Noise Removal= different than wiki

k-rin · Post by **k-rin** » March 13th, 2009, 6:49 am

I was attempting to do a noise removal on a few files. The first step is the same as the wiki shows.
http://librivox.org/wiki/moin.cgi/NoisecleanWithPics

However, I only have 1 slider for noise removal LESS<->MORE.
I don't have the options on: Noise reduction, Frequency smoothing, Attack/decay time.....shown in step 2.

Does anyone have a suggestion for how far on the slider I need to set it. I don't want to mess up my files.... and end up sounded like a robot.

Thanks everyone!!

Great Plains · Post by **Great Plains** » March 13th, 2009, 7:01 am

What program and version of the program are you using?

Steampunk · Post by **Steampunk** » March 13th, 2009, 7:03 am

You're probably running an earlier version of Audacity than the one used for the wiki tutorial, so the options are somewhat different.

I've found that three "clicks" to the right of Less generally gives the best trade-off between noise reduction and artifacting.

Of course, your results may differ depending on the type and extent of noise you're trying to reduce.

Some free advice:

1) Always save a raw file separate from the one you're noise cleaning that you can revert to if necessary. Once you apply noise removal and save it, it can't be undone.

2) Be gentle... IMHO, a minor background hiss/buzz/whatever is more desirable than the artifacts produced by most noise cleaning

3) It's easy to become obsessed with noise on our own recordings that others may not find problematic or even notice. Consider having a second set of ears evaluate your recording before and after your noisecleaning efforts. If a Real Life person is unavailable, ask your DPL (if you have one) or post a snippet over at Listeners & Editors Wanted.

Good luck and have fun!

Jim

k-rin · Post by **k-rin** » March 13th, 2009, 8:06 am

Steampunk wrote:You're probably running an earlier version of Audacity than the one used for the wiki tutorial, so the options are somewhat different.

I've found that three "clicks" to the right of Less generally gives the best trade-off between noise reduction and artifacting.

Thanks! I'll try that!

FYI- I'm running Audacity 1.2.6.
Q-Should I download the Beta version?

Thanks everyone for swift & helpful suggestions. I already feel at home here!!

Steampunk · Post by **Steampunk** » March 13th, 2009, 8:30 am

k-rin wrote: Thanks! I'll try that!

FYI- I'm running Audacity 1.2.6.
Q-Should I download the Beta version?

Thanks everyone for swift & helpful suggestions. I already feel at home here!!

1.2.6 is the version I run, too, and it suits me. I can't speak to the advantages (or lack thereof) of other versions.

Thanks everyone for swift & helpful suggestions. I already feel at home here!!

You are home here.

Jim

harvey · Post by **harvey** » March 13th, 2009, 9:43 am

Steampunk wrote:[Audacity] 1.2.6 is the version I run, too, and it suits me.
I can't speak to the advantages (or lack thereof) of other versions.

I recently tested the Compressor (Effects menu) in both 1.2.6 and 1.3.7 beta.
There was no difference I could detect.

One new feature I recommend for your consideration is the Selection Toolbar,
which appears at the bottom of the window in 1.3.7. Cool Edit, which I use
for much of my audio editing, has this feature. I use it when I want to precisely
delete, or crop to, a specific, but long segment.

Post by **knotyouraveragejo** » March 13th, 2009, 10:26 am

k-rin wrote:
FYI- I'm running Audacity 1.2.6.
Q-Should I download the Beta version?

Thanks everyone for swift & helpful suggestions. I already feel at home here!!

Audacity 1.3.7 (beta version) has much better Noise Removal. I would recommend you download and give it a try to see the difference for yourself.