How To Reduce Background Noise On Microphone
If your microphone is picking up unwanted sounds, there are steps you can take to minimize background noises and static. While you may not be able to get rid of ambient noise completely, you can cut back on interference. You can figure out how to reduce background noise on mics by understanding what type of microphone you’re looking for.
Whether you are working from home and have consistent problems with being understood, you’re recording audio clips or music, or you’re just trying to have crystal-clear communication, there are several steps you can take to make sure that you are heard as well as possible.
Background Noise Types
Mic noise can be defined as “unwanted sound”. Basically, the duration and level of the background sounds determine the characteristics of noise. There are 3 main noise types.
Broadband Noise (or continuous noise) is the noise in which the acoustic energy is distributed over a wide range of frequencies as it is picked up by a microphone.
The sounds like hiss and static noise belong in this category.
Narrow Band Noise is limited to a narrow range of frequencies. This kind of noise has a constant audio level usually caused by incorrect grounding and poorly shielded cables connecting microphones.
Narrow Band Noise is basically any unwanted signal that remains steady over time.
Impulse Noise includes sharp sounds such as clicks and pops in a mic. It has a high frequency and short duration.
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Basic Tips To Reduce Background Noise On Microphone
Wear Headphones
If your microphone is picking up noise from your speakers, put on headphones to eliminate the echo.
Use a Dedicated Microphone or Headset
Many laptops have pretty low-quality built-in microphones. Sure, they work, but that’s about all that can be said for them. Try plugging a dedicated microphone or headset into your PC.
Eliminate or Move Away From Background Noise
Close windows, move away from air vents, go to less noisy rooms, close applications that are causing your laptop’s fans to whirr, move your microphone farther away from your mouth so other people can’t hear your breathing, and generally think about how you can avoid noises.
Use Microphone Windshield (Windscreen) to Reduce Outdoor Noise
Foam or fur (Windjammer); actually the combination of these two products are great for blocking the noises produced by the wind. It should be placed over the microphone’s head.
This “dead cat” designed accessories will prevent wind interference as well as heavy breathing and pop noises.
Pop Filter for Microphone Noise Reduction
If you want to avoid plosive and sibilance from your recording you should consider using pop filters for your microphones.
It is generally not for outdoor use and you can see it usually used in studio / home studio. It is a filter which is placed between a singer / speaker and the microphone.
Reduce Background Noise with a Microphone Shock Mount
Every modern microphone is very sensitive and prone to picking up background noise.
Shock mounts are a great way to protect a microphone from shocks and vibration, and if you want to get the best possible performance and sound quality. A shock mount will effectively reduce microphone handling noise.
Filters for Mic and Background Noise
Filters will not change or add new frequencies to the audio input signal. Filters are often used to highlight the signals in certain frequency ranges and reject signals in other frequency bands such as those associated with background noises and unwanted microphone sounds.
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