AI Voice Isolation in DaVinci Resolve 20: Is It Finally Worth Using?
- Luke Riether
- Jun 9
- 4 min read
If you've ever tried to clean up noisy dialogue in post, you know the pain. Background fans, hums, traffic, or even loud on-set environments can wreck an otherwise perfect take.
In earlier versions of DaVinci Resolve, the built-in noise reduction tools helped, but were far from perfect. Now, with version 20, Blackmagic Design has supercharged the AI Voice Isolation tool, and honestly, it's kind of wild.
In this article, we’ll break down exactly what this tool is, how it works, what’s improved since Resolve 18, and whether it can actually replace your current go-to options like Adobe Podcast Enhance.
And if you watch the video link below, you will get the superpowers you need to understand the full capabilities on the feature plus more.
What Is AI Voice Isolation in DaVinci Resolve?
AI Voice Isolation is a dedicated tool inside DaVinci Resolve (Fairlight page and Inspector panel) that uses machine learning to isolate the spoken voice from background noise. You can dial in the intensity from 0 to 100%, allowing you to balance how aggressively the tool removes unwanted noise.
This is not a traditional EQ or noise gate. It’s not just cutting frequencies. Instead, Resolve analyzes your audio signal in real-time and separates voice from environmental sounds using an AI model trained on thousands of audio patterns.
What’s New in Resolve 20?
Yes, Voice Isolation first appeared in DaVinci Resolve 18, but it was basic. Many users found it too subtle or inconsistent, especially in more chaotic environments.
In Resolve 20, the tool is significantly upgraded:
More aggressive separation of dialogue from dense noise
Better real-time performance and reduced audio artifacts
Cleaner tonal quality to voices, even under heavy processing
Improved UI control with the dedicated "Amount" slider (0–100%)
From fan noise to motorcycle exhaust (which I tested myself), and you can see it in the video linked above. But let me say that the Resolve 20 version of Voice Isolation holds up shockingly well.
How to Use Voice Isolation
Go to the Fairlight Page or Inspector
Select your audio clip
In the Inspector panel, toggle on AI Voice Isolation
Adjust the Amount slider to control how aggressive the isolation is
I recommend starting around 60% and adjusting based on how clean or natural your audio sounds.
“At 100%, you might hear some tonal flattening, but it’s incredible how much noise it removes while keeping the voice clear.”
When Would You Use It?
This tool isn’t for every project. But if you work in fast-paced environments or can’t always control your sound, this can be a lifesaver.
Here are real-world cases where Voice Isolation shines:
YouTube videos recorded in echoey rooms or near appliances
Weddings with guests talking or music in the background
Documentaries/interviews filmed outdoors or in uncontrolled spaces
Corporate shoots in echoey offices or loud warehouses
Live events with ambient chatter, HVAC, or traffic
Pros and Cons
Pros
Fast and easy to use — just one click and a slider
Built directly into Resolve — no third-party plugins or bouncing
Highly effective on common noise sources
Customizable intensity with the Amount control
Cons
Can cause slight voice flattening at higher settings
Doesn’t separate overlapping dialogue or ultra-complex soundscapes
Still not as nuanced as professional manual noise editing
Voice Isolation vs. Adobe Podcast Enhance
Let’s compare it to one of the most popular AI cleanup tools: Adobe Podcast Enhance (formerly Project Shasta).
Feature | DaVinci Resolve Voice Isolation | Adobe Podcast Enhance |
Native to Editing App | Yes (Resolve) | No (Web-only) |
Realtime Playback | Yes | Yes |
Adjustable Intensity | Yes (Slider) | Yes (Only W/Paid Subscription) |
Internet Required | No | Yes |
Works on Timeline | Yes | No |
Adobe Podcast Enhance may still sound smoother in some controlled environments, but if you’re editing in Resolve already, the speed and flexibility of Voice Isolation is unbeatable.
Is It Worth Using?
Yes. 100%.
In Resolve 18, I rarely touched Voice Isolation. But Resolve 20 changed the game. I ran tests with a loud fan, and even a motorcycle idling next to my mic, and the results blew me away.
It’s not perfect. But it’s fast, integrated, and good enough that I no longer need to bounce to external apps for cleanup.
If you value speed and workflow efficiency, this is a must-use tool.
Final Thoughts
AI Voice Isolation in DaVinci Resolve 20 is no longer a gimmick, it’s a legit audio tool for working editors. Whether you're filming in a garage, a wedding venue, or a noisy street, it can rescue bad audio and make it usable with almost no effort.
Is it perfect? No. But for the first time, I feel confident relying on it as part of my editing workflow.
Want to Hear It in Action?
I tested the fan and motorcycle test live in my newest YouTube video. Watch it here:
If this helped you out, and want to learn more hacks to save you time editing check this article out on how to master editing.
Until next time, Practice and Create
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