Remove Echo/Reverb from Audio in Audacity: 3 Proven Methods (2025 Guide)

Want to remove echo in Audacity or dereverb audio recordings? In this guide, you'll master how to remove echo and reverb in Audacity using three proven techniques—Noise Reduction, Noise Gate, and Dereverb.

In the world of audio editing, achieving pristine sound quality is paramount, and addressing unwanted echoes and reverberations is a common challenge. Fortunately, Audacity, a powerful and versatile audio editing tool, provides you with options to not only remove vocals from a song but also reduce unwanted echo and background noise.

Can You Remove Echo from Audio in Audacity

Yes, you can remove echo from audio in Audacity. As discussed in the Audacity Forum, there isn't a single "remove echo" button in Audacity. Echo is mostly caused by the recording environment, which makes it difficult to eliminate completely during post-production. Still, you can effectively reduce it by applying the Noise Gate plugin to suppress echo tails, using EQ adjustments to cut resonant frequencies, or combining these tools with other noise reduction techniques. For long-term results, improving your recording setup with acoustic treatment or soundproofing remains the best way to prevent echo in the first place.

In this guide, we'll delve into these three proven techniques, equipping you with the knowledge and skills needed to remove echo from audio in Audacity.

Reduce Echo from Audio in Audacity in 3 Ways

Similar to removing breathing from audio in Audacity, you can also apply Noise Reduction and Noise Gate effects to clear echo from audio in Audacity.

1. Using Noise Reduction Effect🪄

One way to address echo in Audacity is by using the Noise Reduction effect. It is effective at diminishing persistent background noises like hums, whistles, whines, buzzing, and "hisses" such as tape hiss, fan sounds, or FM/webcast interference.

However, it's not designed for handling isolated clicks, pops, or sporadic background disturbances like those from traffic or a live audience.

Achieving satisfactory noise removal can be difficult when dealing with very loud or variable noise, when the audio source isn't much louder than the noise, or when the noise frequencies closely match the audio content. Although it won't completely eliminate reverb, this method can significantly reduce unwanted room sound and improve overall clarity. Here's how:

Step 1. Import the audio file.

Open Audacity and go to "File" > "Open" or drag and drop the audio files to Audacity.

Step 2. Select the track.

Select the whole track using your mouse or use Ctrl + A on Windows or Cmd+ A on Mac.

Step 3. Use Noise Reduction effect.

Go up to "Effect" > "Noise Removal and Repair" > "Noise Reduction" and click "Get Noise Profile."

Follow the path again and tune up the reduction values using the noise reduction slider. Start from the small values for sensitivity that control the noise reduction degree. And keep the frequency smoothing from 1 to 6.

Preview the result and undo it using Ctrl+Z or Cmd+ Z. Click "OK."

Step 4. Amplify the volume.

You can turn up the volume by going to "Effects" > "Volume and Compression" > "Amplify…" and setting the amplification db. Click "Apply."

Step 5. Export the result.

Click "File" > "Export" and choose "Export as…" to save the final result.

Watch the video guide below if needed📽️.

• From 00:49 Remove Echo with Audacity
• From 01:54 Remove Echo with EaseUS Echo & Reverb Remover

2. Using Noise Gate📣

Use the Noise Gate feature in Audacity to diminish sound levels beneath a set threshold. Noise Gates are commonly used to attenuate residual noise intervals within a recording, and you can also use Noise Gate to further reduce the echo. This makes it one of the most practical techniques when learning how to remove echo in Audacity.

Despite its apparent simplicity, the Noise Gate tool comes with multiple features and customizable settings that allow you to subtly control noise and reverb, making it suitable for a wide range of audio applications.

Step 1. Load your audio clip and select the entire track.

Step 2. Use the Noise Gate effect.

Go up to "Effect" > "Noise Removal and Repair" > "Noise Gate" and adjust the settings.

Gate Threshold: Controls when the gate opens or closes based on the audio level. Try 30 to start.

Gate Frequencies: Specifies the kHz level above which the gate affects audio frequencies.

Level Reduction: Determines the extent of audio attenuation when the gate is closed. You can try with an average value of -100.

Attack: Adjusts how quickly the gate opens when the audio level exceeds the threshold. Try 75 for it.

Hold: Sets the duration the gate remains open after audio falls below the threshold.

Decay: Governs how gradually the gate closes after the signal drops below the threshold and Hold time. Try 75 for it.

Step 3. Use the Amplify effect.

Increase the clip volume by setting the amplification values.

Step 4. Use Compressor.

To permit the audio to be amplified further, go up to "Effects" > "Volume and Compression" > "Compressor…" and change ratio. You can also alter the noise floor and threshold as well. Click "Apply."

Step 5. Use a Low Pass or High Pass Filter.

A low-pass filter fixes high-pitched audio, while a high-pass filter helps with low or muffled audio. Go to "Effect" > "EQ and Filters" > "High-Pass Filter" or "Low-Pass Filter." Change the Rolloff and preview the result. Click "OK."

Step 6. Use Graphic EQ.

Graphic EQ manipulates sounds by frequency. You can increase or decrease the volumes of some frequencies. Go to "Effect" > "EQ and Filters" > "Graphic EQ…" and adjust the values by hand or use the factory presets.

