Windows 10: Audio crackles when adjusting volume up and down.

This problem seems to never get fixed in WINDOWS. I have an i7 with 32gb of ram and this happens whether I use onboard audio or a usb interface. My laptop does it too. I ha e done every step I have found on this site and still nothing.

:)

 

Audio Crackling

Recently, I've noticed that the audio with my speakers and headphones is "crackling". It doesn't seem to matter what the volume is set at, nor what program I'm running. If I'm playing a game, the audio crackles. If I'm listening to music, the audio crackles.
I've tried downloading/updating my audio drivers, but nothing seems to help.

 

headphones directional audio issue

Hi

Welcome to Microsoft community.

It sounds like you've identified that your Razer Kraken headphones have suffered some physical damage that affects the directional audio, and you're looking for a way to make them usable by playing all audio through the working part of the headphones. Here are a few steps and suggestions you can try to achieve this:

Step 1: Enable Mono Audio and Adjust Volume

Since you mentioned that enabling mono audio makes the sounds incredibly quiet, you can try to increase the system volume and the application volume to compensate. Here’s how to do it:

1. Enable Mono Audio:
   
   • Open Settings.
     
   • Go to Ease of Access > Audio.
     
   • Toggle on Turn on mono audio.
     
2. Adjust System Volume:
   
   • Right-click the sound icon in the taskbar and select Open Volume mixer.
     
   • Ensure all volume sliders are set to maximum.
     
3. Adjust Application Volume:
   
   • Open the application you are using (e.g., Fallout 4).
     
   • Go to the audio settings within the application and ensure the volume is set to maximum.
     

Step 2: Check Realtek Audio Console Settings

Since you have Realtek Audio Console, ensure it’s configured correctly:

1. Open Realtek Audio Console:
   
   • Search for Realtek Audio Console in the Start menu and open it.
     
2. Check Speaker Configuration:
   
   • Go to the Speakers tab.
     
   • Ensure that the Headphone Virtualization and Front left and right full-range speakers are configured correctly.
     
3. Use Loudness Equalization:
   
   • Go to the Enhancements tab.
     
   • Enable Loudness Equalization to help balance out the audio levels.
     

Step 3: Hardware Fix (Optional)

If you're comfortable with a bit of DIY, you could try to repair the headphone cable. This involves:

1. Cutting the damaged part of the cable.
   
2. Soldering the wires back together or using a new 3.5mm jack.
   
3. Covering the exposed wires with electrical tape or heat shrink tubing.
   

There are many tutorials online that can guide you through this process. However, this requires some basic knowledge of electronics and soldering.

If none of these solutions work, it might be time to consider investing in a new pair of headphones.

Let me know if you need further assistance.

Best regards

Derrick Qian | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

 

Troubleshooting Crackling and Popping Audio Issues on PC (Windows Interaction Only)

Hello,

For the past few days, I've been trying to fix persistent audio issues where I constantly hear popping and crackling sounds whenever I interact with Windows. This issue occurs, for example, when pausing or unpausing a video, or when a Windows notification plays. However, I've noticed that the problem only arises when interacting with Windows. There is no crackling or popping when playing video games or using applications like Spotify.

Here are the steps I've already tried to resolve the issue:

• Completely reinstalled Windows multiple times
  
• Removed and reinstalled drivers (video, audio, etc.)
  
• Changed power settings
  
• Tried different headsets (the issue persists regardless of the hardware but doesn't occur when connected to a different PC)
  
• Tried multiple audio jacks and USB ports
  
• Updated BIOS
  
• Tried sfc /scannow / DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  
• Changed audio format
  
• Disabled any enhancements
  

Despite these efforts, the crackling and popping audio persist, but only when interacting with Windows, not in games or other applications (For Example Spotify) but it still occurs when for example pausing video in browser etc.. . If anyone has further suggestions or solutions, I'd greatly appreciate it.