio: Correct Use of Noise Reduction

If you’ve followed key #6 and key #7, you know that good audio starts with good recording and basic processing.

But now we need to talk about a tool that many people misuse — often with the best intentions.

Noise reduction.

It sounds simple. Just apply it and remove the noise, right?

Unfortunately, it’s not that easy.

Why Noise Reduction Is So Misunderstood

Many beginners assume noise reduction can fix any background noise, like a dog barking, a car honking, or a loud neighbor in the next room.

But that’s not what most noise reduction tools are built for.

Most traditional noise reduction effects are designed to remove static, consistent noise, often called white noise or hissing. This is the kind of noise that remains constant throughout the recording, such as fan hum, electrical hiss, or computer background noise.

These tools work by identifying a steady frequency pattern and subtracting it.

But here’s the problem...

Irregular Noise Can’t Be Fixed (Not Without a Cost)

If your audio has irregular or inconsistent noise, like:

• Sudden traffic

• Door slams

• Dog barks

• People are talking in the background

...then traditional noise reduction can’t really help.

Yes, AI-based plugins (such as iZotope RX or Waves Clarity VX) can sometimes remove these types of noise.

But it comes at a cost.

Often, the place where the noise was removed now sounds unnatural, like there’s a sudden hole or weird digital gap in the recording. Even though the noise is gone, the listening experience feels broken.

That’s not a win.

The real solution to irregular background noise?

→ Prevent it from getting into the recording in the first place.
Or if needed, re-record the affected section.

Why Noise Reduction Is So Tricky

To understand why noise reduction is difficult, we need to think in terms of frequencies.

Sound is basically a collection of different frequencies with varying amounts of energy.

Every word you say — even saying the same word twice — creates a slightly different frequency distribution.

Noise has a frequency distribution, too. So when we use a noise reduction effect, the software tries to identify a pattern that looks like noise and remove it.

But here’s the catch:

• Noise and voice often share similar frequency patterns

• In some parts of your audio, they’re so intertwined that the plugin can’t tell them apart

When that happens, the plugin may start cutting into your voice, resulting in a harsh, robotic, or thin sound.

This is called an artifact — a weird audio distortion introduced by over-processing.

You didn’t have that distortion in your original file… but now it’s there because the plugin tried too hard.

So, What Should You Do?

All of this leads to two simple but important principles:

1. Keep your recording environment as quiet as possible.
   The less noise you capture, the less you need to reduce — and the better your voice will sound.

2. Use noise reduction gently.
   Don’t overdo it. Aggressive settings will introduce artifacts and ruin the natural tone of your voice.

Not All Noise Reduction Tools Are Equal

It’s also worth mentioning that not all noise reduction effects are created equal.

Most free or built-in tools (like in Audacity or Adobe Audition) can handle white noise to an extent, if used conservatively.

But third-party plugins are generally better at reducing noise without ruining your voice.

Still, no plugin is perfect. Each one responds differently depending on how it’s trained and what kind of noise you’re working with.

That’s why it’s so important to test, listen, adjust, or ask for help.

Want Me to Review Your Noise Reduction Settings?

If you're unsure whether your settings are helping or hurting your audio, I’m happy to take a look.

📩 Just send me a screenshot or a description of your noise reduction setup — whether you’re using your DAW’s built-in tools or a third-party plugin.

I’ll reply personally and let you know if it looks good, or what you might want to change.

Tomorrow, in Key #9, we’ll talk about another misunderstood but essential audio effect — one that’s just as easy to misuse as noise reduction, but even more important for making your voice sound consistent and professional.

Until then, if you want expert help with your audio chain — including real-time feedback on your setup and plugin use — I offer private, 1-on-1 consulting.

💬 Book a Premium Consulting Session

It’s $497 right now, $997 from Monday. That includes 8 customizable sessions with me, plus optional recordings, plugin setup help, and real workflow improvement.

See you tomorrow with Key #9.

– Akhtar (Master Editor)