“Noise is distracting in ASMR streaming…” “I want to improve microphone audio quality…” “I want to minimize surrounding noise…” If you’re an ASMR streamer facing these issues, you’re not alone.
In ASMR streaming, audio quality is the most important element. To minimize surrounding noise and achieve clear audio quality, building an appropriate soundproof environment is essential. Especially microphone directionality, reverberation, and placement are considered important, requiring advanced techniques for intermediate and advanced streamers.
This article compiles practical techniques for creating soundproof environments that perfect ASMR audio quality, covering everything from finding noise sources to microphone settings and building soundproof environments.
Why Audio Quality is Important in ASMR Streaming#
Audio Quality Requirements for ASMR Streaming#
In ASMR streaming, audio quality is the most important element affecting viewer experience.
Audio Quality Requirements for ASMR Streaming
- Extreme Silence: Minimize background noise (15-25dB or less recommended)
- Clear Audio Quality: High speech clarity and resolution
- Appropriate Reverberation: Avoid excessive reverberation, achieve natural audio quality
- Low-Frequency Noise Removal: Effectively remove low-frequency noise
In ASMR streaming, viewers focus on sound, making even slight noise noticeable. Data shows that if background noise exceeds acceptable levels, viewer retention drops by 40%.
Impact of Noise on ASMR Streaming#
Noise significantly degrades ASMR streaming quality.
Impact of Noise on ASMR Streaming
- Reduced Viewer Concentration: Continuous noise disrupts viewer concentration
- Reduced Relaxation Effect: Noise diminishes ASMR relaxation effects
- Lower Viewer Retention: Streams with much noise have lower viewer retention
- Lack of Professional Impression: Much noise gives amateur impression
Especially environmental noise and reverberation become fatal problems in ASMR streaming.
How to Find Noise Sources#
Methods for Identifying Noise Sources#
The following methods are available for identifying noise sources:
Steps for Identifying Noise Sources
- Recording in Quiet Environment: Stop all sound sources and record to check remaining noise
- Gradual Sound Source Activation: Activate sound sources one by one to identify noise sources
- Frequency Analysis: Perform frequency analysis with audio editing software to identify noise frequency bands
- Physical Confirmation: Walk around room to physically confirm noise sources
Main Noise Sources
| Noise Source | Frequency Band | Sound Pressure Level | Countermeasure Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ventilation Fan | Mid to High Frequency | 40-60dB | High |
| Refrigerator | Low to Mid Frequency | 35-50dB | High |
| PC Fan | Mid Frequency | 30-45dB | Medium |
| Air Conditioner | Low to Mid Frequency | 40-55dB | Medium |
| External Noise | All Frequencies | 30-60dB | High |
| Reverberation | All Frequencies | 20-40dB | High |
Methods for Measuring Noise Levels#
The following methods are available for measuring noise levels:
Methods for Measuring Noise Levels
- Smartphone Apps: Use free noise meter apps
- Dedicated Noise Meter: Use professional noise meters (more accurate)
- Audio Editing Software: Measure levels of recorded audio
Target Noise Levels
- ASMR Streaming: 15-25dB or less (extreme silence)
- Standard Streaming: 25-35dB or less (clear audio quality)
- Game Commentary: 35-45dB or less (practical audio quality)
ASMR streaming requires extreme silence of 15-25dB or less.
Optimizing Microphone Directionality and Placement#
How to Choose Microphone Directionality#
In ASMR streaming, microphone directionality is an important element affecting audio quality.
Types of Microphone Directionality
| Directionality | Characteristics | Application to ASMR Streaming |
|---|---|---|
| Omnidirectional | Picks up surrounding sounds equally | Inappropriate (easily picks up environmental noise) |
| Cardioid | Picks up sounds in front, suppresses behind/sides | Recommended (suppresses environmental noise) |
| Super Cardioid | Picks up sounds from narrower range | Recommended (strongly suppresses environmental noise) |
| Bidirectional | Picks up sounds in front and behind | Inappropriate (easily picks up environmental noise) |
Recommended Directionality for ASMR Streaming
- Cardioid Directionality: Suppresses environmental noise while clearly picking up sound sources
- Super Cardioid Directionality: Picks up sounds from narrower range, strongly suppresses environmental noise
For ASMR streaming, cardioid or super cardioid directionality is recommended.
Microphone Placement Methods#
Microphone placement is an important element affecting ASMR streaming audio quality.
Microphone Placement Points
- Distance from Sound Source: Place 10-20cm from sound source
- Distance from Environmental Noise Sources: Keep 1m or more from environmental noise sources
- Avoid Reverberation: Keep 30cm or more from walls or hard surfaces
- Vibration Isolation: Apply vibration countermeasures to microphone stand
Recommended Microphone Placement
- In Front of Sound Source: Place microphone in front of sound source
- Behind Environmental Noise Sources: Position environmental noise sources behind microphone
- Away from Walls: Place 30cm or more from walls
Optimizing microphone placement can significantly reduce environmental noise.
