Podcastools
Technical/Audio

What is Signal-to-Noise Ratio?

Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) compares the level of the desired sound (your voice) to the level of background noise. A higher ratio means a cleaner, professional recording.

Why Signal-to-Noise Ratio Matters for Podcasters

In audio, you want a 'high' signal-to-noise ratio. This means the 'Signal' (your voice) is very loud compared to the 'Noise' (hiss, hum, traffic). If you record a whisper in a noisy room, the SNR is low (bad). If you shout in a quiet studio, the SNR is high (good). You improve SNR by: 1) Getting closer to the microphone (increasing signal), 2) Speaking louder (increasing signal), and 3) Treating the room or turning off fans (decreasing noise). It is the fundamental metric of audio fidelity.

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