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Eliminating White Noise in OBS: A Step-by-Step Guide on Using Filters

May 17, 2024

When streaming or recording content using Open Broadcaster Software (OBS), you may encounter the pesky issue of white noise, which can lead to a less-than-perfect audio experience for your viewers. Thankfully, OBS provides built-in filters to help you reduce or eliminate white noise. In this article, we will walk you through the process of using these filters to improve your audio quality.


Step 1: Open OBS
First, ensure that OBS is up and running on your computer.


Step 2: Access the Audio Mixer
Within OBS, locate the section labeled Audio Mixer. Here, you'll find a list of all available audio sources for your stream or recording.


Step 3: Select the Appropriate Audio Source
Identify the audio source responsible for the white noise. This could be a microphone or another input device. Click on the gear icon next to the audio source, and select Filters.


Step 4: Add a Noise Suppression Filter
In the 'Filters' window, click the '+' icon in the bottom-left corner and select Noise Suppression from the list of filters. Name the filter and click OK to add it to your selected audio source.


Step 5: Adjust the Noise Suppression Filter
By default, OBS will automatically apply a standard level of noise suppression. However, you can adjust the setting to your liking by moving the slider within the Noise Suppression filter settings. Start by testing the default setting and then gradually adjust the slider until white noise is reduced or eliminated.


Step 6: Add a Noise Gate Filter (Optional)
If you still experience white noise after adjusting the Noise Suppression filter, you can add a Noise Gate filter to your audio source. Repeat Step 4, but this time, select Noise Gate instead of Noise Suppression. The Noise Gate filter can help cut out unwanted noise when you are not speaking into the microphone.


Step 7: Adjust the Noise Gate Filter
Within the Noise Gate filter settings, you will find sliders for 'Close Threshold,' 'Open Threshold,' 'Attack Time,' 'Hold Time,' and 'Release Time.' Adjust these settings to achieve the desired noise reduction effect. As with the Noise Suppression filter, start with the default settings and gradually make adjustments as needed.


Step 8: Test Your Adjustments
Before going live or recording, test your audio to ensure the white noise has been effectively reduced or eliminated. Make further adjustments to the filter settings, if necessary.


By following these simple steps, you can improve your audio quality in OBS and provide a more enjoyable experience for your viewers. Don't let white noise interfere with your content creation process—utilize OBS's built-in filters to achieve crisp and clear audio.


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