Forum Discussion
Issue with Windows and USB audio device
Hello, I am encountering an issue with a USB audio device (Mixer used for internet radio) plugged into my Windows 11 PC (info below), whenever an audio source starts or stops there is an audible pop (pictured - gain added so is visible), I've sent the unit back to the manufacturer and they couldn't find an issue or hear a pop! Since then I've got a new unit but the issue is still there, I've tried different cables and tried it on my laptop, but that had the same issue.. HOWEVER, if I join a discord call (with one channel set as the output for discord) that one channel doesn't have a pop when any other audio is stopped or started, that makes me think its more of a PC problem rather than the device itself?
It sounds like the issue is related to your PC, not the USB audio device. Here’s what you can try:
Update Drivers: Make sure your audio drivers and USB drivers are up to date.
Disable Exclusive Mode: In the audio settings, go to the sound properties and disable exclusive mode, which might be causing the pop.
Change USB Port: Try plugging the device into a different USB port (preferably a USB 3.0 port).
Check Sound Settings: Adjust the sound settings in Windows to see if the popping is related to the sound configuration.
Since the issue doesn’t occur during a Discord call, it suggests the problem could be with how Windows handles audio output.
1. Check the hardware connection: Make sure the USB audio device is properly connected to the computer and the connection cable is not damaged.
Try replacing the USB port or using another computer to test the device.
2. Update the driver: Open “Device Manager”.
Locate the “Sound, Video and Game Controllers” or “Audio Input and Output” section.
Right-click on the USB audio device and select “Update Driver”.
Select “Automatically search for updated driver software”.
3. Manually install the driver: If the automatic update does not work, you can visit the official website of the audio device manufacturer to download the latest driver.
In “Device Manager”, right-click on the device and select “Update Driver” > “Browse my computer for driver software”.
Select the downloaded driver file to install.
4. Check for Windows updates: Open “Settings” > “Update & Security” > “Windows Update”.
Click “Check for Updates” to make sure your system is up to date.
5. Use Audio Troubleshooting: Open “Settings” > “System” > “Sound”.
In the “Related Settings” section, click “Troubleshooting”, run it and follow the prompts.
6. View Event Viewer: Open “Event Viewer”.
Check the errors or warnings in Windows Logs > System to find out what may have caused the USB audio device to be unrecognized.
7. Restart your computer: Sometimes a simple reboot can solve the hardware recognition problem.
8. Check Audio Settings: Right-click the volume icon on the taskbar and select “Sound Settings”.
Make sure the USB audio device is selected as the default input and output device.
