Log hum and noise problems in field recordings and plan fixes

A noise log with type, time range, severity and suggested fix, plus files to re-record.

Choose one of three approaches. The steps for that option appear below.

Choose an option above. On a phone, swipe the tabs left or right to see all options →

Descript: transcripts and a cleanup preview

Descript transcribes each file and previews its cleanup. You log the noise by ear and choose the fix.

  1. You

    Confirm the files

  2. Descript

    Transcribe each file

  3. You

    Log the noise

  4. Descript

    Preview the cleanup

  5. You

    Decide and finalise

  1. Check all 6 files open and match notes

    Use: You

    Make sure all 6 audio files open and filenames match the recording notes, with location, equipment and wind notes at hand.

    Check

    Play the start of each file so a corrupt or mismatched file is caught early.

  2. Transcribe each file

    Use: Descript

    Drag each audio file into a Descript project to get a transcript to follow while listening.

  3. Log each noise problem

    Use: You

    Listen to each file end to end, using the transcript to locate passages; log each noise problem with start, end, type, severity 1 to 3.

    Check

    Skim each transcript against the audio and use it to locate passages, not to judge noise; listen to the three worst files again and confirm the ratings.

  4. Preview the cleanup on the worst passages

    Use: Descript

    Toggle Studio Sound on and off on the worst passages to hear whether the cleanup keeps the speech intact.

  5. Decide the fix per file and finalise

    Use: You

    Decide re-record, filter or accept per file, mark unusable files and finalise the log.

    Check

    Check each fix would not damage the speech and every file has a type, time range, severity and fix.

Before you paste into any AI tool, remove any confidential information. Put it back at the end.

Tools in this workflow

Deciding between VEED and Riverside for this? See the comparison.

Final check

All noise logging is done by a person listening, matching the warning "Judge by ear.".

The sound editor confirms the ratings on at least the three worst files.

Each proposed fix is checked so it would not damage speech before approval.

Check the result against your original inputs. Approve it before sharing or acting.

What still needs checking
  • No fetched page states that a tool detects or classifies noise type or severity; all three options assign logging to human listening, matching the warning "Judge by ear."
  • Riverside's page does not state whether arbitrary pre-recorded field files can be imported for enhancement; confirm import support before choosing option C.

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