OBS Mic Noise Suppression Settings: RNNoise vs Speex in 2026
For OBS mic noise suppression settings, the main choice is between higher-quality suppression and adjustable control. OBS describes RNNoise as higher quality but with greater CPU usage, while Speex is configurable. [S2][S4] That is the key difference to keep in mind when comparing these methods for a gaming stream.
As of October 2026, the documented Suppression Level control applies to Speex. Moving its slider further left makes suppression stronger, but stronger filtering can distort your voice. [S4] Rather than treating the strongest position as the best setting, keep that documented trade-off in view.
The filter is intended for mild background noise or white noise, including sounds such as PC fan noise. It is generally not effective against large amounts of background noise in a loud room. [S3] Neither method should be presented as a guaranteed fix for every noisy streaming space.
RNNoise: Higher Quality, Greater CPU Usage
OBS describes RNNoise as the higher-quality method, with greater CPU usage as the trade-off. [S2] For a gaming-stream article, that distinction matters more than an unsupported promise that a method will make every microphone sound perfect.
If your priority is the quality distinction stated in the OBS documentation, RNNoise is the method to consider. Its documented advantage comes with the CPU trade-off, so the quality claim should not be separated from that qualification. [S2]
The supplied documentation does not give a measured CPU increase or a game-performance result. This guide therefore does not attach a percentage, frame-rate claim, or hardware requirement to RNNoise. The supported comparison is simply higher quality at the cost of greater CPU usage. [S2]
Speex: Adjustable Suppression With a Voice-Clarity Warning
Speex is the configurable option in the documented comparison. [S4] As of October 2026, when the Method is set to Speex, Suppression Level specifies how much suppression the filter applies. [S4] This is the relevant control when you want to understand adjustable suppression rather than just choose a method.
As of October 2026, moving the Speex slider further left makes the filter stronger and causes it to filter out more sounds. [S4] The important word is “sounds”: the documentation also warns that this can distort other audio, including your voice. [S4]
That warning is central to understanding Speex. More suppression is not an unconditional improvement, because the same adjustment that filters more sound can also affect speech. [S4] A guide that recommends maximum filtering without mentioning voice distortion would leave out an important limitation.
This article does not provide a universal Speex preset. Instead, it explains the documented direction of the control and its downside: stronger filtering to the left, with possible distortion of your voice. [S4]
What Background Noise Can OBS Reduce?
OBS Noise Suppression can remove mild background noise or white noise from audio sources. The official description specifically mentions PC fan noise and other environmental noises as examples where it can be effective. [S3]
- Mild background noise: This is within the filter’s documented purpose. [S3]
- White noise: The description includes this among the sounds the filter can remove. [S3]
- PC fan noise: OBS names this as an example of noise the filter can reduce effectively. [S3]
- Loud-room noise: Large amounts of background noise are generally outside what the filter handles effectively. [S3]
The distinction is between reducing mild unwanted sound and expecting suppression to solve a loud environment. The documentation supports the former, not a blanket promise of silence. [S3] Keep that boundary in mind before choosing either method.
Keep the Settings Advice Within the Evidence
The supplied source extract does not contain a complete procedure for adding the filter. It also does not establish a comparison with a noise gate. For that reason, this guide avoids inventing menu steps or presenting an unsupported explanation of gate behavior.
The useful comparison remains clear: RNNoise offers the documented quality advantage with greater CPU usage, while Speex provides adjustable suppression with a warning about possible voice distortion. [S2][S4] Those are the supported points to use when deciding which approach fits your priorities.
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FAQ
Is RNNoise better than Speex?
OBS describes RNNoise as higher quality but with greater CPU usage. Speex is configurable, so the documented distinction is quality and CPU cost versus adjustable control. [S2][S4]
Can stronger Speex suppression distort my voice?
Yes. As of October 2026, the documentation warns that stronger Speex suppression can distort other sounds, including your voice. Moving the slider further left increases filtering strength. [S4]
Will noise suppression fix a loud room?
Generally, no. OBS says the filter is generally not effective against large amounts of background noise. Its intended use is mild background noise or white noise, with PC fan noise given as an example. [S3]
