What is Noise Cancellation and How to Enable It in Calling Apps?

Introduction

During online calls, you often hear not only the voice but also background sounds: keyboard, fan, dogs, neighbors. To eliminate background noise, Noise Cancellation technology is used — a technology that isolates voice and suppresses everything else.

Let's break down how it works and how to enable noise cancellation in Zoom, Discord, Microsoft Teams, and Windows itself.

What is Noise Cancellation

Noise cancellation is real-time audio processing using algorithms that:

  • recognize voice frequencies (approximately 80–4000 Hz);
  • attenuate sounds outside this range;
  • may use artificial intelligence (AI) for precise speech separation.

There are two types of noise cancellation:

TypeDescriptionExamples
HardwareBuilt into microphone or headsetJBL, Logitech, Razer
SoftwareWorks through software (Zoom, Discord, Windows)AI Noise Suppression, Krisp, RTX Voice

How to Enable Noise Cancellation in Popular Apps

1. Zoom

  1. Open Settings → Audio.
  2. In the Background Noise Suppression section, select level:
    • Auto — optimal mode;
    • High — for noisy rooms;
    • Low — if using professional microphone.

2. Discord

  1. Open User Settings → Voice & Video.
  2. Find Noise Suppression (Krisp) block.
  3. Toggle Enable Krisp.

Discord uses the Krisp AI library, which excellently filters keyboard and background speech.

3. Microsoft Teams

  1. Open Settings → Devices.
  2. In Noise suppression select:
    • Auto;
    • High — removes even fans;
    • Low — leaves natural background.

4. Windows 10/11

Some audio drivers (e.g., Realtek or Intel Smart Sound) have built-in noise cancellation:

  1. Right-click volume icon → Sounds.
  2. Recording tab → select microphone → Properties → Advanced.
  3. Check Noise Suppression or Echo Cancellation.

Alternative Solutions

  • NVIDIA Broadcast — eliminates noise using GPU, ideal for streamers.
  • Krisp.ai — standalone application for any messenger.
  • NoiseTorch (Linux) — open-source filter for PulseAudio.

Tips

  • Don't use multiple noise cancellation systems simultaneously (they may conflict).
  • If sound is "metallic" — reduce filtration level.
  • Test results on DoCam.io before important calls.

Conclusion

Done! Now you know what noise cancellation is and how to enable it in your favorite apps. Configure filtration for yourself — and your conversation partners will hear only your voice, without extra noise.

Test your audio quality with active noise cancellation on DoCam.io.