Utilizing Shock Mounts#
Shock mounts are important items for preventing vibration propagation to microphones.
Effects of Shock Mounts
- Vibration Isolation: Prevents microphone stand vibrations from reaching microphone
- Low-Frequency Noise Reduction: Effectively blocks low-frequency vibrations from floor
- Audio Quality Improvement: Achieves clear audio quality without vibration noise
Recommended Shock Mounts
- Rode SM4: High quality, high effectiveness
- Audio-Technica AT8415: Good cost performance
- Shure A55M: Professional grade
Shock mounts are essential items for ASMR streaming.
Countermeasures for Reverberation#
Mechanism of Reverberation Generation#
Reverberation occurs when sound reflects off walls, ceilings, and floors.
Factors Causing Reverberation
- Hard Wall Surfaces: Reflection off hard wall surfaces like concrete or glass
- Empty Rooms: Rooms with few furnishings have large reverberation
- Parallel Wall Surfaces: Parallel walls increase reverberation
- Ceiling Height: High ceilings increase reverberation
Reverberation is an important factor degrading audio quality in ASMR streaming.
Acoustic Material Placement Methods#
Properly placing acoustic materials can effectively reduce reverberation.
Acoustic Material Placement Points
- Behind Sound Source: Place acoustic materials behind sound source
- Wall Corners: Place acoustic materials at wall corners
- Ceiling: Place acoustic materials on ceiling
- Floor: Lay carpet or mat on floor
Recommended Acoustic Materials
| Acoustic Material Type | Effect | Price | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acoustic Panels | High (Mid to High Frequency) | ¥3,000-8,000/piece | Wall Surfaces |
| Bass Traps | High (Low Frequency) | ¥5,000-15,000/piece | Corners |
| Acoustic Curtains | Medium (Mid Frequency) | ¥5,000-15,000 | Windows, Wall Surfaces |
| Carpet | Medium (Mid Frequency) | ¥3,000-10,000 | Floor |
Acoustic Material Placement Examples
- Behind Sound Source: Place 2-4 acoustic panels
- Wall Corners: Place bass traps at 4 corners
- Ceiling: Place acoustic panels on ceiling
- Floor: Lay carpet or mat
Properly placing acoustic materials can significantly reduce reverberation.
Room Layout Optimization#
Optimizing room layout can reduce reverberation.
Room Layout Optimization Points
- Furniture Placement: Place furniture appropriately to reduce reverberation
- Use Curtains: Install curtains on windows to reduce reverberation
- Use Rugs: Lay rugs on floor to reduce reverberation
- Utilize Bookshelves: Place bookshelves against walls to reduce reverberation
Optimizing room layout can significantly reduce reverberation.
Building Soundproof Environments#
Utilizing Soundproof Booths#
Soundproof booths are the most effective method for building soundproof environments optimal for ASMR streaming.
Soundproof Booths for ASMR Streaming
| Booth Type | Soundproof Performance | Price | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yamaha SeFine NS | Dr-40 | ¥1,100,000+ | Professional Recording |
| Kawai Nasal | Dr-40 | ¥980,000+ | Professional Recording |
| Danbocchi (Tall) | Basic Soundproofing | ¥130,000-150,000 | Entry Level |
| Simple Soundproof Booth | Acoustic Only | ¥30,000-80,000 | Simple Countermeasures |
How to Choose Soundproof Booths
- Soundproof Performance: D-50 or more recommended (extreme silence required for ASMR streaming)
- Size: Size that ensures sufficient space
- Ventilation Equipment: Ventilation equipment that supports long-term use
Soundproof booths are the most effective countermeasure for ASMR streaming.
Building Soundproof Rooms#
Building professional soundproof rooms can achieve extreme silence.
Methods for Building Soundproof Rooms
- Install Sound Insulation Materials: Install sound insulation materials on walls, floor, and ceiling
- Install Acoustic Materials: Install acoustic materials indoors
- Vibration Countermeasures: Apply vibration countermeasures to floor
- Ensure Airtightness: Seal gaps to ensure airtightness
Soundproof Room Performance Targets
- Sound Insulation Performance: D-50 or more (reduce external noise by 50dB or more)
- Indoor Noise Level: 15-25dB or less (extreme silence)
- Reverberation Time: 0.3 seconds or less (appropriate reverberation)
Building soundproof rooms is the most professional countermeasure for ASMR streaming.
Simple Soundproof Countermeasures#
When budget is limited, simple soundproof countermeasures can also be effective.
Simple Soundproof Countermeasures
- Install Acoustic Panels: Install acoustic panels on walls
- Use Curtains: Install curtains on windows
- Use Carpets: Lay carpets on floor
- Furniture Placement: Place furniture appropriately
Even simple soundproof countermeasures, when properly implemented, can improve ASMR streaming audio quality.
Microphone Setting Optimization#
Microphone Gain Adjustment#
Properly adjusting microphone gain can reduce noise and improve audio quality.
