What platform are you on, what software & plugs are you already using, and what's your budget for new software?

I have a custom recording that my father built me. I'm running pro tools, cool edit pro, and a number of other things. budget is not an issue.

I have a custom recording that my father built me. I'm running pro tools, cool edit pro, and a number of other things. budget is not an issue.

windows XP SP2/3 btw

Cool Edit Pro should have Noise Reduction built in it. Use it sparingly though and keep referring to the "Keep Noise Only" button to make sure you're not losing too much musical information. Is it low freq. noise? high freq noise? maybe you can use the graphical curve to pinpoint the noise better. Just make sure not make the noise reduction too intrusive.

With a program like Cool Edit/Adobe Audition, you need to get a good sampling of the noise by itself. A small portion will do.

Select a noisy section with no other signal, and save it. I usually just name it as initials of a tune and track "BYOB 1", etc.

Select the entire track to apply noise reduction to. Many times it may be better to do two passes at a lighter setting, than one at a more aggressive setting. I don't believe I have ever done anything above around 70% at max.

You may play around with the settings. Maybe use as many FFT samples as the length of your selection will allow to make it smoother? Read the manual for the skinny on all that stuff in the settings. They make a difference.

You could just use "Hiss Removal" or whatever else is there, but may not get as good a result as doing it manually.

If you get too aggressive, it WILL start taking out parts of the music. As Al said, listening to the "Keep Noise Only" may let you hear if you are taking out wanted signal with the noise. With enough experimentation, you may get to where you can recognize how much with certain levels and types of noise more easily and much quicker.

If you are uncomfortable experimenting on an existing track, just copy that track, and experiment on the copy. When you get it good, save that track in place of the original, or apply the effect to the original with the same settings you used on the copy. (Just rename it so you don't lose the original).

Kapt.Krunch

Cool edit is a great way to go, and I'm told there's even a spectral editing tool for more cleanup work.

But if budget isn't a concern and money is no object, you may want to look into the standalone and plug-in versions of Algorithmix's software noise reduction & renovation tools.

1. Algorithmix reNOVAtor. The granddaddy of the spectral editing world. In the right hands, it can do for audio what photoshop does for airbrushing pictures. It's sold as a standalone (about $3k USD) or a much cheaper plug in tool with Sequoia.

2. Algorithmix Noise reduction & EQ Suite. Last time I checked, about $1500 for the bundle, but I'm not sure what their pricing is nowadays. The noise deduction can work as a separate wav file processor or in real time. The results can range from the stunning to useless, depending on what you're trying to do. (When it works, it ROCKS, as many here will attest.) I use it for hiss removal when all else has failed.

and then there's CEDAR, which I believe has both standalone versions as well as plugs for PTs. It too is very pricey.

If budget isn't a concern then you might just want to upgrade your setup so there isn't any noise going into your recordings. What is the source of the noise?

I appreciate all the feedback from all you guys, very helpful! I tried using CEP's noise redux stuff in there (I'm most farmiliar with that program, with about 7 years of use I think?), but I just didnt know the correct way to approach it without it taking the tone of the instrument away. When you're mixing something like a Rhodes, you dont want to lose the growl, etc.
As far as the the noise, its line noise, I believe, but I cant pinpoint exactly where its coming from. The system that I'm using is top-end with all the best components and I'm recording through a few sets of Digi002s and great mics. Its absolutely boggling, I'll tell you. I'll try experimenting with that Redux stuff later- got a good chance to work on it today- I'm home sick:(