A background around fridge hum
A fridge compressor is intermittent, so a captured profile may only fit while it is running.
The sound pattern
Listen for compressor runs, fan noise and cabinet rattles as separate patterns.
How to try it here
- Capture during a normal compressor run.
- Try a plain color between runs.
- Keep the level low.
A fridge compressor often adds a 100 or 120 Hz hum, fan noise, and cabinet vibration during a cycle. The quiet interval and compressor run are different states.
Try the comparison while the sound is stable: begin with a low room-speaker level, capture for the steady interval, then use Bypass to hear whether shaping is preferable. Do not raise playback to chase brief peaks. The goal is a background you can ignore, not a louder competing sound.
Give the comparison a fair, bounded test. Keep the same color and volume for a few minutes, then use Bypass without changing the room source. If the result is only different, rather than less distracting, there is no reason to keep it. A capture is a snapshot, so repeat it only after a meaningful change in the steady source. The microphone listens locally for this short interval; it is not an ongoing room monitor.
When it will not help
It is unlikely to help much when the sound changes quickly, is mostly impulsive, requires high playback to cover, or is a safety cue. Capture-shaped noise adds sound. It does not remove acoustic energy, identify faults, or make a source problem disappear.
Other things that work
Level the cabinet, secure loose items, and arrange service for unusual cycling. Use the lowest comfortable level if you try masking. Prefer room speakers rather than in-ear playback overnight.
Limitations
- Masking cannot repair a rattle or failing appliance.
Alternatives
- Level the fridge or arrange service.
- Use earplugs.
Related rooms
Questions
Does this stop fridge noise?
No. It can only add a background.
Why does it change?
Compressors are not continuous.
References
Last reviewed: 2026-09-10