MR Hum is a streamlined audio restoration plug-in for removing hum, buzz, rumble, and hiss. It combines notch filtering, a dedicated buzz processor, and brickwall filters with an integrated spectrum analyzer for precise, real-time cleanup.
Purpose and Operation
MR Hum by Wave Arts is designed to clean recordings contaminated by electrical hum and mechanical buzz, which are common in live recordings, vintage gear transfers, and field audio. The hum removal section uses a bank of up to ten notch filters placed at harmonics of a selected fundamental frequency, which can be set from 20 to 200 Hz.
Presets for standard 50 Hz and 60 Hz hum simplify setup, but the continuous frequency control allows compensation for pitch shifts caused by analog tape playback. The built-in high-resolution spectrum display helps you identify the exact hum frequency and harmonic structure, while a monitor feature lets you audition only the removed signal to fine-tune settings.
Key Capabilities
Beyond hum, MR Hum includes a separate buzz processor that targets periodic interference with harmonics extending across the audible spectrum, which would be impractical with notch filters alone. The buzz processor also handles frequencies from 20 to 200 Hz, covering motor noise and other non-hum sources.
For low-frequency rumble and high-frequency hiss, brickwall filters provide sharp cutoffs. The plug-in operates with no added latency and supports up to 192 kHz sampling rates in both mono and stereo, making it suitable for mastering and broadcast workflows.
Workflow Integration
The spectrum analyzer can be toggled between input and output, letting you visually verify the interference before and after processing. This is especially useful for determining the number of harmonics needed when hum has been recorded or have changed due to tape speed.
The monitor feature aids in parameter adjustment by isolating the removed content, ensuring you only eliminate the offending noise and not the desired audio. This makes MR Hum a practical tool for audio engineers who need quick, precise fixes without complex session setups.
Practical Applications
MR Hum is ideal for restoring recordings from vintage synthesizers, guitar amps, or locations with poor power conditioning. It’s also effective for cleaning up dialogue or archival tapes where hum persists even after basic EQ.
Because all sections can be monitored independently, you can fine-tune each stage without guesswork. Whether you’re preparing audio for a podcast, music release, or film, MR Hum offers a targeted approach to noise removal that preserves signal integrity.
Key features
- Hum removal with 1 to 10 harmonic notch filters
- Separate buzz processor for broadband periodic noise
- Hum and buzz frequencies adjustable from 20 to 200 Hz
- Adjustable notch widths for precise filtering
- Brickwall filters for rumble and hiss removal
- High-resolution spectrum display (pre or post processing)
- Monitor function to hear the removed signal
- Zero latency operation, up to 192 kHz sample rate, mono or stereo
Best for
MR Hum is best for audio professionals and producers who need to clean up hum, buzz, rumble, or hiss from problematic recordings. Its combination of notch filters, buzz processor, and brickwall filtering with a spectrum analyzer makes it especially suitable for restoring vintage gear transfers, live recordings, and dialogue, offering precise control without introducing latency.