How to Remove Background Hum From Audio: Tips and Top 5 AI Tools See Remove Background Hum from your audio. Pro tips & AI tools.

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January 4, 2025 7 min read
How to Remove Background Hum From Audio: Tips and Top 5 AI Tools

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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.

Why Does Background Hum Happen?

Hum in audio recordings typically comes from:

  1. Electrical Interference: Faulty cables, power supplies, or grounding issues can introduce a constant buzzing sound.
  2. Environmental Noise: Appliances like air conditioners, refrigerators, or fluorescent lights can create low-frequency hums.
  3. Recording Equipment: Poor-quality microphones or improper audio settings can result in a subtle (but annoying) hum.

No matter the source, hum can degrade your audio quality and make your content feel unprofessional.

How to Remove Background Hum From Audio

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:

1. Start With a Clean Recording

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.

2. Use AI-Powered Audio Cleanup Tools

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.

3. Apply a High-Pass or Notch Filter

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.

4. Enhance the Audio Post-Cleanup

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.

The Top 5 AI Tools to Remove Background Hum From Audio

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.

1. PlayHT: The Best AI Tool for Audio Cleanup

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.

Why PlayHT is the Best for Removing Background Hum

  • Advanced AI Algorithms: PlayHT identifies and removes hum frequencies without over-processing the audio, ensuring a natural sound.
  • Simple, User-Friendly Interface: Whether you’re a professional or a beginner, PlayHT’s tools are easy to use—just upload your audio, and the platform does the rest.
  • API Integration: Developers can integrate PlayHT’s audio cleanup features into their own apps, making it ideal for scalable workflows.
  • High-Quality Results: Voices remain rich and clear, without robotic artifacts that some tools introduce after noise removal.

Key Features:

  • Noise and hum removal powered by advanced AI.
  • Easy-to-use interface with batch processing options.
  • Developer-friendly API for automation and integration.
  • Affordable pricing for individuals and teams.

For anyone looking to remove hum effortlessly and reliably, PlayHT is the ultimate solution.

2. Adobe Podcast Enhance

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.

Key Features:

  • Studio-grade voice enhancement.
  • Removes hum, static, and other background noises.
  • Tight integration with Adobe’s Creative Cloud tools like Premiere Pro and Audition.

Drawbacks:

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.

3. Krisp: Real-Time Hum Removal for Live Audio

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.

Key Features:

  • Removes hum and noise in real-time.
  • Works seamlessly with video conferencing apps like Zoom, Teams, and Google Meet.
  • Simple, one-click operation.

Drawbacks:

While Krisp excels in real-time noise suppression, it doesn’t offer much for post-production or pre-recorded audio cleanup.

4. Dolby.io Media Processing API

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.

Key Features:

  • High-end noise reduction and hum removal.
  • Precise control over audio processing settings.
  • Ideal for developers building audio-focused applications.

Drawbacks:

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.

5. Auphonic: Best for Podcast Post-Production

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.

Key Features:

  • Automatic noise and hum removal.
  • Multi-track processing for podcasting and interviews.
  • Cloud-based platform with no installation required.

Drawbacks:

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.

Choosing the Right Tool

Your choice of tool depends on your specific needs:

  • For All-Purpose Audio Cleanup: PlayHT is the best choice for its balance of ease, power, and versatility.
  • For Live Noise Suppression: Krisp is the go-to solution.
  • For Professional Voice Recordings: Adobe Podcast Enhance is excellent for podcast and interview audio.
  • For Developers: Dolby.io offers unmatched flexibility and advanced processing capabilities.
  • For Podcast Post-Production: Auphonic is perfect for polishing podcasts with minimal effort.

Tips for Better Hum Removal

Even the best tools work better with a clean starting point. Here are some pro tips:

  1. Invest in Quality Cables and Gear: Shielded cables and high-quality microphones can minimize electrical interference.
  2. Use a Power Conditioner: This can eliminate hum caused by ground loops in your setup.
  3. Record in Quiet Spaces: Turn off appliances like fans or AC units during recording to prevent hum at the source.
  4. Adjust Settings in Cleanup Tools: Many AI tools let you fine-tune noise reduction levels—experiment with the settings to achieve the best results.

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!

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