Background hum is one of the most frustrating audio issues to deal with. Whether it’s the low-frequency buzz of an air conditioner, electrical interference, or a faint hum from your recording equipment, it can be a real distraction in an otherwise good recording. But don’t worry—removing background hum from audio is easier than ever, thanks to powerful AI audio cleanup tools.
In this guide, I’ll show you how to identify and remove background hum from audio and share the top 5 AI tools that make the process quick and seamless. PlayHT leads the pack as the most user-friendly and powerful solution, and I’ll explain why.
Hum in audio recordings typically comes from:
No matter the source, hum can degrade your audio quality and make your content feel unprofessional.
Removing hum isn’t just about fixing the noise—you want to preserve the integrity of your main audio. Here’s how you can remove hum step by step:
Minimize hum at the source. Use high-quality, shielded audio cables and record in a quiet, interference-free space. Avoid placing microphones near electrical devices that generate noise.
AI tools are a game-changer for removing hum. They can automatically identify the hum’s frequency and reduce it without affecting the main audio. I’ll dive into the best tools later in this guide.
If you’re using manual audio editing software, apply a high-pass filter to cut out low-frequency hums (usually below 80 Hz). A notch filter can be used to target a specific hum frequency.
After removing the hum, polish your audio by adjusting EQ (equalization) to make the voice or music stand out, and use compression for consistent volume levels.
To save time and effort, you’ll want to rely on AI audio cleanup tools that automate hum removal. Below are the top 5 AI tools, with PlayHT as the #1 pick for its unmatched performance and versatility.
PlayHT is a standout solution for audio cleanup. While it’s widely known for its text-to-speech technology, PlayHT also excels in processing and enhancing audio recordings. Its AI-powered noise removal tools are incredibly effective at eliminating background hum while preserving the clarity of voices and other important audio elements.
For anyone looking to remove hum effortlessly and reliably, PlayHT is the ultimate solution.
Adobe’s Podcast Enhance tool is a powerful AI-based audio enhancer designed specifically for voice recordings. It removes background noise, including hum, and improves the overall quality of your audio, making it sound like it was recorded in a professional studio.
While Adobe Podcast Enhance is great for podcasts and interviews, it doesn’t offer as much flexibility for music or complex multi-track recordings. Additionally, Adobe’s pricing may be steep for casual users.
Krisp is perfect if you’re dealing with hum during live calls, virtual meetings, or streaming sessions. This AI-powered tool filters out background noise, including hum, in real-time. It’s particularly useful for professionals who want clean audio during live events.
While Krisp excels in real-time noise suppression, it doesn’t offer much for post-production or pre-recorded audio cleanup.
Dolby.io brings Dolby’s legendary audio expertise into the hands of developers. This API offers powerful noise and hum reduction tools along with dynamic leveling and spatial audio enhancements.
Dolby.io’s API is highly customizable, but it can be overwhelming for beginners. It’s better suited for developers with advanced audio needs, and the cost can add up for smaller projects.
Auphonic is an automated audio post-production tool designed to help podcasters polish their recordings. It removes hum, normalizes volume levels, and even adjusts EQ to produce clean and professional-sounding audio.
Auphonic is best suited for podcast creators. Its automation makes it less customizable than tools like PlayHT or Dolby.io, and it’s not ideal for music or complex audio projects.
Your choice of tool depends on your specific needs:
Even the best tools work better with a clean starting point. Here are some pro tips:
Removing background hum doesn’t have to be a tedious process. With AI tools like PlayHT, Adobe Podcast Enhance, Krisp, Dolby.io, and Auphonic, you can clean up your audio quickly and effectively.
Among these, PlayHT is the clear winner for its advanced AI capabilities, ease of use, and ability to handle a wide range of audio cleanup tasks. Whether you’re a podcaster, video editor, or app developer, PlayHT will help you create professional-grade audio with minimal effort.
So, why let hum ruin your recordings? Try PlayHT today and hear the difference for yourself!