Hello,
I’m attempting to eliminate background noise on a voice recording of a conversation. I’ve already attempted to use “noise removal” but it is still in the background and now the conversation can barely be heard. So my question is how in the world do I eliminate the background noise (running engine) while amplifying two separate voices?
Helpful info:
Recorded with Smart Voice Recorder App on Samsung SIII
Audacity version is 2.0.5
Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
So my question is how in the world do I eliminate the background noise (running engine) while amplifying two separate voices?
That may be impossible. There’s a good reason pros still record in soundproof studios with really good equipment.
You may be able to make some improvement with Effect → Equalization. It’s usually easiest to start experimenting in the graphic EQ mode, and once you find some engine frequencies that you can turn-down or eliminate without messing-up the voices too badly, you can try a parametric equalizer, high-pass, low-pass, or notch filters if you wish.
Noise reduction works best if you have a constant low-level background noise… In other words, it’s works best when you don’t really need it, but you want to turn a good recording into a great recording. And even with a quiet background noise, sometimes “the cure is worse than the disease”.
Thanks Doug
Live shoot with two (or three) different people in a noisy environment is the assignment from Hell.
Even if you have all the right equipment, super directional, hand-held microphones, good recorder, etc, it’s impossible to catch both voices, particularly if they like to interrupt each other. If it’s an interview, it’s almost 100% certain you’ll have to re-record the questions at home or in the studio.
We can’t split apart instruments and voices from a mixed performance in post production. It doesn’t matter if the instruments are guitars and drums or V8s and Slant Sixes. Once you mix everybody into one show, that’s the end of the road.
Koz
Thanks Koz