How to Remove Audio Hum in iZotope RX (Step-by-Step Tutorial)

Electrical hum (usually 50Hz or 60Hz) is a common problem in recordings. It often comes from ground loops, poor cable shielding, or nearby power equipment. In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to remove hum cleanly using iZotope RX.

Method 1: Remove Constant Hum with De-hum (Recommended)

The De-hum module is the fastest and most effective solution for steady electrical hum.

Step 1: Open Your Audio File

Launch iZotope RX and import your audio file.

Step 2: Open the De-hum Module

Go to Modules → De-hum.

Step 3: Set the Correct Frequency

• Select 50 Hz (Indonesia, Europe, most of Asia)

• Select 60 Hz (United States and some regions)

Step 4: Enable Harmonics

Turn on Harmonics and set it between 4–8 to remove additional hum layers.

Step 5: Adjust the Settings

• Reduction Amount: Start at 4–6 dB

• Sensitivity: Increase slightly if hum remains

Click Preview to listen before applying changes.

Step 6: Render

Once satisfied, click Render to apply the effect.

✔ Best for steady, consistent electrical hum.

Method 2: Remove Irregular Hum with Spectral Repair

If the hum fluctuates or overlaps with dialogue/music, use Spectral Repair.

Step 1: Switch to Spectrogram View

Look for horizontal lines in the low-frequency area.

Step 2: Select the Hum

Use the Time-Frequency selection tool to highlight the unwanted hum.

Step 3: Apply Spectral Repair

Open Spectral Repair → Attenuate.

Step 4: Adjust Strength

Start with a moderate strength value to avoid damaging the audio.

Preview and render when satisfied.

✔ Best for uneven or complex hum problems.

Method 3: Remove Combined Noise with De-noise

If your recording has hum plus background hiss:

1. Open Voice De-noise (for speech) or Spectral De-noise (for music).

2. Click Learn during a noise-only section.

3. Reduce noise carefully (avoid aggressive settings).

4. Preview and render.

✔ Best for recordings with multiple noise issues.

Pro Tips for Better Results

• Avoid heavy reduction to prevent metallic artifacts.

• Process gradually in small steps.

• Always use Preview before rendering.

• Apply EQ afterward if needed to restore warmth.

• Prevent hum during recording by using grounded cables and proper equipment setup.

Conclusion

Removing hum in iZotope RX is simple when you use the right tool:

• Use De-hum for constant electrical noise

• Use Spectral Repair for irregular hum

• Use De-noise for mixed noise problems

With careful adjustments, you can clean your audio while preserving natural sound quality.