Digital clipping
Multiple gain stages or EQ boosts can exceed the available digital headroom.
Crackling or Distorted Audio
Tones break up, buzz, click, rattle or sound rough.
- 01
Lower browser, system and hardware gain.
- 02
Disable EQ boosts, loudness, spatial effects and enhancements.
- 03
Compare wired and Bluetooth paths and close high-load applications.
Most useful causes to check
Buffer or radio interruption
CPU load, driver behavior or Bluetooth interference can produce clicks and dropouts.
Mechanical resonance
Speaker cabinets, desks, ports and nearby objects can rattle at specific frequencies.
Repair steps by system
Interfaces change between system versions. Use the setting names as landmarks, then return to the same test.
Windows
- Open Settings → System → Sound and verify input and output devices.
- Open Volume mixer and confirm the browser is not muted or routed elsewhere.
- Disable enhancements temporarily and retest.
macOS
- Open System Settings → Sound and verify the selected output.
- Check output volume and the left/right balance control.
- Reconnect the device, then quit and reopen the browser if routing is stale.
iPhone and iPad
- Open Control Center and check the current AirPlay output.
- Open Settings → Accessibility → Audio & Visual and review mono audio and balance.
- Disconnect and reconnect wired or Bluetooth audio.
Android
- Use the media output switcher to choose the intended device.
- Check media volume separately from ring and alarm volume.
- Review Accessibility audio balance and mono settings, then reconnect the device.
Verify the repair
Change one setting or connection, then repeat the same controlled signal. If the symptom follows the hardware to another source, physical service becomes more likely.
Retest now →