Some Thoughts On
Noise Reduction Software

Noise Reduction Software will banish all unwanted noise forever!!

Ah - well not quite.

Many times it will add things that weren't there in the first place!

De-clickers pushed too far can create more of what they're attempting to take out.

Likewise, hiss reduction software can create chirping or bird-call-like artefacts.

Unless you have the budget to afford something like NoNoise or Cedar, to name just two very high end solutions, you really need to use your ears carefully when using even the better software programs.

There are times when it's best not to do anything!

So what is it we don't want to hear?

We can break it down into four categories:

• Clicks
• Crackles
• Hum
• Hiss

And here's a tip: that's actually the best order to approach the noise problem.

Why?

Large clicks make it hard for 'de-crackler's' to pick out and remove the tiny clicks we call crackles. Clicks can also falsely trigger the way dehiss programs work and create more unwanted sounds (like those chirping birdies).

For the same reason decrackling should come before dehissing. And if you need to remove hum or buzz it's best after all – or most – of the crackles are gone. This leaves – drum-roll please – hiss removal last.

When using software to handle your noise problems, always remember this:

Keep your ears critically sharp and keenly focused!

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