The Ultimate Noise & Reverb Reduction Shootout: 9 Tools Compared

As a podcast editor, I’ve seen the audio cleanup landscape evolve dramatically. With so many noise and reverb reduction tools flooding the market, I wanted to put the most talked-about options through their paces. Let’s dive into what might be the most comprehensive shootout I’ve done yet!

The Lineup

I selected nine popular tools that handle both noise and reverb reduction:

A quick note: Some excellent tools like Acon Digital’s Deverberate 3, Waves Clarity VX, and SpectraLayers didn’t make the cut since they don’t handle both noise and reverb reduction. I had to draw the line somewhere, focusing on the solutions I see recommended most often in podcast circles.

Testing Methodology

To keep things thorough and fair, I ran five diverse audio tracks through each tool, creating a whopping 45 test samples. My test clips range from relatively clean recording needing minimal noise reduction but some reverb cleanup to much more challenging scenarios like heavy reverb and pitch shifting noise.

The Big Surprise: Auphonic

Here’s where things get interesting – Auphonic emerged as the dark horse in this race. What impressed me most was its consistent performance across all test cases. Unlike some of the more heavily marketed solutions, it managed to clean up the audio without fundamentally altering the character of the voice.

There is one caveat: Auphonic tends to roll off the high end a bit aggressively on female voices. It’s less noticeable with lower-pitched voices, but it’s something to watch out for depending on your content.

A Word of Caution: AI-Enhanced Solutions

One concerning trend I noticed with tools like Descript’s Studio Sound, Adobe’s Enhance Voice, and Riverside’s Magic Audio: push them beyond 50% intensity, and voices start sounding a lot more processed. Adobe is the worst offender here because it has a tendency to change the character of the voice to the point of sounding like a bad clone. For me, this crosses a line. Any tool that significantly alters the fundamental character of a voice doesn’t belong in my professional toolkit – especially not as a subscription service.

Workflow Considerations

While some non-plugin solutions performed admirably (looking at you, Hush), they don’t quite fit into my preferred workflow. I’m a strong advocate for real-time processing – being able to hear changes as I make them and avoid the upload/download dance. Hush, in particular, shows promise, and I’m eagerly awaiting a potential VST/AU plugin version.

The Bottom Line

After extensive testing, here’s what I’ve concluded:

Auphonic stands out for its reliable, natural-sounding processing
Plugin-based solutions offer the most flexible workflows
Be cautious with AI-enhanced tools that might alter voice characteristics
Real-time processing remains king for professional editing workflows

Looking Forward

The audio cleanup space continues to evolve rapidly. While we have more options than ever, it’s crucial to remember that the best tool isn’t always the most expensive or the most hyped – it’s the one that fits your specific workflow while maintaining the authenticity of your content.

For those looking to level up their podcast audio game, remember that clean audio is just one piece of the puzzle. If you’re interested in developing your podcast editing skills further, check out Podcast Editing School or reach out for one-on-one coaching.

What’s your experience with these tools? Have you found a hidden gem that I should include in my next shootout? Drop your thoughts in the comments below – I’d love to hear your perspective!

Pro Tip: When evaluating audio cleanup tools, always test them on your actual content. What works beautifully for one voice might not be the best choice for another.

• Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission.