Start by reducing the noise where you record. Then, if you stream with OBS, add its Noise Suppression filter to the audio source picking up the unwanted sound and test the full setup in an unlisted live stream. OBS says suppression can help with mild background or white noise, but generally is not effective in a very noisy room. For noise that is most noticeable during pauses, consider a Noise Gate or Expander instead.
Reduce the noise before it reaches your microphone
Software filters work on the audio they receive; they are not a substitute for a quieter recording environment. YouTube’s live-streaming filming tips recommend finding a quiet location and checking for sounds such as wind, traffic, and appliances. Listen for a noise source before changing filters: moving away from it or reducing it at the source may improve the result more than stronger processing.
- Listen for steady sounds, such as a fan, and intermittent ones, such as traffic or an appliance switching on.
- Check whether wind or room noise changes when you reposition your microphone or recording setup.
- Make one change at a time, then listen again. This helps distinguish a quieter recording from a filter that is simply changing your voice.
Set up OBS Noise Suppression
OBS’s Noise Suppression filter is intended for mild background or white noise, including PC-fan or other environmental noise. Apply it to the audio source that contains the unwanted sound. The exact filter controls available can depend on the selected suppression method and your OBS setup, so choose and adjust them by listening rather than assuming one setting fits every microphone or room.
- In OBS, open the audio source’s filters and add Noise Suppression to the source carrying the noise. If the sound is in your microphone, filter the microphone source; filtering a different source will not address it.
- Choose a suppression method available in your installation. OBS documents RNNoise as its default and describes it as higher quality but more CPU-intensive than Speex. Speex is configurable, but OBS warns that stronger suppression can distort speech.
- Speak at your normal level and listen for both the noise and changes to your voice. If speech sounds distorted or unnatural, reduce the suppression strength where the method allows it, try another method, or address more of the noise at its source.
- Check your computer’s performance while streaming. RNNoise uses more CPU than Speex according to OBS; do not assume the same choice is best for every system.
OBS also documents NVIDIA Noise Removal, which requires the NVIDIA Broadcast SDK redistributable. Its availability depends on having the required software; it is not a universal option.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Use a gate or expander for noise between speech
If the main annoyance is background sound while you are silent, a gate or expander may suit the problem better than trying to suppress all sound continuously. These tools behave differently from Noise Suppression and still need to be judged by listening.
- Noise Gate: OBS describes this as cutting off background noise when the speaker is not talking. If it also cuts off the start or end of your words, it is not behaving acceptably for your stream; adjust or remove it.
- Expander: OBS describes this as reducing background sounds with an adjustable ratio. It reduces sound rather than serving as a guaranteed way to eliminate it.
Neither filter replaces reducing a loud or intrusive source. Avoid stacking processing just because more filters are available: check whether each one helps the actual recording.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Test the complete live audio
Do not judge the result only by listening to OBS locally. YouTube recommends testing audio, video, and equipment with an unlisted live stream, and monitoring audio and video quality during the event.
- Start an unlisted test stream and speak, pause, and resume as you would during the real broadcast.
- Listen to the stream for background noise, voice distortion, and words being cut off at the beginning or end.
- Monitor the live result during the event so you can catch a change in noise or audio quality that was not present during setup.
When to consider a microphone change
YouTube notes that using a microphone can improve audio quality. If your device’s built-in microphone is limiting the sound, a separate microphone may be worth considering, but a microphone is not a guaranteed noise-removal fix. The cited guidance does not establish a best model, pickup pattern, interface, or compatibility recommendation; assess any replacement against your setup and the sound you need to capture.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Troubleshoot common noise problems
| What you hear | Likely issue | What to try |
|---|---|---|
| The room noise remains prominent | The noise may be too loud for suppression to handle effectively. | Reduce the source or move to a quieter location before relying on filters. |
| Your voice sounds distorted after suppression | Suppression may be too strong; OBS specifically warns that stronger Speex settings can distort speech. | Ease off the suppression where configurable, try another available method, and listen to a fresh test. |
| Noise is mainly audible while you are silent | Continuous suppression may not be the most targeted approach for pauses. | Test OBS Noise Gate or Expander, checking that speech is not cut off or made unnatural. |
| Audio sounds fine locally but not in the broadcast | The live result has not been checked as a complete stream. | Test with an unlisted stream and monitor the live audio during the event. |
Or let it run in the cloud
For a different use case—keeping uploaded videos looping as a YouTube live stream—StreamNeo runs the stream in the cloud. It does not capture a live camera or remove microphone noise, so use the OBS steps above for a camera-and-microphone broadcast. With StreamNeo, upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. Nothing has to stay on at home; uploaded video streams at its original quality up to 4K 60fps at one price per slot, and the service can recover automatically if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly billing is $9.99 per month. Start your free day with StreamNeo.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
