Background noise in OBS is super common, and the fix is usually quick once you stack the right filters. Here’s a clean, step-by-step way to remove background noise in OBS Studio.
Method 1: Use OBS Built-in Audio Filters (Best & Free)
Step 1: Open Mic Filters
- Open OBS Studio
- In Audio Mixer, find your Mic/Aux
- Click the ⚙️ gear icon → Filters
Step 2: Add Noise Suppression (MOST IMPORTANT)
- Click ➕ under Audio Filters
- Select Noise Suppression
- Choose:
- RNNoise (recommended) → best quality, low effort
- Speex → lighter, manual control
Recommended settings
- RNNoise: No changes needed
- Speex: Start at -30 dB, adjust between -20 to -40 dB
Step 3: Add Noise Gate (Cuts sound when you’re not speaking)
- Click ➕ → Noise Gate
Suggested settings
- Close Threshold: -32 dB
- Open Threshold: -26 dB
- Attack Time: 25 ms
- Hold Time: 200 ms
- Release Time: 150 ms
This removes keyboard clicks, fan noise, AC hum when silent.
Step 4: Add Compressor (Optional but Recommended)
- Click ➕ → Compressor
Suggested settings
- Ratio: 4:1
- Threshold: -18 dB
- Attack: 6 ms
- Release: 60 ms
- Make-up Gain: Checked
Makes your voice consistent and professional.
Step 5: (Optional) Add Gain Filter
If your mic volume becomes low:
- Add Gain
- Increase by +2 to +5 dB
Correct Filter Order (IMPORTANT)
Filters should be in this order:
- Noise Suppression
- Noise Gate
- Compressor
- Gain
(Drag to reorder if needed)
Method 2: Improve Mic & Environment (Huge Difference)
Even the best filters can’t fix bad input.
Do this:
- Use a cardioid mic
- Keep mic 6–8 inches from mouth
- Turn off fans / AC if possible
- Use foam / pop filter
- Add curtains or cushions to reduce echo
Method 3: Use External Noise Removal (Advanced)
If you want studio-level sound:
- NVIDIA Broadcast (RTX GPUs)
- Krisp.ai
- RTX Voice
Set these as your mic input in OBS.
Quick Best-Quality Preset (Recommended)
If you want one-click style setup:
- Noise Suppression → RNNoise
- Noise Gate → Open: -26 / Close: -32
- Compressor → 4:1, Threshold -18
- Gain → +3 dB
