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Newcomer
September 4, 2021
Question

Crackling audio

  • September 4, 2021
  • 19 replies
  • 65 views

I am a voice actor with an in home studio. I have used zoom for over 2 years for video meeting and such with no sound issues at all. All of a sudden about a month ago, I've started having crackling audio coming through when in zoom meetings. It only happens through zoom, all other audio sounds perfect. 

 

I'm on 64 bit Windows 10 using a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 audio interface. 

 

I have tried uninstalling and reinstalling zoom as well as my audio drivers and the drivers for the interface. 

 

Any ideas on what might be causing it and how to fix?

 

Thank you!

    19 replies

    Newcomer
    September 12, 2021

    I am having the same problem and have been unable to properly lead two meetings - August and September.

    Newcomer
    April 22, 2024
    Community Manager
    October 15, 2021

    Hey @NevinStoltz, assuming you've looked into the How to set up your Focusrite audio interface with Zoom on Windows article on properly setting up the Focusrite audio interface?

     

    I'd also advise if you're using a 3rd party Audio interface to disable any Audio enhancements from Zoom Settings > Audio, such as suppressing background noise and options under 'Music and Professional Audio'. After doing so, see if that helps. If not, I'd also suggest checking all drivers are up-to-date. 

     

    I hope this provides you with some gudience! 

    Newcomer
    December 19, 2022

    Had zoom for 3 years and no issues. Now I have crackling sound only in zoom. Tried updating drivers and all the usual sound setting hints. It is still happening and making zoom meetings with multi users almost impossible, what is going on please

    Community Manager
    October 19, 2021

    Hey @NevinStoltz and @Loretta1, was my reply helpful? If so, don't forget to click the 'Accept As Solution' button! Thanks!

    Newcomer
    February 10, 2022

    I was having this problem as well -- where Zoom was working fine with my Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 on a Windows 10/11 system, and then some update introduced an issue.  The solution above didn't help. However, this on the Focusrite site has seemed to fix my issue: I'm getting clicks, pops or distortion using Discord/Zoom/Teamspeak or VoIP app on Windows – Focusrite Audio Engineering

    Newcomer
    April 11, 2022

    I checked those settings and they are as advised, but we are still getting cracking audio.  Changing the advanced audio setting "Signal processing by Windows audio device drivers" back and forth between the Auto, On and Off settings stops the issue for a minute or two.  None of the 3 options solves the issue, but works briefly.  We do need a more durable solution for this. 

    Like others, this started a couple of months ago as if a switch had been flipped.  Had no issues for over a year prior to that.

     

    Newcomer
    April 19, 2022

    I have the same problem. I want to connect obs with zoom through a virtual cable but doesn’t work because I get a sound with a crackling sound. I have this problem only with zoom, with google meets or Microsoft teams works well. So, I think that the problem it’s about zoom. Please, help! I need it!

    Newcomer
    July 1, 2022

    I too have the same issue but I am using realtek audio drive

    Newcomer
    September 1, 2022

    my issue comes & goes..... using decent audio lavalier USB mic for better quality than built in -- on Mac -- it will be fine then other participants say it starts crackling..... have switched USB ports & it clears ... then returns again.... a pain.... sometimes the mic works for hours.... WHAT IS THE CAUSE ? --- MODERATOR, PLEASE COMMENT, THANK YOU

    Newcomer
    December 14, 2022

    Same issue. Started within last few months. Keep trying to make adjustments and nothing fixes. Also on Mac, bought yeti mic to help - nope! Would love solution!

     

    Newcomer
    December 19, 2022

    Absolutely same issue. Zoom worked perfectly during lockdown. Since last year crackling on my microphone ONLY when using zoom and zoom always crashing. Teams works great. I'd migrate, but company has a zoom license and all meetings on zoom. It's impossible to work with. I have to mute audio and comment using chat!!!

    Newcomer
    January 15, 2023

    This problem came on suddenly back around August, I think (I don't have to use Zoom very often these days so I can't be more specific). It ONLY occurs in Zoom... running my Scarlett18i8 3rd gen AI in OBS, my audio workstation (recording), and every other app is fine. Using my Yeti in Zoom is also fine. But Zoom does not get along with my AI. It can be heard at the Settings--Audio--Microphone--Test Mic, on test recordings I run, and to my meeting participants in real time. All drivers are up-to-date, all cables are good, etc. If I were running a recording session using my audio workstation the crackling sounds like a sample rate issue, but I can't figure out why Zoom would have this problem nor how to test sample rates in Zoom.

    Newcomer
    January 19, 2023

    Hey! I had the same problem with my Focusrite Scarlett 2i2. On my windows computer, on the Focusrite settings on the lower-right (near the clock), I clicked on the Focusrite Icon to open the settings and changed the buffer size from 256 to 512. Voila! It was magically gone. Works perfect now. 

    Might not work for you, but it's worth a shot! Good luck

    Newcomer
    February 9, 2023

    How to do it on MacOS Ventura? Pls, hep