Apple's recent macOS Catalina update has introduced a new feature that's making some noise, well, or should we say, reducing it. The Ambient Noise Reduction feature in Catalina aims to enhance audio quality during video calls and recordings by minimizing background noise. While this sounds like a handy tool, some users have found it to be more of a nuisance than a help.
Ambient Noise Reduction works by leveraging the built-in microphone of your Mac to identify and reduce distracting ambient sounds during your audio interactions. This can be beneficial in scenarios where you're in a noisy environment or have a lot of background noise that could interfere with your voice being heard clearly on the other end.
To enable the Ambient Noise Reduction feature on your Mac running Catalina, you can navigate to System Preferences, select Sound, go to the Input tab, and check the box for "Use ambient noise reduction." Once activated, the system will start suppressing background noise to improve the overall audio quality of your calls and recordings.
However, the effectiveness of this feature has been a point of contention for many users. Some have reported issues with the feature being too aggressive in filtering out ambient noise, resulting in voice distortion or cutting off speech. This can be particularly frustrating if you're in a dynamic environment where the noise level fluctuates frequently.
If you're experiencing similar problems with Ambient Noise Reduction on Catalina, there are a few steps you can take to mitigate these issues. One option is to adjust the input volume of your microphone to strike a balance between noise reduction and maintaining the clarity of your voice. You can do this by fine-tuning the input volume settings in the Sound preferences of your Mac.
Another workaround is to use external microphones that offer better noise cancellation capabilities or utilize dedicated software tools for noise reduction during your calls and recordings. This can give you more control over the level of noise suppression applied and help you achieve a better audio experience overall.
While the Ambient Noise Reduction feature in Catalina has good intentions, its implementation may require some fine-tuning to cater to the diverse needs of users. Apple is known for continuously refining its features based on user feedback, so we can hope for improvements in future updates to address the concerns raised by the community regarding this functionality.
In conclusion, Ambient Noise Reduction in macOS Catalina is a double-edged sword—it has the potential to enhance your audio experience, but it may also introduce challenges that need to be overcome. By exploring alternative solutions and adjusting your settings, you can make the most of this feature while minimizing its drawbacks.