Published Nov 1, 2024 ⦁ 11 min read
AI Noise Cancellation for Clearer Meetings

AI Noise Cancellation for Clearer Meetings

AI noise cancellation is revolutionizing online meetings by cutting out background noise in real-time. Here's what you need to know:

  • Uses smart tech to remove unwanted sounds without affecting speech
  • Adapts to different environments, outperforming traditional methods
  • Crucial for boosting understanding and focus in meetings

Key benefits:

  • Improves audio clarity
  • Reduces misunderstandings
  • Keeps participants engaged
  • Aids decision-making
  • Helps include those with hearing issues

This guide covers:

  1. How AI noise cancellation works
  2. Setting up your space
  3. Choosing and configuring tools
  4. Best practices for use
  5. Troubleshooting common issues
  6. Advanced tips for power users

Top AI noise cancellation tools:

Software Key Features Best For
Krisp Works with 800+ apps General use
NVIDIA RTX Voice Uses RTX GPUs Gamers, streamers
Microsoft Teams Built-in AI suppression Teams users
IRIS Clarity Bidirectional isolation Professional calls

To get started:

  1. Choose a tool compatible with your meeting platform
  2. Install and configure the software
  3. Test and adjust settings for optimal performance

Remember: The goal is to enhance conversation quality without making voices sound unnatural.

How AI noise cancellation works

AI noise cancellation uses smart tech to clean up audio on the fly. It's a big deal for online meetings, making voices clear even when there's noise around.

Here's how it works:

  1. It listens to the audio
  2. It spots unwanted sounds
  3. It cuts out noise without messing up speech

The AI learns from tons of audio samples. It gets good at telling speech from background noise. During a call, it cleans up the audio in milliseconds.

Take Google Meet. Its noise cancellation can zap out barking dogs, typing sounds, and even vacuum cleaners. It does this by sending audio to Google's servers for processing.

AI vs. old-school noise cancellation

AI noise cancellation beats traditional methods:

Feature AI Traditional
Adapts Yes, in real-time Not really
Noise types Handles complex noises Better with steady, low sounds
Learns Gets better over time Stays the same
Where it works On many devices Often needs special hardware
How well it works Great for clear speech Not as good for voices

AI noise cancellation is a lifesaver for remote workers in noisy spots. It makes audio clearer, cuts distractions, and boosts productivity in online meetings.

But it's not perfect. It might struggle with some voices or soft noises. The trick is finding the sweet spot between cutting noise and keeping audio natural.

As Serge Lachapelle from G Suite says:

"The goal is to make the conversation better."

That's what AI noise cancellation is all about: making it easier to focus on what matters - the conversation itself.

Setting up your space for best results

Want better AI noise cancellation? Let's talk about creating the perfect space for it.

Pick the right room

Go for a quiet room away from the noise. Interior rooms without windows are great. Stay clear of busy areas in your home or office.

Here's a quick tip: Thick walls, carpeted floors, and soft furnishings like couches can really help cut down on noise.

Make your room sound better

Got your room? Now let's make it sound-friendly:

1. Add stuff that soaks up sound

Think thick curtains, area rugs, and comfy furniture. They're like sponges for sound waves.

2. Close up any gaps

Use weatherstripping tape around doors and windows. Got bigger cracks? Acoustic caulk is your friend.

3. Get fancy with acoustic treatments

Want to level up? Try acoustic panels on your walls. They cost about $20-$50 each. Or use freestanding screens if you need to move things around.

4. Put your mic in the right spot

Keep it close to your mouth - about an inch away. And face away from noisy spots like windows or doors.

5. Go all out with soundproofing

For the ultimate quiet zone, add mass-loaded vinyl to your walls. It'll set you back $2-$5 per square foot. And think about swapping hollow doors for solid ones.

Choosing AI noise cancellation tools

Want better audio in your meetings? AI noise cancellation tools can help. Here's what you need to know:

Top AI noise cancellation software

Check out these popular options:

Software Key Features Best For
Krisp Works with 800+ apps, real-time noise removal General use
NVIDIA RTX Voice Uses RTX GPUs for noise suppression Gamers, streamers
Microsoft Teams Built-in AI noise suppression Teams users
IRIS Clarity Bidirectional voice isolation Professional calls

Krisp is a crowd-pleaser. One user said:

"Krisp provides a reliable and stable experience without any significant issues."

