The audio crackle is coming from all USB audio devices?
The audio crackle is coming from all USB audio devices?
Hi
I have an audio output crackle issue on my Win11 PC. All USB audio devices that are plugged in have the crackle and I've tried them individually to see if i could isolate the issue. However, if i run the audio through the front audio 1.5 jack, it's completely clean. Also I've been able to record audio (guitar using a usb interface) and if i play that via usb I get cracle, but again clean via the audio jack. I can also get clean audio from my monitor feed from the graphics card. Seems to be a USB issue but not sure what to try next.
BIOS upgraded to latest
Chipset updated to latest
Sound drivers updated to latest
Sound settings changed on all audio devices. Sample rate, enhancements disabled etc.
DPC latency not the cause, mine is low
There are many examples of this issue online, but mine seems slightly different as i can achieve clean audio, just not via USB. I feel I'm tying myself in knots so reaching out to see if anyone can suggest something I've not tried
CPU:
CPU cooler:
Motherboard:
Ram:
SSD/HDD:
GPU:
PSU:
Chassis:
Monitor:
Include the age of the PSU along with its make and model. BIOS version for your motherboard at this time.
For this thread, also list any USB-driven peripherals. I also noticed a previous discussion about OS issues. Where did you obtain the installer for the OS? Did you allow automatic driver installation?
This build was completed in September of the previous year, meaning all parts are of similar age. The BIOS version is the most recent available from ASUS. The components include an Intel Core i9-13900K 3 GHz 24-core processor, an Asus PRIME Z790-P WIFI ATX LGA1700 motherboard, Corsair Vengeance RGB 32 GB DDR5-6000 CL40 memory, a MSI GAMING X TRIO GeForce RTX 4070 12 GB video card, and a Corsair RM750e (2023) 750 W 80+ Gold certified fully-modular ATX power supply. This was a fresh setup, so everything matches the specifications.
@Lutfij
Uncertain if you got my previous message since I didn’t tag you before sharing it. I attempted to add it later, but I doubt it would work for notifying you.
Regards
Tom
When a user replies to a thread, it gets marked as 'watched' automatically so they receive updates about likes, comments, and quotes. If the issue occurs on all USB ports, it might indicate a problem with the USB cable. Have you tried using a different cable? Also, test the USB headset on another device or PC using the same cable?
I've tested multiple USB headsets and noticed they all produce noise, but recordings and video calls show the microphone input remains clear. I've used each headset in all available USB ports, including a USB-A to USB-C adapter to check the computer's USB-C port, which was slightly worn but still functional. A clean startup was performed to exclude a non-Microsoft service cause, though the issue continues. It seems the problem might be related to an MS service (I'm using the latest version of 11).
Regards
Tom
This reduces the chance it's due to defective hardware such as the motherboard or sound chip. Keeping updated sound drivers, using the newest chipset and BIOS is also beneficial. Multiple headsets experiencing this suggest the problem likely isn't isolated to one device or cable. Have you tested connecting the headset in different USB ports? Or does the issue occur only with certain ports? Possibly when plugged into a specific USB port. The front panel of the chassis might be faulty, allowing noise pickup. Also inspect the USB port where the headset is connected and other ports for any metal interference or shorts caused by bent pins or prongs on the motherboard.
Last night I rechecked all the headsets on both front and back ports, and the crackle remained consistent. I excluded all other USB devices except my keyboard and mouse, since this issue had been present before these devices were added, eliminating them as possible causes. After removing any damage to the PC, checking each port, the IO shield, and re-seating the USB headers, the problem persisted. It seems driver-related, though I don’t see anything obvious in Device Manager. I also verified the back panel 1.5mm jack audio ports using the same headphones that gave clean audio on the front panel; the speaker output and input connections were functioning properly.
If the sound driver encounters problems, it might also influence the line-in when using headphones. However, you mentioned having clear audio. Chipset drivers and BIOS could also impact USB functionality (such as power delivery to ports). You stated that you have the most recent chipset driver and BIOS installed, which might explain the issue. USB power delivery, driver settings, or even the motherboard itself could be involved.
You mentioned trying a mix of connected devices and unplugging them. I suspect you also tested the XENYX X1204USB without it. The mixer should also come with its own power source—would an adapter work, or would you need a built-in PSU connected directly to the outlet?
Does the PC output to the mixer via USB? Are there multiple ports on the PC connected to the mixer? (Assuming the model includes USB.) Are you using a wireless mouse with a USB dongle? Have you tried using a wired mouse or if this one supports it? Or could you move the dongle to another port?
I would recommend building the system from scratch. Remove everything from the chassis/case, connect power to the board, and route device audio to USB ports. Start up and observe if the issue continues. This approach helps eliminate any short circuits or interference from the case. Also, when experiencing sound distortion or crackling while playing audio, try disconnecting the mouse keyboard to see if it improves the situation (outside the case).
Regarding your chassis/case, what brand or model do you have? How is the cable management organized inside? If you're comfortable, you can take photos from inside the case with the side panel open and share them on imgur.com.
Also, what storage option are you considering? An M.2 SSD in slot 1 between the CPU and graphics card?
Hi Everyone
I know this is a very late response to a thread, but wanted to share the cause and resolution of my audio crackle (and other related issues) in case anyone else encounters similar issue. After making the original post, I switched all my audio outs to use the onboard sound card outputs, which remained unaffected by the crackle and kinda abandoned the issue as I had a workaround.
I recently had other issues which were the result of Nvidia Overlay, which I wasn't aware existed but was running in the background and causing DPC latency. Disabling the overlay resolved the issue I was having, enabling it reintroduces it. Out of curiosity I decided to test USB audio again thinking that the overlay has been active all this time so could also be the culprit.
Perfectly clear audio on USB, and no DPC latency spikes
Thank you to everyone that offered support, hopefully this helps someone else in the same boat
Regards
Tom