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3. Using Dereverb🎶

Dereverb functions as a multi-band gate that offers precise control over threshold and reverb reduction for each frequency band. The plugin automatically estimates gate thresholds based on the terms of respective frequency bands, creating an accurate reverb profile and reducing the need for manual adjustments.

Step 1. Download the Dereverb plugin and add it to Audacity.

Visit the link to download the effect, and find the "Plug-Ins" folder under the Audacity download location. Drag the effect file to the folder.

Open Audacity, go to "Effect" > "Plugin Manager," and click "Rescan" > "OK."

Step 2. Import the audio into Audacity.

Go to "File" > "Open" to select your audio file.

Step 3. Use the Dereverb effect.

Select the track and scroll down; you can see the Dereverb effect here. If necessary, you can fine-tune the profile using "Sensitivity" and "Threshold offset" for individual frequency bands.

Typically, controlling the plugin with "Sensitivity" and "Reverb Reduction" should suffice, but you can further customize it by enabling "Expert mode" and adjusting "Release," "High-mid," and "Low-mid Reduction" settings. Click "OK."

Remove Echo from Audio Online Free

Can echo removal be easier in a one-stop solution? Of course, look no further than EaseUS Echo & Reverb Remover, which you can use for free without downloading or installing it.

This AI-powered echo remover eliminates echo by detecting and subtracting repeated sound patterns. It supports uploads of up to 20 minutes or 350 MB per file, with compatibility for multiple formats including MP3, WAV, AAC, AIFF, M4A, FLAC, and more. In addition to removing echo, it also works as a reverb remover and an acapella extractor.

Let's see what this tool can offer you:

• Multi-Track Separation: Supports the separation of vocals and music from audio tracks with multiple stems.
• File Compatibility: Compatible with various audio formats, including MP3, WAV, AAC, AIFF, M4A, FLAC, and more.
• URL Support: It allows you to extract audio from YouTube and SoundCloud URLs.
• File Size and Duration: Accepts audio files up to 20 minutes in length and 350MB in size.
• Acapella Creation: Capable of generating acapella versions from original songs and separating vocals from background noise.
• No Login Required: Completely free to use, without the need for user registration or login.

Remove echo from audio in EaseUS Echo & Reverb Remover:

Step 1. Visit the EaseUS website and tap Echo & Reverb Remover.

Step 2. Click "Choose File" or drop the video file in the area and wait for the AI analysis. You can also paste the YouTube link here.

Step 3. Tap "Export" to download the channel in specific format. 

Prevent Echo During Recording

While Audacity's Noise Reduction, Noise Gate, or Dereverb tools can help reduce echo in post-production, preventing it during recording is always more effective. Here are practical tips to minimize echo and reverb at the source:

1. Use Acoustic Treatment

• Install acoustic foam, heavy curtains, or rugs on walls, ceilings, and floors to absorb sound reflections.
• For extra isolation, consider placing a reflection shield around your microphone to block unwanted echoes.

2. Adjust Microphone Placement

• Position the microphone away from hard, reflective surfaces or room corners, and closer to the sound source (voice or instrument).
• Angle the microphone to avoid direct reflection from walls, which reduces captured echo.

3. Choose the Right Room Environment

• Prefer smaller rooms or spaces with soft furnishings for recording.
• If recording in an empty or reflective space, use a portable vocal booth or temporary acoustic panels to improve sound quality.

4. Optimize Recording Settings

• Use a cardioid (directional) microphone to minimize picking up reflections from the room.
• Adjust gain and mic distance carefully to avoid amplifying room reverberation.

Even with AI echo removal tools, controlling the recording environment is key to achieving clean audio. Applying these techniques will make your Audacity recordings clearer and improve the effectiveness of any post-processing.

Wrapping up

In conclusion, removing echo and reverb from audio in Audacity can significantly improve the quality of your recordings. By utilizing the tools and techniques mentioned earlier, you can achieve cleaner and more professional-sounding audio.

However, for those looking for an even more streamlined approach to audio processing, consider exploring EaseUS Echo & Reverb Remover. This online tool offers a user-friendly interface and AI-powered capabilities to separate vocals from music, making it a valuable addition to your audio editing toolkit.

Whether it's echo removal or vocal separation, these tools combined can elevate your audio editing endeavors to a whole new level of excellence.

Get Rid of Echo from Audio in Audacity FAQs

1. How do I remove echo from audio?

To effectively remove echo from audio, you can utilize audio editing software such as Adobe Audition, Audacity or even online tools like EaseUS Echo & Reverb Remover.

• Start by identifying the section with the echo and select it.
• Then, apply an echo reduction or removal effect or filter, which can often be found under noise reduction or audio enhancement settings.
• Adjust the parameters like delay time, decay rate, and wet/dry mix until you achieve the desired reduction in echo while preserving the original audio quality.
• Preview the result and fine-tune it as needed to ensure the audio sounds clear and echo-free before saving or exporting the edited audio file.

2. How do I remove reverb from audio in Audacity?

To remove reverb from audio in Audacity, you can use a specific plugin called Dereverb.

• Download the plugin and toggle it under the plug-ins file.
• Import your audio clip to Audacity and select the reverb part or the whole clip.
• Enable it from "Effect" > "Dereverb."

3. How to do an echo fade in Audacity?

To do an echo fade, set the delay time and decay factor for the echo effect you have applied; for a fade-in effect, it's recommended to start with a small delay time and a gradual increase in the number of echoes. Preview the result and export.