Background Noise Suppression

Owned by Simon Mak
Last updated: Aug 20, 2020
3 min read

The Zoom client has options that allow the utilization of noise suppression, which can help remove distracting noises that can be picked up by participants' microphones. Background noise, like paper crunching, keyboard typing, fan noise, dog barking, and other noises will bee filtered out to create a better meeting experience. By default Zoom automatically does do background noise reduction. However, the option can be changed to be more or less aggressive based on the environment and use case.


  1. Sign in to your Columbia Zoom account via Zoom App
    1. If you are using a Mailman Lecture account, sign in with this link here: Mailman lecture Sign-in
  2. Once you are signed in click on your icon located at the top right corner of your Zoom app.
  3. Now click on "Settings" button
  4. Under "Suppress background nose" by default it is set to "Auto"


    • Auto: This is the default setting, and will apply moderate background noise reduction when needed. It will auto adjust the aggressiveness for blocking background noise based on what it detects in the background. If music is detected, it will not treat the music as background noise.
    • Low: Noise reduction will be minimal. It will block low levels of persistent background noise.
      Note: This setting is best for casually playing music, as it will preserve as much of the original sound as possible. For highest fidelity when playing music, consider using the Enable Original Audio setting in your advanced audio settings.
    • Medium: Best for reducing and eliminating background noise in standard environments, including fans, pen tapping, etc.
    • High: Noise reduction will be at its most aggressive, and eliminate noise such as crunching of paper or wrappers, keyboard typing, etc. 
      Note: Enabling this option may increase CPU utilization.
  5. However depending on your level of background nose, you can adjust to High, Medium, and Low.
    1. You will also be required to download audio enhancement package, when you select either setting.
    2. Once your audio enhancement package has been downloaded, you should see that you've changed your level of background noise suppression.



For additional guide on Zoom Background noise suppression, visit this link: Zoom Background Noise Suppression