How to Remove Buzz from Audio [Practical Guide]

A buzzing noise leads to discomfort and takes the enjoyment away when it occurs in audio. Removing it is necessary. The question is: how? The sound can appear in different stages of recording or sampling, starting from the equipment used.

Yes, removing buzz is difficult. However, thinking of perfect audio with no pesky background noise, the effort is worth it. This article provides useful and practical tips to remove buzz from audio, including from the interface, mic, and post-production workflow.

How to Remove Buzz from Audio Recording?

In this part, I will go through steps that use tools and software to remove buzz from audio as you get a file. Some buzz removers are helpful, including audio editing software and audio equalizers.

Method 1.How to remove buzz with Kingshiper Audio Editor?

1) Install the software and open the adjusted audio file in the dashboard.

2) Click Denoise and choose a level, such as high.

3) Click Start and save the audio.

Method 2. How to use Adobe Audition to remove the buzzing sound?

Step 1. Open the audio file and select a waveform range.

Click File > Open, then choose the audio from your PC.

Step 2. Go to Effects > Filter and EQ > Parametric Equalizer.

EQ is used to increase or cut down certain frequencies, which helps in shaping the tonal quality, such as instruments and vocals. Using it, you can find out the buzz noise frequency easily, and further, to remove it.

In Audition, you can use the Parametric Equalizer feature to find buzz noise within the waveform and adjust it in real time.

Step 3. Identify the buzz frequency by adjusting Bands.

You will see a window with several options of frequencies from 40 Hz to 18000 Hz. And there are corresponding Bands displayed in the frequency scopes that are marked as 1 to 5.

Moving the number dot, you can see the Gain changing simultaneously.

When you pull it up high, the sound will be amplified, such as human voice. So you will hear a clearer vocal.

When you drag it down, the sound will be reduced, for example, the buzz noise. And it minimizes the noise to make it inaudible.

The process will take some time because you need to experiment and adjust the values.

Note: Buzz noise typically falls within the range of 100 Hz to 300 Hz. Buzzing from electrical devices often centers around 60 Hz.

Step 4. Play the adjusted track and check the effect.

Click the Preview Play button in the left corner.

Step 5. Save and export the buzz-removed audio file.

As you get the audio you want, the one without a buzz sound, you can save and export the file by clicking Export.

Tips:

If you prefer simplicity and don’t want to do any additional installation, there is a solution. Windows system has a built-in EQ, the Realtek equalizer. It is installed by default.

You can open it by right-click the volume icon in the taskbar and then click Sounds. Next, right-click Speakers > Properties > Enhancements > Equalizer.

You will see a series of sliders for different frequency bands (e.g., 31 Hz, 125 Hz, 4 kHz, 16 kHz). Adjust the sliders to boost or cut frequencies.

How to Remove Buzz from Audio? Tips for Pre-stage of Recording

As mentioned above, a buzz noise can be generated due to ground loop, connections, and equipment. To remove buzzing noise from audio as much as possible, you can make well-directed efforts according to the following tips.

1) Use a Single Outlet to Eliminate Buzz from the Ground Loop.

Since the key reason is the electrical potential differences between multiple grounding points, keeping these points the same will help remove the ground loop buzz. This step can be very easy. Just use a single outlet and plug all used equipment.

2) Get Rid of Buzzing Noise from the Audio Interface by Using a Shielded and Balanced Cable.

You should invest in a shielded and balanced cable. As a cable shielded, it will minimize the pickup of unwanted audio signals as well as the buzzing noise by using conductive materials. And the balanced cable is designed to use conductors that carry equal but opposite signals to reduce electromagnetic interference. It means that the balanced cabel can minimize noise within the signal itself.

3) Remove Buzzing Sound from Mic.

Your used microphone for recording is another key reason that creates buzz. Then how to remove buzz sound from mic? Typically, a buzz from mic is due to the poor connection between the device and cable. Using a high-quality microphone and cable can solve this issue. However, there is still work that can be done. You can adjust the gain to an appropriate level, like -6 to -12 dB.

Tips for gain setting:

• For Dynamic Microphones: 40 dB to 60 dB
• For Condenser Microphones: 30 dB to 50 dB

4) Minimize Buzzing Sound from the Recording Environment.

A quietroom is quite helpful to remove buzz from audio during recording. It makes less background noise and gives better acoustics. If you record voices, the sound will be clearer.

How to create a quiet room? Firstly, soundproofing your room with acoustic panels or carpets. This will reduce the outside noise. Next, turn off electronic devices as much as possible.

What Causes Buzz Noise in Recording?

Buzz sounds like an electric humming or vibrating noise, just like the vibrate mode set when a phone gets messages. When recording, buzz noises often come up abruptly. There are several factors that cause the unwanted noise.

1.Ground Loop

Ground loop, or earth loop, is the major cause of noise and hum in both audio and video. It occurs when the electrical current flows between ground points and makes potential differences once the electrical devices are connected.

To give an easy-understanding picture, just think about you are setting up a simple audio system for recording. When you plug a computer into one outlet while the audio interface is plugging into another, which is on a different circuit, a ground loop can be created.

2.Electromagnetic Interference (EMI)

EMI is also called RFI (radio-frequency interference). It’s an interference that is generated by an external power source, like a wireless router, and affects an electrical circuit.   

3.Cables

If the connectors on the cable are loose or damaged, it can lead to poor connections. To go further, this might create intermittent contact resulting in a buzzing sound as the signal fluctuates.

4.Gain Settings

The gain in audio refers to the measure of increasing an audio signal. Simply put, setting the gain is to boost a sound when using a microphone preamp, mixer, or amplifier to make it louder.

If you set the gain too high, the audio signal can become overloaded and cause distortion like a harsh buzzing sound.

If it’s set too low, the audio signal may not be strong enough to mask the noise floor so the buzz will become very obvious.