September 2023

In the age of digital media, with advancements in both software and hardware, content creators, including YouTubers, podcasters, social media influencers, short video content creators, film production teams, and student groups, now have more resources to enhance the quality of their work. Details have become the key to determining the success of their content. Sound, in particular, has become a central focus. According to statistics, the "Taiwan Sound Market" has grown by over tenfold since 2020. International industry reports also suggest that the market for "noise reduction software" is expected to witness over a 10% annual growth rate over the next decade. This reflects the market's feedback and expectations regarding the demand for sound-related content. Participating in the "2023 Photography Equipment and Audiovisual Creation Equipment Exhibition," Taiwan's AI startup company "DeepWave" introduces a globally oriented audio post-production service called Noise Eraser, aiming to become the ultimate ally for content creators.

The Silent Challenge for Creators: Managing Diverse Noises During Shoots

"Noise during shooting is a daily challenge for creators. Even with the utmost care, it's nearly impossible to avoid entirely. I would say it's the silent challenge for creators. We hope that the hard work put into recording content won't be compromised due to unexpected noise, leading to the addition of subtitles, background music, or even removing audio material," says Wang ChunKai, Marketing Director of DeepWave. Through the process of AI learning and collaboration with numerous creators, DeepWave has effectively identified various noise issues that creators face while shooting. Depending on the content, these can be categorized as:

• Natural Environmental Sounds: Common in outdoor and adventure-themed videos, these noises include wind, ocean waves, river sounds, and animal calls. Given the difficulty of clearing the location or maintaining silence, even with close-up recording devices, complete noise elimination is often challenging. Creators typically resort to waiting for noise to subside, re-recording, or post-production solutions to maintain quality.
• Urban Environmental Sounds: Frequently encountered in Vlogs, street interviews, real-life footage, and side-shot videos, urban noises include the whizzing of vehicles, sirens, garbage trucks, honking, and crowded street noise. These noises are hard to anticipate and often limit the presentation quality of the content.
• Traffic Environmental Sounds: In situations where on-site recording is necessary while commuting or using transportation, background noises such as engine hums or wind sounds may not be apparent during recording. However, when materials are played back using headphones or speakers, they can be a significant issue.
• Daily Life/Indoor Environmental Sounds: Content focusing on indoor recording or conversational settings offers more control than outdoor themes. However, many creators mention low-volume continuous noises like air conditioning, washing machines, bathroom water sounds, footsteps, electromagnetic interference from microphones, which can still affect the audiovisual experience.
• Unexpected Noises: Despite meticulous preparation, unexpected incidents can still occur during filming, often leading to retakes.

For these kinds of noise-related challenges, apart from solutions like retakes or "covering up" noise during production, there is now an option to address them through AI post-production software. Noise Eraser emphasizes "noise removal" and "voice focus," effectively separating audio tracks for noise and voice, making it easier for creators during post-production editing.

Noise Reduction in Practice for Creators

ChunKai points out that since Noise Eraser's launch in mid-2022, it has garnered significant support from creators and has assisted in various types of creative works. This includes not only typical creative teams but also new types of creators. For example, in the case of pure audio works for Podcast channels, Noise Eraser allows recording environments to extend beyond the conventional recording studio, benefiting outdoor and travel-themed channels like "極限白日夢","走鐘運動日記","旅行快門","解鎖地球" and more. These creators have leveraged the software to enhance the audio quality of non-studio recordings. With AI noise reduction, they can achieve studio-like quality while preserving a balance between ambient sounds and vocals, allowing their audiences to enjoy the outdoors while listening to their programs.

Additionally, YouTubers and production teams are vital users of noise reduction applications. International adventure YouTuber "Rosie Gabrielle" is a loyal user of Noise Eraser. She applied this technology during her recording of the K2 mountain climbing journey, significantly reducing environmental noises such as water sounds, wind noises, and car engine sounds. In extreme adventure scenarios, the importance of noise reduction technology becomes more pronounced. Proper use of tools beyond hardware ensures that viewers can immerse themselves in video content fully. Artery Vision founder and director Mo, another supported user, emphasized the convenience of software use, highlighting the availability of services across multiple platforms, including apps and online platforms, as well as the astonishingly fast processing efficiency.

Renowned YouTuber 's Actual Performance Using the Noise Eraser APP

For creators, sound is just one element of many, but it remains an indispensable focus. ChunKai mentions that the collaboration and categories of creators are no longer limited to long-form content; they also include negotiations for collaborations in short video content for platforms like TikTok and social media applications. The continuously thriving audiovisual market is no longer the domain of a few highly skilled individuals; providing diverse, user-friendly, and accessible technical services will be another key focus.

✩ Currently, Noise Eraser offers free trial experiences. In addition to online membership sign-ups, there are exclusive exhibition offers available.