Microphone Gain Adjustment Points
- Set to Level Where Speech is Clear: Raising gain too high also amplifies noise
- Bring Microphone Closer to Mouth: Reducing distance allows lower gain while maintaining clear speech
- Adjust Gain in OBS or Streaming Software: Adjustable on both hardware and software sides
Recommended Gain Settings
- ASMR Streaming: Moderate (-20 to -15dB)
- Standard Streaming: Moderate to High (-15 to -10dB)
For ASMR streaming, setting gain to moderate and bringing microphone closer to sound source is important.
Noise Gate Settings#
Utilizing noise gate functionality can automatically cut environmental noise.
Noise Gate Settings in OBS
- Add Filter: Add “Noise Gate” filter to microphone source
- Close Threshold: Set to -50 to -45dB (below environmental noise level)
- Open Threshold: Set to -35 to -30dB (sound source level)
- Attack Time: 5-10ms (reaction speed)
- Release Time: 100-200ms (natural switching)
For ASMR streaming, stricter noise gate settings can effectively cut environmental noise.
Noise Suppression Filter Settings#
Utilizing OBS noise suppression filter can effectively remove environmental noise.
OBS Noise Suppression Setup
- Add Filter: Add “Noise Suppression” filter to microphone source
- Suppression Level: Set to High (approximately -35dB)
- Use RNNoise: Enables more advanced noise removal (increases CPU usage)
For ASMR streaming, higher noise suppression settings can effectively remove environmental noise.
Recommended Solutions by Budget#
Budget Under ¥50,000 (Entry Level)#
Solution Content
- Install acoustic panels (¥10,000-20,000)
- Use curtains (¥5,000-10,000)
- Use carpets (¥5,000-10,000)
- Microphone setting optimization (free)
Expected Effect: Reduces reverberation by 10-15dB, simple soundproof countermeasures
Budget Under ¥200,000 (Standard Level)#
Solution Content
- Introduce Danbocchi (¥130,000-150,000)
- Additional acoustic panel installation (¥20,000-30,000)
- Introduce shock mount (¥5,000-10,000)
- Microphone setting optimization (free)
Expected Effect: Reduces environmental noise by 15-20dB, environment suitable for ASMR streaming
Budget Over ¥1,000,000 (Professional Level)#
Solution Content
- Introduce Yamaha SeFine NS (¥1,100,000+)
- Install bass traps (¥50,000-100,000)
- Introduce high-quality microphone (¥50,000-200,000)
- VST plugin introduction (paid plugins)
Expected Effect: Reduces environmental noise by 20-25dB, professional-level ASMR streaming environment
Frequently Asked Questions#
Q1: What level of soundproof performance is needed for ASMR streaming?#
A: For ASMR streaming, the following soundproof performance is recommended:
Recommended Soundproof Performance
- Sound Insulation Performance: D-50 or more (reduce external noise by 50dB or more)
- Indoor Noise Level: 15-25dB or less (extreme silence)
- Reverberation Time: 0.3 seconds or less (appropriate reverberation)
ASMR streaming requires extreme silence, necessitating high soundproof performance.
Q2: What type of microphone is recommended?#
A: For ASMR streaming, the following microphone types are recommended:
Recommended Microphone Types
- Condenser Microphone: High sensitivity, clear audio quality
- Cardioid Directionality: Suppresses environmental noise
- XLR Connection: High audio quality, low noise
Recommended Microphones
- Neumann TLM 102: Professional grade, high audio quality
- Audio-Technica AT2020: Good cost performance
- RODE NT1-A: Good balance
For ASMR streaming, high-quality condenser microphones are recommended.
Q3: Can reverberation be completely eliminated?#
A: Completely eliminating reverberation is difficult, but can be significantly reduced with the following countermeasures:
Reverberation Countermeasures
- Acoustic Material Placement: Place acoustic materials on walls, ceiling, and floor
- Room Layout Optimization: Place furniture appropriately
- Utilize Soundproof Booths: Stream inside soundproof booth
Combining these countermeasures can significantly reduce reverberation.
Summary: Creating Soundproof Environments That Perfect ASMR Audio Quality#
In ASMR streaming, audio quality is the most important element. To minimize surrounding noise and achieve clear audio quality, building an appropriate soundproof environment is essential.
Priority Order of Effective Countermeasures
- Identify Noise Sources: Identify noise sources and determine countermeasure priorities
- Optimize Microphone Settings: Optimize microphone directionality, placement, and gain
- Reverberation Countermeasures: Place acoustic materials, optimize room layout
- Build Soundproof Environment: Introduce soundproof booths, build soundproof rooms
Progressing countermeasures step by step according to budget can build soundproof environments optimal for ASMR streaming. Start by identifying noise sources, then consider professional countermeasures as needed.
Improving ASMR streaming audio quality not only enhances viewer experience but also improves streamer skills. We hope this article helps improve the quality of your ASMR streaming.
This article is based on the latest information as of 2025. Product prices and specifications may change, so please check with manufacturers and specialists for the latest information when considering actual introduction.
