How to remove traffic noise from video or audio
Traffic noise is the low, constant rumble of cars and engines you get filming near a road. It runs under the whole clip rather than happening in bursts, which is why the built-in "ambient noise" preset is the one to reach for here.
The setup
Remove
"ambient noise" ยท preset
Off
Step by step
- 1 Drop your video or audio file into SoundScrub.
- 2 Set the mode to Remove.
- 3 Pick "ambient noise" from the sound list.
- 4 Run it. You get the file back with that sound removed and the rest untouched.
Why this works
Remove mode with the "ambient noise" preset takes the road noise down and leaves your voice and everything else in place.
Why the usual fixes fall short
A normal noise remover expects a steady hiss it can subtract. Real traffic keeps shifting as cars go by, so the tool can't lock onto it, and turning it down far enough to help drags the rest of your audio down with it.
Honest heads-up
How well it comes out depends on how much the traffic stands out from the rest. On a clear recording it separates well. If it's muffled or buried in everything else, expect it to come down rather than disappear. If removing it isn't clean enough, try the other way around: use Keep on the sound you want (like the voice), the model holds onto a target better than it strips out steady traffic.
Common questions
Why the "ambient noise" preset and not a "traffic" prompt?
Traffic is broad, steady background noise, and the built-in "ambient noise" preset is the one tuned for that. Use it instead of typing "traffic".
How do I remove traffic noise from a video?
In SoundScrub, set the mode to Remove and pick the "ambient noise" preset, the one tuned for broad, steady background noise like traffic. Leave detection off. Your voice stays, the road noise comes down.
Should I turn on detection?
No. Traffic usually runs the whole clip, and detection is for sounds that come and go. Leave it off here.
What if I want to keep some of the traffic?
Switch from Remove to Lower mode. Instead of taking the traffic out, it turns it down to a level you set and keeps it in, so you hold onto a bit of street ambience.
Other guides
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