How to Recover a WAV With Corrupt Static

Removing static from an audio file is a delicate process.Recovering a wave file saturated in static is possible with a professional audio editing application. Audacity is a free application that removes static, or you can use your own commercial audio editor to accomplish this task. The basic steps are the same and the editing processes are usually very similar in nature. Removing static is a difficult process and it is possible that some static will remain after this process is completed. Two commerical applications that use the same process are Peak and Sonar.

Step 1

Download Audacity, Peak or Soar audio editor programs (see Resources) and install the application on your computer. If you already have an audio editor, you can skip this step.

Step 2

Drag or import the audio file into your audio editing program. Audacity supports drag and drop functions, but not all audio editing programs do.

Step 3

Select a few seconds of audio that are static only. You can do this by clicking on the wave file and without letting go of the left mouse button dragging to the end of the static section.

Step 4

Enter the “Effect” menu and select “Noise Removal…” A dialog box will appear, select “Get Noise Profile.” The dialog box will close and the file analyzed.

Step 5

Open the “Noise Removal” option again. This time, select “OK.” This will process the audio file and remove static.

Step 6

Open “Compressor” from the “Effect” menu. Don’t change any of the settings and click “OK.” This will compress the audio file and help to remove some of the higher-pitched static frequency and lower rumblings.

Warnings

Don't wear headphones when monitoring audio. Large spikes in sound can sometimes corrupt the file causing hearing damage if the volume is loud and headphones are used.