How To Get Rid of Background Noise on Microphones in 2025

No matter what you’re recording, unwanted noise can creep in, whether it’s cars passing outside, a pet scurrying around, or random static and pops. These distractions can ruin an otherwise flawless take. Fortunately, there are ways to eliminate background noise from microphones, ensuring your content is crisp and polished. Keep reading to discover how to eliminate background noise from your microphone effectively.

Why Does Background Noise Occur When Recording With A Mic?

You might be questioning, “Why is my microphone picking up background noise?” Many factors can cause this issue. Here’s a breakdown of what might be occurring:

• Noisy appliances can interfere with your recordings. High-quality microphones often pick up background noise from air conditioners or washing machines. To minimize this, turn off or relocate these appliances away from your microphone.
• The placement of your microphone is crucial. Vibrations can bring unwanted noise into your recording without a mic stand or boom arm.
• Poor mic technique can also impact audio quality. Sitting too close or far from the microphone weakens your voice signal and allows background noise to creep in. Proper mic positioning is essential for clear, professional audio.
• Using an overly sensitive microphone may not be ideal for certain recordings. While omnidirectional microphones capture sound from all directions, unidirectional microphones focus on sound from a single direction, making them better for isolating important audio.

Lastly, having the proper tools to manage background noise is important. Without software or tools to reduce interference, you may face ongoing challenges. These user-friendly solutions seamlessly integrate into your workflow, saving you the hassle of dealing with background noise manually.

Types of Background Noises

Background noise from poor connections, faulty equipment, or an inadequate setup can distract your listeners and diminish the impact of your message. Here are the most common types of background noises to watch out for when recording audio or video.

Broadband Noise

Frequencies in sound refer to the rate at which something vibrates: faster vibrations produce high-pitched sounds, while slower vibrations create low-pitched ones.

The hissing and buzzing sounds you often hear at the end of a recording are examples of broadband noise, commonly called “background noise” or hiss. So, what causes buzzing noise in a microphone? It occurs when a wide range of frequencies generate noise simultaneously, overwhelming the mic’s ability to manage them effectively.

Narrowband Noise

Narrowband noise occurs within a limited range of frequencies and is often caused by faulty electrical circuits. It results in a persistent humming sound in recordings. Poorly grounded microphone cables are also a common source of narrowband noise.

Impulse Noise

Impulse noise refers to clicks, pops, and high-frequency sounds, often caused by plosive consonants like “p,” “k,” and “t,” or sudden audio cable connections.

Irregular Noise

Irregular noises fluctuate based on the environment and can include sounds like rain, wind, ambient noise, and traffic. More noticeable sounds, such as a door slamming or a dog barking, may also be captured during recording if you’re not in a quiet space.

Tips To Eliminate Background Noise When Recording

Is your mic picking up unwanted background noise? Here are a few effective ways on how to remove background noise from your mic and improve sound quality, ensuring your listeners stay focused on your content without any distractions.

1. Check Plugs

A loose or faulty plug connection can cause headphone noise. The fix is usually simple: check that your headphones and microphone jacks are securely plugged in to eliminate the noise.

To rule out any other potential issues, follow the same process with all your connections, including:

• Microphone input plug
• Audio source output plug
• Power source plug

2. Select the Right Recording Equipment

Investing in the right equipment is key to avoiding sound quality issues, but remember that higher-quality gear often comes with a higher price tag. Finding the best equipment within your budget is important, so opt for trusted brands like Sony, Sennheiser, and Bose, which offer noise-canceling microphone headsets and podcasting gear.

A high-quality, noise-canceling microphone is crucial for achieving clear and professional audio recordings. If your budget permits, consider adding accessories like windshields to reduce wind noise and pop filters to minimize popping and hissing sounds, ensuring cleaner, more polished recordings.

If you want to upgrade your setup, you can easily buy microphones online in Pakistan from Golden Camera. They offer a wide range of top-tier options to suit your needs.

3. Stabilize Your Mic

Investing in a high-quality microphone is the first step; ensuring its stability is equally important. An unstable microphone will likely wobble or shake during recording, introducing unwanted sounds. Go through these ways to stabilize your microphone:

• A stand or tripod: Choose a shorter mic stand or tripod to minimize sway. Taller stands are more prone to movement from floor vibrations, especially when people walk nearby, which can negatively affect sound quality.
• A microphone mount: To reduce vibrations, secure your mic by mounting it to a stable surface like a table rather than the floor.
• Shock mounts: Consider using a shock mount to protect against vibration noise. There are two types: internal shock mounts isolate the mic’s internal components from the body, while external shock mounts use flexible, elastic straps to hold the mic in place and absorb vibrations.

4. Get Your Space Ready

Choose the quietest space available for recording. If you’re recording at home, close windows and doors to block out ambient noise.

Here are a few more tips to prepare your space for optimal recording:

• Turn off electrical appliances, such as air conditioners and fans, as they can create noises that interfere with your recording.
• Inform those around you, whether family or roommates, of your recording schedule, so they can help minimize noise.
• Record in a carpeted room. Carpets absorb sound better than hard floors, reducing unwanted echoes.

5. Isolate Electrical Devices

Keep electronic devices and power sources away from your microphone to prevent electrical interference, which can cause unwanted noise. This includes power strips, chargers, and other electronic equipment. By isolating electrical devices and positioning them as far from your mic, you can minimize interference and ensure a cleaner, crisper sound.

Final Thoughts

Background noise can hinder your recordings, but using the right techniques and equipment can enhance sound quality. Invest in a high-quality noise-canceling microphone, choose a quiet space, and stabilize your equipment to minimize vibrations. Isolate electrical devices and use accessories like pop filters and windshields to reduce interference. With these strategies, your recordings will be clear, polished, and free from distractions.