--- title: "How to remove background noise with Fairlight noise reduction in DaVinci Resolve" author: "Cutsio Team" date: "2026-05-15" lastmod: "2026-05-15" category: "DaVinci Resolve Advanced Workflows" excerpt: "DaVinci Resolve Fairlight includes noise reduction, de-esser, and de-hummer plugins for cleaning up audio. This guide covers noise reduction setup, learn mode, and applying effects to clips or entire tracks." tags: ["DaVinci Resolve","Fairlight","Noise Reduction","De-Esser","De-Hummer","Audio Cleanup","Fairlight FX"] --- ## How do you remove background noise with Fairlight noise reduction in DaVinci Resolve? Open the Effects Library in Fairlight and locate the Noise Reduction plugin under Fairlight FX. Drag it onto a clip or a mixer channel strip. The noise reduction window opens. Select a section of audio that contains only the background noise — no dialogue or important sounds — and click the Learn button. The plugin analyzes the noise profile and removes anything matching it from the full clip. ![Clean Up Sound](https://images.blackmagicdesign.com/images/products/davinciresolve/fairlight/cleanup/cleanup-lg@2x.jpg?_v=1601273161) The noise reduction plugin works by creating a noise fingerprint from the learned sample. It then applies a spectral filter that attenuates frequencies matching the noise profile while preserving frequencies that contain dialogue or music. The Reduction slider controls the amount of attenuation. Higher values remove more noise but may affect the desired audio quality. ## How do you use the De-Esser and De-Hummer in Fairlight? The De-Esser minimizes harsh sibilant sounds — the "s," "sh," and "ch" sounds that can be distracting in vocal recordings. Drag the De-Esser onto a vocal clip. Adjust the Frequency control to target the sibilant range, typically 4-8 kHz. The Range control sets the maximum reduction amount. The Threshold control determines the level at which reduction starts. The De-Hummer removes power line hum and its harmonics — typically 50 Hz or 60 Hz depending on your region, plus harmonics at 100 Hz, 120 Hz, 150 Hz, and so on. Apply the De-Hummer, select your region's mains frequency (50 or 60 Hz), and adjust the Reduction slider. The De-Hummer automatically targets the fundamental frequency and its harmonics. ## Can you apply Fairlight FX to entire tracks instead of individual clips? Yes. Drag the effect onto a mixer channel strip rather than a clip. When applied to a track, the effect processes all clips on that track in real time. This is more efficient than applying the same effect to multiple individual clips. Track FX slots support up to 6 effects per track. For consistent noise reduction across an entire interview, apply the Noise Reduction plugin to the dialogue track rather than each individual clip. Learn the noise profile from a section of room tone or silent footage, and the track-level effect processes every clip with the same settings. ## FAQ ### Is the Fairlight noise reduction available in the free version? Yes. Fairlight noise reduction plugins are available in both free and Studio versions. ### How do I create a good noise profile sample? Select 2-5 seconds of audio containing only background noise — room tone, air conditioning hum, camera noise. Avoid sections with dialogue, music, or sudden sounds. ### Can I use multiple Fairlight FX plugins on one track? Yes. Each mixer channel can have up to 6 real-time effect inserts in addition to the built-in EQ and dynamics processing. ### Does noise reduction affect audio quality? Moderate reduction (10-20 dB) is transparent with clean source material. Higher reduction may introduce artifacts. Use the minimum reduction needed. ### Can I keyframe noise reduction settings? Yes. Keyframe the Reduction parameter to vary noise reduction intensity across a clip — higher during quiet sections, lower during loud sections.

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