NVIDIA RTX Voice? Great performance, but you need specific hardware.

Working with meeting platforms

Most noise cancellation tools play nice with popular meeting software:

  • Microsoft Teams: Built-in AI noise suppression (Auto, High, Low)
  • Zoom: Works with third-party tools like Krisp
  • Google Meet: Has its own, but also supports external tools

How to use them:

1. Check if your platform has built-in noise cancellation

2. If not, pick a compatible third-party tool

3. Install and set up before your meeting

4. Test with a colleague

Zemith

Zemith

Want more than just noise cancellation? Zemith offers AI tools for meetings and productivity:

  • AI-powered search during calls
  • Interactive document analysis
  • AI note-taking

Use these alongside noise cancellation for even better meetings.

Setting up AI noise cancellation

Here's how to set up AI noise cancellation for your meetings:

Choose and install your tool

Pick a noise cancellation app that works for you:

Tool For Setup
Krisp General use Download, install, select Krisp devices in meeting software
NVIDIA RTX Voice RTX GPU owners Download NVIDIA Broadcast, install, set up mic/speaker
Microsoft Teams Teams users Built-in, adjust in audio settings

Install your chosen tool following the installation wizard.

Configure settings

  • Krisp: In your meeting app, go to audio settings. Pick "Krisp Microphone" and "Krisp Speaker".
  • NVIDIA RTX Voice: Open the app. Choose your mic/speaker. Turn on noise removal.
  • Teams: Click your profile picture > Settings > Devices > Noise suppression.

Test and adjust

  1. Make a test call using your meeting platform's test feature or call a colleague.
  2. Create some background noise (music, office sounds).
  3. Tweak noise suppression levels. In Teams, you can choose:
    • Auto: Teams decides based on your environment
    • High: Cuts out all non-speech sounds
    • Low: Filters steady background noise
  4. Ask your test partner how you sound and adjust if needed.

Don't overdo it. Too much suppression can make your voice sound weird.

"Krisp lets me work from home with dogs barking and laundry running - yet their noise is blocked so I can sound professional on video calls." - Jaslyn T., Client Services Manager

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Tips for using AI noise cancellation

AI noise cancellation can boost your meeting quality. Here's how to use it right:

Using your microphone correctly

Your mic setup is crucial:

  • Keep it a palm's length from your mouth
  • Use a dynamic mic in noisy places
  • Add a pop filter to cut plosive sounds
Mic Type Best For Why
Dynamic Noisy spots Ignores background noise
Condenser Quiet rooms Captures voice details

Balancing noise reduction and sound quality

Find the sweet spot:

  • Start with default settings
  • Make small adjustments
  • Test different levels (e.g., Auto, High, Low in Microsoft Teams)
  • Ask others how you sound

"The goal is to make the conversation better... So the goal is the intelligibility of what you and I are saying — absolutely." - Serge Lachapelle, G Suite Director of Product Management

Fixing common problems

AI noise cancellation tools can sometimes cause issues. Here's how to fix them:

Fixing distorted audio

Distorted audio can ruin your meeting. Try these fixes:

1. Check your mic settings

Keep your mic about a hand's width from your mouth. Too close? Move it back.

2. Adjust input levels

Is your audio clipping? Lower the input volume in your computer's sound settings.

3. Use audio repair software

For pre-recorded audio, tools like iZotope Rx7 or Adobe Audition can help.

Problem Fix
Mic too close Move it back
Input too high Lower volume
Bad equipment Get a better mic
Software issues Update or reinstall

Dealing with delays and device issues

Audio delays make conversations awkward. Here's what to do:

1. Check your internet

Run a speed test. Slow? Consider upgrading.

2. Close other apps

Too many open programs can slow things down.

3. Update your meeting software

Make sure you're using the latest version.

4. Use a wired connection

For stability, plug your device directly into your router.

Pro tip: Before meetings, upgrade your internet and run a Wi-Fi speed test to avoid audio delays.

Advanced tips for expert users

Want to take your AI noise cancellation game up a notch? Here's how:

Customizing AI models

Fine-tune your AI to match your specific audio environment:

  • Train it on recordings from your workspace
  • Adjust its sensitivity to noise vs. speech
  • Target specific frequencies common in your setting

Combining with other audio tools

Pair AI noise cancellation with other software for crystal-clear sound:

Tool Purpose How it helps
Adobe Audition Audio editing Further reduce noise post-recording
LANDR Audio mastering Boost overall sound quality
LALAL.AI Audio separation Isolate vocals from background music

Pro tip: Always apply AI noise cancellation FIRST, then use other tools.

