Neighbors having fun [NEED HELP]

[mathmmm]

Hey there !

I managed to record my neighbors having some fun but my material isn't optimal... Or maybe I suck at editing it too lol..


Here's a version of the file I worked on. The voice sounds kinda metallic and it's not really clear to hear...

Test 1.mp3

I'm 100% sure they are having fun between 22min and 35min

Sometime I can hear them, but the recorder didn't catch as good as my ears can hear..


Here's the file with no modification, I isolated the moment they are having sex (it starts with it)
Does anyone could do some miracle with my file ?
And if so, could anyone explain me how to have better results ?

Test 1 raw.wav

If someone manages to have good results with it. I could be able to record more of their sessions

[DJ_Synergy]

I tried to reduce the background noise and was able to get some sound back. But the quality of the recording is really, really, really bad. You cant add information where there is none or just heavily overloaded by noise with a huge spectrum. So next time try to get a good recording setup and as minimal noise as you can get with as many signal as you can get. Signal/Noise difference is key.
maybe someone can even get more out of this, but i think there is not much to do with this recording.

[mathmmm]

Thx for trying to help me

Here's the situation :

I have a removable outlet cover, giving me access to a small hole in my wall. It's meant for an outlet, but there's nothing there except this plastic cover.

I've noticed that by putting my ear to it, I can hear my neighbors talking and having sex.

The cavity is small, so I bought a small device, about 5 cm in diameter, to record them.

I can't move the device anywhere else.

There's no noise during recording. The white noise isn't fan noise; I think it's the noise from the microphones...


Here's what I did in Audacity to get the result I wanted:

(If anyone has a better tool for editing audio, and especially for removing the white noise track)

(I used chatgpt to help me, maybe am I doing it wrong)

Spoiler

1. Noise Reduction
2. High-Pass Filter
3. Equalization
4. Compression
5. Normalization

Steps:

1. Find a moment where there is only noise
2. Select it
3. Effects → Noise Reduction
4. Click on “Take Noise Profile”
Then:

1. Select the entire track
2. Go back to Noise Reduction
Recommended settings:
• Reduction: 6 to 10 dB
• Sensitivity: 5 to 7
• Smoothing: 3
Do not exceed 12 dB or:
“aquatic” / metallic sound
________________________________________
2. High-pass filter (anti-“wind noise”)
• Effects → Equalization and Filters → EQ Filter Curve

2. Create a “low-cut” (high-pass filter)
• “Presets and Parameters” -> Factory Presets”
-> Low rolloff for the Speech
This removes:
• vibrations
• low hiss
• background noise
________________________________________
3. Equalization (EQ)
Effects → Graphic EQ
Do this:
• Cut:
o <100 Hz (unnecessary)
o 10,000 Hz (often noise)
• Boost slightly:
o 2,000 – 4,000 Hz
This is the range where your "useful" sound comes through
________________________________________
4. Compressor (optional but powerful)
Effects → Compressor
Simple settings:
• Threshold: -20 dB
• Ratio: 3:1
• Attack: 1 ms
• Release: 100 ms
This makes :
• Boost quiet sounds
• Without amplifying the overall noise
________________________________________
5. Normalization (Finishing)
Effects → Normalize
• Set to -1 dB
This cleanly adjusts the final volume

[hecatonchires100]

mathmmm,

You can consult my message : viewtopic.php?p=116460#p116460

Maybe it will be useful ?

[AdamRussell1989]

Reminds me of an app I used to have that sounded metallic ish mixed with water sounds added to it as I don't remember the name of it but it sounded just like this but I will listen to it when I get home tonight and I will try and see if I can make out any sounds in the file and try and edit it.

[thebelgian]

Hey, thanks for your contribution! I work with sound for a living, willing to give it a try over the next days. Will post then.

[max33]

thanks

[sonar]

I think you should use bandpass instead of noise reduction.

[mathmmm]

mathmmm,

You can consult my message : viewtopic.php?p=116460#p116460

Maybe it will be useful ?

I'll check and try it these days

I think you should use bandpass instead of noise reduction.

Do you have any more specific advice on the bandbass? I'm willing to try this too !

[sonar]

mathmmm,

You can consult my message : viewtopic.php?p=116460#p116460

Maybe it will be useful ?

I'll check and try it these days

I think you should use bandpass instead of noise reduction.

Do you have any more specific advice on the bandbass? I'm willing to try this too !

No. You have to experience it.