Context: Remember to apply these filters to your Rodecaster Duo audio source in the OBS Audio Mixer (Right-click source -> Filters). The order listed here is crucial for best results.

Recommended Filter Chain & Settings:

(As before, be mindful of any processing already active on the Rodecaster Duo itself via Rode Central. Avoid excessive double-processing. You might want to disable EQ/Compression on the Rodecaster if doing it primarily in OBS, but keeping the Rodecaster's Noise Gate and High-Pass Filter enabled can be beneficial).

1. Noise Gate

• Purpose: Cuts off the microphone signal completely when you are not speaking, eliminating background noise during silence.
• Filter Type: Add Noise Gate.
• Settings (Tune these carefully based on your environment):
• Close Threshold: Set this just above the level of your background noise when you are silent. Aim for a level where the gate reliably closes when you stop talking but doesn't cut off quiet word endings. Start around 45dB and adjust up or down. Lower values (e.g., -50dB) make it easier to open; higher values (e.g., -40dB) require a louder sound to open.
• Open Threshold: Set this just below your quietest speaking level. You want the gate to reliably open as soon as you start talking. Start around 35dB and adjust. This should typically be 5dB to 10dB higher than your Close Threshold.
• Attack Time: How quickly the gate opens. Default 25 ms is usually fine.
• Hold Time: How long the gate stays open after the signal drops below the Open Threshold (before starting to close). Default 200 ms is a good starting point. Increase if the gate clips the end of words.
• Release Time: How quickly the gate closes after the Hold Time. Default 150 ms is usually okay. Too fast sounds abrupt; too slow lets noise through.

2. Noise Suppression

• Purpose: Reduces consistent background noise (hum, fan, hiss) while you are speaking (when the Noise Gate is open).
• Filter Type: Add Noise Suppression.
• Settings:
• Method:
• RNNoise (Higher quality, higher CPU): Recommended. Usually provides better noise reduction with fewer voice artifacts.
• Speex (Lower quality, lower CPU): Use if RNNoise causes performance issues.
• Suppression Level: Start around 30dB. Listen carefully to your voice. If it sounds watery or has artifacts, reduce the suppression (e.g., -25dB, -20dB). If consistent background noise is still audible while you talk, increase the suppression slightly (e.g., -35dB). Find the balance between noise reduction and voice clarity.