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AES: Idiot-Proof Noise Reduction with BIAS' Sound Soap


Anyone who works with audio — including consumers doing DV projects — needs to know about noise reduction and control. BIAS says they’ve simplified that to two software knobs in their upcoming release for Mac and Windows Sound Soap. Watching an interactive display of noise in the sound, users can remove broadband noise (“white” nose like tape hiss, continuous road noise in a car, air conditioning, and room noise), low-frequency rumble, and 50Hz and 60Hz electrical hum. No extra hardware needed. Obviously, we can’t understate the importance here of getting a good initial recording, but it’s common to wind up with recording problems (especially low frequency) that aren’t apparent until after you’ve done a recording. That’s the reason why a lot of the dialog you hear in blockbuster movies is rerecorded after shooting (ADR)! Fortunately, BIAS claims the technology can make subtle to moderate problem recordings sound more professional and salvage otherwise unusable extreme problems. I’ll review the product when it ships fourth quarter. Price TBA.

By Jason O'Grady

Founded the PowerPage in 1995.