What a letdown! Background noise can ruin an otherwise great recording, live stream, podcast, or video call.
It might only be the faint hum of an air conditioner, keyboard clicks, or street noise in the background – it’s distracting and unprofessional.
But there are multiple ways to tackle this issue, including finding the right mic! Other solutions range from hardware solutions to software tools and smart recording techniques.
Here we break down how to reduce background noise on mic.
Skip to:
- Choose the right mic
- Improve your recording environment
- Use mic technique
- Leverage hardware accessories
- Adjust software settings
- Use noise reduction software
- Test and monitor your audio
1. Choose the right mic
Not all microphones are created equal. The type of mic you use has a massive impact on how much background noise gets picked up.
Condenser vs dynamic microphones
- Condenser microphones are highly sensitive and capture every detail – including unwanted noise. They’re great for studio vocals but may not be ideal in untreated rooms.
- Dynamic microphones are less sensitive and naturally reject some ambient sound. Popular for live performance and podcasting, they’re excellent for noisy environments.
Polar patterns matter
Microphones have different pickup patterns that determine where they capture sound from:
- Cardioid: Focuses on sound directly in front, rejecting most background noise from the sides and rear.
- Omnidirectional: Picks up sound from all directions—avoid if you want noise reduction.
- Supercardioid/Hypercardioid: Even tighter focus than cardioid, good for noisy rooms.
With this in mind, here is a recommendation…
Razer Seiren X USB Streaming Microphone
This mic uses a supercardioid pickup pattern, which means it is far more selective about what it picks up: mostly your voice from the front, and significantly less ambient noise from the sides and rear. It also has a built-in shock mount to dampen vibrations (desk thumps, typing etc.), further reducing unwanted noise:
2. Improve your recording environment
Your room plays as big a role as your mic. Even the best hardware won’t help much if your environment is noisy.
Eliminate noise sources
🚫 Turn off fans, AC units, and other appliances.
🚫 Close windows to block traffic or outdoor sounds.
🚫 Ask housemates or coworkers for quiet time during recordings.
Reduce echo and reverberation
Bare walls create reflections that muddy your audio. To improve acoustics:
- Add soft furnishings like rugs, curtains, and couches.
- Hang sound-absorbing panels or DIY with blankets.
- Record in a smaller room with less reflective surfaces.
3. Use mic technique
How you use your mic can make or break audio quality.
- Get closer to the mic: The closer you are, the less gain you need, which reduces background pickup. A distance of 2–6 inches is ideal for spoken word.
- Stay consistent: Avoid moving around while talking; changes in distance create uneven levels.
- Angle correctly: Position the mic slightly off-center to reduce plosives (popping P’s) while maintaining clarity.
- Use a pop filter: This blocks breath noises and keeps recordings clean.
4. Leverage hardware accessories
Adding simple accessories to your mic setup can drastically cut noise.
👉 Shock mounts prevent vibrations (like keyboard typing or desk bumps) from traveling into the mic.
👉 Boom arms keep the mic off your desk and reduce handling noise.
👉 Windscreens/foam covers help block air interference and light background sounds.
👉 External preamps or interfaces can reduce hiss and electrical noise compared to onboard sound cards.
5. Adjust software settings
Even before advanced noise reduction tools, you can optimize your mic settings.
In Windows or macOS
- Check your system’s sound settings and disable “microphone boost”, which can exaggerate noise.
- Set mic gain just high enough for clear speech without clipping.
In communication apps (Zoom, Discord, Teams)
Most apps have built-in noise suppression options. Enable features like:
- Echo cancellation
- Automatic noise reduction
- High fidelity voice mode (when in quiet spaces)
6. Use noise reduction software
Technology has made background noise reduction easier than ever. Here are popular tools:
Real-time tools
- Krisp.ai: AI-powered background noise cancellation for calls and streams.
- NVIDIA Broadcast: Removes noise and echo in real time (requires RTX GPU).
- RTX Voice: Similar to NVIDIA Broadcast, designed for live voice clarity.
Editing tools
If you’re working with recorded audio, you can clean it up later:
- Audacity: Free tool with built-in noise reduction filters.
- Adobe Audition: Professional-grade software with adaptive noise reduction.
- iZotope RX: Industry-leading suite for audio repair.
7. Test and monitor your audio
Always monitor your setup to catch noise before it becomes a problem.
- Wear headphones during recording or streaming to hear what your audience hears.
- Record short test clips and play them back to identify issues.
- Use audio meters to check for consistent levels without peaking.
How to reduce background noise on mic: FAQs
Why does my microphone pick up so much background noise?
Most microphones are designed to capture sound broadly, which means they can pick up not only your voice but also room noise, keyboard typing, fans, or traffic. Sensitivity, polar pattern, and gain settings all affect how much noise is captured. Using the wrong mic type (like an omnidirectional condenser in a noisy room) can make the problem worse.
What type of microphone is best for reducing background noise?
A dynamic cardioid microphone is typically best for noisy environments. Cardioid pickup patterns focus on sound directly in front of the mic and reject much of the noise from the sides and back. For even tighter isolation, a supercardioid or hypercardioid mic can help.
Can software really remove background noise effectively?
Yes, modern software can do a lot to clean up audio. Tools like Krisp.ai, NVIDIA Broadcast, or editing programs like Audacity and Adobe Audition apply filters that remove hums, clicks, and ambient sounds. However, software can’t fix everything—it’s always better to minimize noise at the source first.
How close should I be to my microphone to reduce noise?
For most vocal recordings, aim to be 2–6 inches (5–15 cm) away. Being close to the mic makes your voice louder relative to background sounds, allowing you to lower gain levels and reduce noise pickup. Always use a pop filter or foam cover to avoid plosives when speaking close.
What’s the easiest way to reduce noise without buying new gear?
Turn off fans, AC units, and noisy electronics. Close windows and doors. Add soft furnishings (curtains, rugs, blankets) to reduce echo. Adjust mic gain so it’s not set too high. These changes can dramatically improve clarity without spending a cent.
