How to Reduce White Noise in OBS (Open Broadcaster Software)

One common issue encountered by many OBS users is the presence of white noise, or background noise, when capturing audio from a microphone or other audio input device. This white noise can detract from the overall quality of your streams or recordings, making it essential to find ways to minimize or eliminate it. In this guide, we will walk you through several techniques to help you optimize your OBS audio settings and reduce white noise effectively.

1. Use a high-quality microphone: The first and most obvious step is to invest in a good quality microphone specifically designed for audio recording or streaming. These microphones generally have built-in features to help minimize white noise and other background noises.

2. Adjust your microphone settings: In OBS, navigate to the 'Audio' tab under 'Settings' and adjust the 'Mic/Aux Boost' slider. You may need to play around with this setting to find the optimal level for reducing white noise without sacrificing audio quality.

3. Utilize noise gates: OBS has a built-in noise gate filter that you can add to your microphone source. To do this, right-click on your microphone source in the 'Audio Mixer' section and select 'Filters.' Click the '+' icon in the bottom left and add a 'Noise Gate' filter. This allows you to set a threshold level for when your microphone will activate, essentially cutting off low-level background noise.

4. Add noise suppression filters: Along with noise gates, OBS also offers noise suppression filters. You can add this filter in the same way as the noise gate, by accessing the 'Filters' menu in your microphone source. Noise suppression works by automatically eliminating continuous background noises, such as fan buzzing or room humming.

5. Configure OBS mic input levels: Go back to the 'Audio' tab under 'Settings.' Here, you can adjust the 'Mic/Aux Volume' slider. Lowering the input level may help reduce the perception of background noise, although it may also slightly reduce the overall volume of your voice.

6. Optimize your recording environment: Consider using a dynamic, cardioid-pattern microphone that is less sensitive to off-axis sounds. Additionally, make sure your recording space is as noise-free as possible—shut off fans, close windows, and consider adding soft furnishings to minimize sound reflections.

By implementing these steps, you should be well on your way to reducing white noise in your OBS recordings and streams, which will help you create a more professional and enjoyable experience for your audience.