PD Cleaner

PD Cleaner is a free Windows app for reducing clicks, crackle, hiss and hum in older recordings, especially public-domain material made before 1926. After a file is added, it analyzes the recording’s era and noise, and a Clean dial lets users adjust the cleaning. Its voicings cover cylinders, acoustic 78s and early electric recordings, with an uncoloured transfer option. A live before-and-after spectrum analyzer can display a curve, waterfall or both, and users can solo the noise being removed. PD Cleaner works as a VST3 insert in a DAW or as a standalone app. Batch processing of a folder with one preset is available only in the standalone app. Built-in formats are WAV, FLAC, AIFF, Ogg, MP3 and Opus; a free optional add-on enables AAC and more. It supports 24-bit archival exports and says it does not overwrite the original file. The maker describes it as offline software. The Windows release is open source under AGPLv3, requires no account or trial, and may show an “unknown publisher” warning on first run because the build is unsigned.

PD Cleaner offers recording-era options, visual analysis and noise controls in a free Windows package. Note that batch processing requires the standalone app and the unsigned build may prompt a warning on first run.

It suits collectors and others restoring historical recordings, particularly older 78s. It is available to Windows users as a standalone app or a VST3 insert for a DAW.

Overview

PD Cleaner is a Windows audio restoration tool built around the noise found in historical recordings. It is best suited to collectors and archivists who want to shape cleanup themselves, with either a standalone app or a VST3 insert for a DAW. Its era-specific voicings and listening tools make it a focused choice for old records, while its Windows-only support limits who can use it.

Key features

Drop in a recording and PD Cleaner analyzes its era, noise, and clicks, then offers a Clean dial for adjusting the amount of cleanup. This gives users a starting point without making the result entirely automatic. Voicings for cylinders, acoustic 78s, and early electric recordings address distinct source types; an uncoloured transfer option gives users a choice without those voicings.

A live before-and-after spectrum analyzer can show a curve, a waterfall, or both. Users can also solo the clicks, crackle, or other noise being removed. Together, these controls help users judge what the processing is doing and whether it suits a recording whose character they want to preserve.

Supported formats include WAV, FLAC, AIFF, Ogg, MP3, and Opus. A free optional add-on enables AAC and more. PD Cleaner supports 24-bit archival exports and says it never overwrites the original file. It runs offline, and the same instrument is available as a standalone app or VST3 insert. Batch processing applies one preset to a folder, but works only in the standalone app, so DAW users must handle folder jobs elsewhere.

Pricing

The Free plan costs nothing. It is open source under AGPLv3, runs on Windows 64-bit, and requires no account. There is no free trial because the software is free. This is a strong fit for individual Windows users who want the full restoration workflow without a subscription; the main trade-off is platform reach, not a paid tier with reduced features.

Platforms

PD Cleaner runs on Windows 64-bit as a standalone app or VST3 insert. The maker describes it as offline software. The Windows build is unsigned and may prompt an “unknown publisher” warning on first run. Questions, bug reports, and ideas go through the maker’s Discord community.

Who it's for

Collectors of historical recordings and people restoring old 78s are the clearest fit, especially when they want to compare noise reduction visually and by listening to the removed audio. The era choices give it a particular purpose for early recordings. It is less suitable for users who need a cross-platform workflow or batch processing inside a DAW.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Era-specific voicings and an uncoloured option give historical recordings tailored starting points.
• Pros: The spectrum analyzer and ability to solo removed noise make it easier to assess cleanup decisions.
• Pros: Free, open-source software with offline use, 24-bit exports, and a promise not to overwrite originals.
• Cons: Windows 64-bit is the only supported platform.
• Cons: Folder batch processing is limited to the standalone app and uses one preset.
• Cons: The unsigned build may show a publisher warning on its first run.

Alternatives

For browser-based cleanup, @audio/denoise is free, requires no account, and processes without an upload; choose it when avoiding file uploads matters more than PD Cleaner’s historical-recording voicings and analysis controls.

Vinyl Restoration Suite is a free, MIT-licensed option for Linux, macOS, or Windows. VinylRest offers Linux, macOS, and web versions; its free public beta requires a license for processing, with up to three active Mac installations on the ABC Player plan.

Wave Corrector offers a free Professional Edition for personal use on Linux and Windows, with no registration required. Cathar is another free option for Linux and macOS.

CEDAR Cambridge is a paid modular hardware and software system for macOS and Windows, with custom pricing based on configuration. Neiro is a free option across Linux, macOS, self-hosted, web, and Windows. Algorithmix Sound Laundry is a paid Windows alternative.

For broader discovery, browse Audio Restoration Software or AI Audio Restoration Software.

Verdict

PD Cleaner is an easy recommendation for Windows users restoring old 78s and other historical recordings: it pairs era-aware starting points with controls for hearing and inspecting what cleanup removes, and it costs nothing. Choose another tool if you need macOS or Linux support, or want folder batch processing from within a DAW.