DeClicking Process

The declicking filter of the DeScratcher PlugIn removes clicks from old records as well as any impulse-like noise arising from analog or digital audio equipment. The higher the declick parameter is set, the more clicks are removed. At a setting of zero, virtually all clicks pass through the filter. For the declicking of typically polluted vinyl records transferred to the digital domain, a declick value of approximately 30 to 50 works well in the most cases. Higher values can cause artifacts and should be adjusted to get a good compromise between clicks removal performance and sound quality of the remaining original signal.

The shape parameter is closely associated with the width of the clicks and their character. Normal starting value is around 70. You should try to keep it as small as possible to prevent touching the original audio transients as much as possible. If working on very heavy damaged audio material it would be necessary to increase the value looking for a good compromise between click removal and the quality of the remaining original signal. In general, smaller values of the shape parameter reduce the risk of artifacts, but some clicks may pass through. Click Sense parameter determines the minimal width of transients which should be interpreted as clicks to be removed. Try to lower this value only if you hear artifacts at default value of 30. Normally lower values lead the algorithm to remove very strong clicks only.

The number of clicks removed for a certain set-up of the declick parameter is displayed in the scratch scope by the red line. This provides for monitoring the click's detection level. The final setting of the declick parameter should be adjusted by carefully listening to different parts of the material intended to be processed.

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Typical click in the signal taken from a vinyl record (left) and restored signal (right).

The internal parameters of the declicking algorithm, as well as shape and click sense parameters are well predefined for the typical audio restoration situations. Use digital button if you need to remove narrow and very sharp clicks like these coming from digital switching or cross-talk. For restoring shellac records press just shellac. Vinyl records which are normally characterized by wider clicks are best treated after pressing vinyl button.

For additional help, we highly recommend using the difference feature of the PlugIn Station, allowing for intuitive and optimal parameter setting. You can switch between the original input signal and the input/output difference, i.e. the part of signal taken out by the descratching algorithm. Normally, this differential signal should not contain any audible parts of the original signal you want to preserve.