Noise Reduction vs. Noise Suppression: Techniques for Cleaner Audio in Video Production

Published date: April 29, 2025

Key Takeaways

  • Noise reduction and noise suppression are different. Noise reduction works best for steady sounds like fan noise, while noise suppression helps remove unpredictable background noise in real time.
  • Use noise reduction for pre-recorded audio. It helps clean up the sound without affecting voices too much.
  • Noise suppression is best for live recordings. It lowers unwanted sounds during streaming, video calls, or on-the-spot recordings.
  • Too much noise reduction can hurt audio quality. Overusing it can make voices sound unnatural or robotic.
  • Choose the right software for the job. Adobe Audition, Audacity, and Final Cut Pro help with noise reduction, while Krisp and NVIDIA RTX Voice handle live suppression.
  • Other editing tricks can improve the sound. Adjusting video brightness, using text overlay, and adding background music can help mask minor audio issues.
  • Professional editing makes a big difference. A video production company in Dallas can handle noise removal, trim clips, and apply the best video filters for a polished result.
  • Good audio matters as much as good visuals. Clean sound keeps viewers engaged and makes your video more professional.

 

Clear audio is one of the most important parts of any video. You could have stunning visuals, smooth video speed, and eye-catching video filters, but if the audio is filled with unwanted noise, viewers will get frustrated. That’s where noise reduction and noise suppression come into play.

Many people think they are the same, but they actually work in different ways. Knowing when to use each one can make a huge difference in the final quality of your video. Whether you’re working with a video production company in Dallas or editing on your own, understanding these tools will help you produce professional-quality content.

 

Noise Reduction vs. Noise Suppression: What’s the Difference?

Both noise reduction and noise suppression help to remove background noise, but they don’t work the same way.

  • Noise Reduction: This method removes unwanted noise without affecting the main audio too much. It works best when the noise is steady, like a fan, air conditioner, or hum from an electrical device.
  • Noise Suppression: This technique lowers unwanted sounds in real time. It’s great for live recordings, but it can sometimes affect the clarity of voices and other important sounds.

The key difference is that noise reduction works best for consistent background noise, while noise suppression is better for unpredictable noises like people talking in the background or sudden loud sounds.

 

When to Use Noise Reduction

If you’re editing pre-recorded audio, noise reduction is usually the best option. It allows you to remove background noise without affecting the quality of voices or music too much. Most editing software has built-in tools to handle noise reduction.

Here are some common scenarios where noise reduction works well:

  • Interviews recorded in a room with a humming air conditioner.
  • Voiceovers that pick up computer fan noise.
  • Outdoor recordings with mild wind noise.

 

When to Use Noise Suppression

Noise suppression is useful for live recordings or videos where you don’t have time to edit the sound afterward. It reduces noise while the audio is being recorded, making it ideal for:

  • Live streaming where you can’t edit the sound later.
  • Video calls or online meetings.
  • Recording in noisy environments like cafes or crowded streets.

However, noise suppression can sometimes cause a “robotic” effect on voices because it aggressively filters out background noise.

 

How to Use Noise Reduction in Video Editing

Most video production companies in Dallas professionals use noise reduction software to clean up audio. You can do it too with the right tools.

  • Step 1: Choose the Right Software – Some of the best video editing software includes noise reduction tools, like Adobe Audition, Audacity, and Final Cut Pro.
  • Step 2: Identify the Noise – Select a short section of your audio that only contains the background noise.
  • Step 3: Apply the Noise Reduction Effect – The software will analyze the noise and remove it throughout the recording.
  • Step 4: Adjust the Settings – Play around with the strength of the noise reduction to find the perfect balance.

Overusing noise reduction can sometimes make voices sound unnatural, so don’t go overboard!

 

How to Use Noise Suppression for Live Recording

If you’re recording live, you need a way to filter noise in real-time. Many microphones and recording devices come with built-in noise suppression. You can also use software like Krisp or NVIDIA RTX Voice to help suppress unwanted sounds.

To get the best results:

  • Use a good microphone with noise-canceling features.
  • Record in a quiet space whenever possible.
  • Test your noise suppression settings before you start recording.

 

Other Editing Tricks for Better Sound

Besides noise reduction and suppression, there are other ways to improve your audio quality.

  • Adjust Video Brightness – Poor lighting can affect how your video looks, but it can also change how sound is captured. Good lighting helps maintain a professional feel.
  • Use a Split Screen Effect – If you’re editing an interview and one person’s voice is lower, use a split screen technique to balance the audio between both speakers.
  • Crop Video Properly – If unwanted noise is coming from outside the main frame, knowing how to crop video can help cut out distractions.
  • Add Music – A soft background track can help cover up minor audio issues while making the video more engaging.
  • Use Text Overlay – If some parts of the audio are unclear, you can use a text overlay to ensure viewers understand key points.

 

Best Software for Noise Reduction and Suppression

There are many tools out there that can help with noise issues. Some of the best include:

  • Adobe Audition – Great for professional sound editing with powerful noise reduction tools.
  • Audacity – A free option with solid noise removal features.
  • Final Cut Pro – Ideal for Apple users who want built-in noise reduction.
  • Krisp – A live noise suppression tool for streaming and calls.
  • NVIDIA RTX Voice – Uses AI to remove background noise in real-time.

The right software depends on whether you’re editing after recording or need real-time noise suppression.

 

Work with Experts for Professional-Quality Audio

Editing audio can be time-consuming, especially if you’re handling large projects. If you want the best results, working with a video production company in Dallas can save you a lot of time and effort. Professionals know how to remove background noise, enhance voice clarity, and create smooth sound transitions.

At Think Branded Media, we focus on high-quality video and audio production. Our team uses advanced video filters, noise reduction tools, and other professional techniques to ensure your videos sound as good as they look. Whether you need help with how to crop video, improve video brightness, or rotate video for a better frame, we’ve got you covered.

Clean audio is just as important as sharp visuals. If you need help creating videos that look and sound amazing, reach out to our team today!

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