How to Clean Up Audio Before Using AI: A Simple Guide

When it comes to creating a high-quality AI voice model, the rule is simple: Garbage in, garbage out.

If your source audio is full of background noise, static, or other people talking, the AI will struggle to learn the unique characteristics of the voice you want to preserve.

The good news? You don't need to be a sound engineer to clean up your audio. Here is a step-by-step guide to preparing your files.

Step 1: Listen Critically

Before you start editing, listen to your file with headphones. Identify the problems:

• Hiss/Static: A constant low-level noise (like a fan or tape hiss).
• Background Noise: Cars driving by, dogs barking, TV in the background.
• Reverb/Echo: Does it sound like the person is in a cave?
• Interruptions: Is someone else talking over them?

Step 2: Use Free Tools

You don't need expensive software. Audacity is a free, open-source audio editor that works on Windows, Mac, and Linux. It’s perfect for this job.

Removing Background Noise in Audacity

1. Import your file: Drag and drop your audio file into Audacity.
2. Select a "Noise Profile": Find a section of the audio where no one is talking—just the background noise. Select it with your mouse.
3. Get Noise Profile: Go to Effect > Noise Removal and Repair > Noise Reduction. Click "Get Noise Profile."
4. Apply Noise Reduction: Select the entire track (Ctrl+A). Go back to Effect > Noise Removal and Repair > Noise Reduction. Click "OK."

Tip: Don't be too aggressive. If you remove too much noise, the voice might start to sound robotic.

Step 3: Cut Out the Bad Parts

If there are sections where a dog barks or another person speaks over your loved one, you should cut those out.

1. Highlight the section you want to remove.
2. Press Delete (to remove it and close the gap) or Ctrl+L (to silence it without changing the timing).

Step 4: Normalize the Volume

Sometimes the audio is too quiet. Normalizing brings the volume up to a standard level.

1. Select the entire track.
2. Go to Effect > Volume and Compression > Normalize.
3. Click "Apply."

Step 5: Export for AI

Once your audio sounds clean, export it.

• Format: WAV is best (uncompressed), but MP3 (high quality, 320kbps) is also fine.
• Mono vs. Stereo: Mono is usually preferred for voice models.

Don't Want to DIY?

If this sounds complicated, don't worry. EchoAgain has built-in tools to help clean up your audio automatically when you upload. But doing a little manual cleanup first can make a huge difference in the final result.

Ready to create your voice model? Upload your cleaned audio to EchoAgain now.