We’ve been covering the recent advancements in AI based noise reduction software since Descript announced Studio Sound in July 2021.

Since then Adobe announced their own AI audio cleaner, as part of their Podcast solution and, even more recently a new player in the AI noise reduction game, Hush, announced their solution. We compare the three AI applications and let you blind test them to see what you think.

In recent months we’ve been featuring blind tests using some of the most popular professional solutions available from developers such as Waves, Acon Digital, and iZotope. You can read the results here.

We’ve also put the winners of those tests up against consumer AI solutions from brands like Descript and Adobe. You can read the results here.

Until recently AI noise reduction software meant uploading audio to the cloud, then a new developer Hush launched a macOS only software solution. You can find out more about Hush here.

So far the AI solutions have been producing some impressive results, winning some of the shoot-outs against a professional using conventional software. In this test we put the three popular AI solutions against one another in a blind test.

The Three Contenders

Descript Studio Sound

Part of the Descript transcription solution which features Studio Sound for cleaning audio. Descript has a free option as well as paid plans. To use Studio Sound you need to upload audio to the cloud.

Adobe Podcast

Currently in beta, Adobe Podcast offers a similar record, transcribe and audio cleaning set of tools. No pricing has been announced to date. To use Adobe Podcast you need to upload audio to the cloud.

Hush

The newest in the pack, Hush is a machine based macOS application, with one clear aim, to clean up audio. Pricing is £49.00. Hush doesn’t upload to the cloud but works locally.

One point to make about all these apps. They do not have professional workflows, although Hush are considering both an AU and AudioSuite option.

Time Taken To Process The Audio

Below is the time taken to process each piece of audio. All of them are processing audio in less than a minute, however it’s worth noting that if you use these tools a lot then the difference between 30 seconds and 2 seconds is soon going to mount up and add a lot of time to your working day. Also, Hush can process mulitple audio clips at the same time, this is not presently the case for Descript and Adobe Podcast.

Take Our Listening Test

Take our blind test below and let us know which you prefer. If you wish to use the original WAVs, then download them here.

All audio has been loudness matched.

Please let us know your thoughts in the comments below. We’ll share the results in a week or so.