Removing traffic hum from audio

[David Goodwin]

As I live in a suburban area, traffic noise is a constant meaning when I’m trying to record birdsong it’s ruined by this background noise in the audio. I’m generally just recording on my phone as don’t have a decent portable recorder. How can I eliminate this? The usual noise removal processing is only semi-effective.

[Bret Hampton]

You can record several seconds of background noise during your record session. In Audition you can use the Noise Reduction tool to sample that area only then use it to apply NR effect.

This won’t eliminate all BG noise but can greatly reduce it.

Also various Effects tools you can try to pick certain frequencies or sounds. Sometimes you have to experiment to get the best effect.

[David Goodwin]

I use noise reduction but it’s not that effective, I’m still left with a mottled mess of car noise as opposed to clean audio.

[Kevin Carlson]

It may just be that you need a quieter location to record. And the good NR options are not going to turn out a great recording when you aren’t putting quality in at the beginning–in other words, it doesn’t justify time and money when you are just recording with a phone.

Traffic can be very tough, as it’s often not consistent which is where NR shines. You may need to scrub out each car using spectral views or something like that.

Whatever you do, it will be a challenge.