For real-time use, check out Agora's AI Noise Suppression. It tackles over 100 noise types while keeping latency low.

To get the best results:

  1. Use a good mic
  2. Apply AI noise cancellation
  3. Use other audio tools if needed
  4. Test and tweak for your specific setup

What's next for AI noise cancellation

AI noise cancellation is getting better fast. Here's what's coming:

New developments

1. Predictive modeling and edge computing

AI is getting smarter. It can now analyze and adjust noise cancellation in real-time, making it work better in different places.

2. Integration with other tech

Tech Benefits
AR/VR Better sound in virtual worlds
Wearables Sound tailored to you
Video calls Clearer meetings

3. AI-powered hardware

Companies are making special chips for AI noise cancellation. Google's Tensor A1 chip in the Pixel Buds Pro 2 can:

  • Watch for noise all the time
  • Pause when you talk
  • Block more noise (Silent Seal 2.0)

Future improvements

AI noise cancellation will keep getting better:

  • It'll tell good sounds from bad ones more accurately
  • It'll work faster, almost instantly
  • It'll learn what you like and adjust for you

"We're heading towards better, easier-to-use audio tools. Soon, anyone will be able to get high-quality audio."

What's coming:

  • Support for more languages (Cisco's working on this)
  • Help for people with hearing aids (Neat's already doing this)
  • Better audio recording (Philips and Sembly AI are teaming up on this)

Soon, we'll have clearer, more natural sound in our meetings and everywhere else.

Wrap-up

AI noise cancellation is changing how we talk in meetings. Here's what you need to know:

AI algorithms cut out background noise in real-time, making audio clearer. It's better than old methods and adapts to different places.

To get the best results:

  • Set up your space right
  • Pick the right tools
  • Use your mic properly
  • Fine-tune your settings

Popular options? Krisp, VEED.IO, and Descript.

What's next for AI noise cancellation?

Coming Soon Why It Matters
Predictive modeling Spots noise faster and better
Edge computing Less delay in processing
AR/VR integration Better immersive experiences
AI-powered hardware Works well in more devices

These changes will make meetings clearer and more productive. Take Google's Pixel Buds Pro 2 with its Tensor A1 chip. It:

  • Watches for noise all the time
  • Stops when you talk
  • Blocks noise better (Silent Seal 2.0)

As this tech grows, expect:

  • Better at knowing what sounds you want (and don't want)
  • Faster processing
  • Settings that fit you

"Soon, anyone will be able to get pro-level sound in their meetings." - Audio Tech Expert

To make the most of this tech:

  1. Keep an eye on new releases
  2. Update your stuff regularly
  3. Play with settings to find what works
  4. Choose what fits your needs (like what works with your meeting app)

FAQs

Is AI noise cancellation good?

AI noise cancellation works wonders for meeting audio. It zaps annoying background sounds like barking dogs or keyboard clicks, while keeping the speaker's voice crystal clear. It does all this in real-time, so your calls stay smooth and distraction-free.

How to setup noise cancellation in Teams?

Here's the quick way to turn on noise cancellation in Microsoft Teams:

  1. Open Teams
  2. Click Settings and more > Settings
  3. Go to Devices
  4. Flip the Noise suppression switch

How do I reduce background noise in a meeting?

For Google Meet users, follow these steps:

  1. Head to meet.google.com and pick your meeting
  2. Click More options > Settings before joining
  3. Choose Audio
  4. Turn on Noise cancellation
  5. Hit Join now
Platform Noise Cancellation Setup
Microsoft Teams Settings > Devices > Noise suppression on
Google Meet Settings > Audio > Noise cancellation on

Want more options? Check out Krisp. This AI-powered noise killer works with over 800 apps and offers:

  • Muting of common household and ambient noises
  • 60 minutes of free noise zapping per week (basic plan)
  • Easy integration with Zoom, Skype, WebEx, and more

"Krisp lets you run online meetings, webinars, or virtual classes without stressing about those noisy dogs." - Krisp Review 2024

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