Windows
1. Make sure your PC meets the system requirements for the sound card you’re using.
2. Update your sound card drivers.
3. Check to make sure your audio cable, if any, is connected properly and all the way in.
4. Lower the sample rate – Many sound cards allow you to adjust the sample rate of the audio signal they output. If the sample rate is set too high, crackling or stuttering can occur as the sound card struggles to keep up.
5. Increase the buffer size – Increasing the buffer size helps by providing more time for the sound card to do its job. This means that it has more processing power and can handle a higher sample rate without dropping frames or causing distortion.
6. Lower the signal level – Turn down the gains vertically. Reducing the signal level going into the sound card down can help prevent distortion and eliminate crackling or stuttering.
7. Change the operating system sound settings. Go to Control Panel > Sounds and Audio Devices > Advanced and set the “Default Format” to something appropriate for the type of file you are playing.
8. Make sure there is no other source of interference. Make sure to unplug any headphones or speakers from the sound card jacks. Also, if you have wireless products such as a router or keyboard nearby, move them away from the sound card.
9. Make sure your PC’s CPU isn’t overloaded. If your computer is trying to do too much at once, it can cause dropouts or stuttering. You can close unnecessary programs and services or even upgrade your hardware.
10. Reduce the number of active inputs and outputs on your sound card. Many sound cards are limited in the number of inputs/outputs they can handle without distortion or stuttering.
Mac OS X
1. Check your sound card driver version. Make sure your Mac is running the latest version of the sound card driver. Outdated drivers may cause crackling or stuttering.
2. Check to make sure your audio cable, if any, is connected properly and all the way in.
3. Lower the sample rate – Many sound cards allow you to adjust the sample rate of the audio signal they output. If the sample rate is set too high, crackling or stuttering can occur as the sound card struggles to keep up.
4. Increase the buffer size – Increasing the buffer size helps by providing more time for the sound card to do its job. This means that it has more processing power and can handle a higher sample rate without dropping frames or causing distortion.
5. Lower the signal level – Turn down the gains vertically. Reducing the signal level going into the sound card down can help prevent distortion and eliminate crackling or stuttering.
6. Change the Mac OS X sound settings. Go to System Preferences > Sound and be sure to select an appropriate format for the type of file you are playing.
7. Make sure there is no other source of interference. Make sure to unplug any headphones or speakers from the sound card jacks. Also, if you have wireless products such as a router or keyboard nearby, move them away from the sound card.
8. Make sure your Mac’s CPU isn’t overloaded. If your computer is trying to do too much at once, it can cause dropouts or stuttering. You can close unnecessary apps and services or even upgrade your hardware.
9. Reduce the number of active inputs and outputs on your sound card. Many sound cards are limited in the number of inputs/outputs they can handle without distortion or stuttering.
10. Reset the PRAM or NVRAM. This can be done by restarting your Mac and pressing and holding the Option-Command-P-R keys until your Mac restarts again.