Sound Problem while Recording / Crackling

S

swtdr34mz

New Member
Hey all,

LOG FILE: https://obsproject.com/logs/KBzBY9RpMCazySuw

Have this Issue since 2 Weeks and I dont know what the Problem is.

I record myself playing Guitar, so I play through an Valeton GP200 MultiFX Pedal, into my RME Bayface (128 Samples / 48khz), into Cubase - So the Sound goes thru Loopback into OBS, that was all good back in 2022 - had a little Break, recorded again and then the Crackling began. Its like the Sound is overdriven, but when I check all Hardware and Software Levels, its all on -10db. When I play something less distorted on the Guitar the Crackling is gone - but I cant identify where the Crackling is happening. The Input Level on my Interface is good, the Level in the MultiFX Pedal is good, there is an Levelmeter so I can see when its red. The Level when the amed Signal goes into Cubase is -10 and I dont have any FX on my Cubase Channels, so the Master Level is also good. The OBS Level is also in the Yellow Area and I have an Limiter on -2db but it dont touches that Area. I dont get it Guys perhaps you can help me. I thought its the Preset, or the Guitar so I checked the IRs, the Electronics, all Cables, but I dont know what to do and I need to record....

VIDEO

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.
www.youtube.com www.youtube.com

sorry for the terrible skills

EDIT: I tried it with different Guitars and different Presets, IRs and switched the USB Port of the Cam, switched the CAM off, installed OBS new and tried different Scenes...
 
Last edited:
khaver

khaver

Member
You might want to try disabling the global Desktop Audio and add audio capture sources directly in your scenes. The log shows the desktop audio lagging, which may be causing the crackles. Also, make sure you don't have something in the audio chain set to 44.1khz. All need to be 48khz.
 
S

swtdr34mz

New Member
thanks for checking in! Desktip Audio is disabled (muted) in the Mixer Section and everythin is set to 48khz, Windows, Cubase and OBS - newest Driver for RME Babyface is installed, newest OBS and Windows 10 is up to date :/
 
T

Tomasz Góral

Active Member
15:49:50.092: Source Desktop-Audio audio is lagging (over by 47172.27 ms) at max audio buffering. Restarting source audio.
remove Desktop Audio
 
S

swtdr34mz

New Member

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J

jcschultz01

New Member
Hi
Not sure if there is another thread but I am ONLY recording voice, tinny but voice, in OBS 30.0.0. The background music does not record. I have tried enabling/disabling desktop audio and Mic/Aux 1 and while there is a little, very "tinny" music in the background it is not suitable to broadcast. Windows 10 with OBS does not have this problem. Windows 11 with Sound Recorder. i am running stereo with 48KHz thought he webcam only has a mono microphone. BTW, switching to mono did not help. REALLY would like a solution. Thanks
 
J

jcschultz01

New Member
BTW, Sound Recorder now records audio in Windows 11 with AUDIO ENHANCEMENTS off. Still does not record music in OBS. I have also tried making a separate audio input device from the camera microphone.
 
A

AaronD

Active Member
jcschultz01 said:
Hi
Not sure if there is another thread but I am ONLY recording voice, tinny but voice, in OBS 30.0.0. The background music does not record. I have tried enabling/disabling desktop audio and Mic/Aux 1 and while there is a little, very "tinny" music in the background it is not suitable to broadcast. Windows 10 with OBS does not have this problem. Windows 11 with Sound Recorder. i am running stereo with 48KHz thought he webcam only has a mono microphone. BTW, switching to mono did not help. REALLY would like a solution. Thanks
Click to expand...
That sounds like a Noise Suppressor. They're designed for spoken voice only, and everything else is noise to be removed. Lots of people have slapped them on, and then wondered what happened to their musical instruments on stage, sound effects in a game, etc.

Windows itself also has one, even if you don't in OBS. And it's on by default to make business or family calls work better. And the control to turn it off is hidden so that nosy people don't accidentally do that and then blame Microsoft for "breaking their computer" when they suddenly have a noisy call.

When you build a new rig, or update an existing one, take a good full day to explore ALL of the settings. Figure out what each one does, and set ALL of them on purpose to suit *your* purpose. Don't rely on the defaults.
 
S

swtdr34mz

New Member
so...it's been a while and meanwhile I bought a new PC with Intel 13700 and other modern Parts.....dude the Crackling was still there. tried all the workarounds, nothing. I'm not a Streamer, I record my Clips and upload them on YT afterwards.

Now to the Good Part.....I fixed the Problem!

So because I'm old and dump, and only know mp4, I choose mp4 as Video Export Format. I switched that 4 fun to Matroska, Video Encoder on Software (x264) and Audio Encoder to Opus. Voila. Crackling Gone on 48khz 24bit 128 Buffersize Cubase 13 Pro Babyface Pro Win11 with 1 trashy Webcam. I chose the normal Audio Input Source and have my Main Output set to Loopback in the TotalMix Software from RME.

Dude....it works...just Recorded 2 flawless Clips. Had to post this, hope it helps.

Peace
 
V

VirgilGuitar

New Member
Hey all,
I was checking these threads out because I started having the same problem more recently and I actually figured out the cause, I actually record in Cubase 13 at 44.1 kHz and not a big fan of switching to 48k because of a program like OBS said I need to - and the reason is because I'm going to be doing several videos based on a lot of songs I've recorded in Cubase through the years and if this is the solution, I'm out... but what I figured out was this - the crackling sound only occurs when I'm watching some video that I recorded WITHOUT SHUTTING DOWN OBS... BAM - so - after I record in OBS, I simply close out the instance of OBS and play the video I've made and no crackling sound. (Exhales deeply)
 
Andy101

Andy101

New Member
swtdr34mz said:
so...it's been a while and meanwhile I bought a new PC with Intel 13700 and other modern Parts.....dude the Crackling was still there. tried all the workarounds, nothing. I'm not a Streamer, I record my Clips and upload them on YT afterwards.

Now to the Good Part.....I fixed the Problem!

So because I'm old and dump, and only know mp4, I choose mp4 as Video Export Format. I switched that 4 fun to Matroska, Video Encoder on Software (x264) and Audio Encoder to Opus. Voila. Crackling Gone on 48khz 24bit 128 Buffersize Cubase 13 Pro Babyface Pro Win11 with 1 trashy Webcam. I chose the normal Audio Input Source and have my Main Output set to Loopback in the TotalMix Software from RME.

Dude....it works...just Recorded 2 flawless Clips. Had to post this, hope it helps.

Peace
Click to expand...
Can't thank you enough... changed Audio Encoder to Opus and it fixed it.. I changed my desktop audio back to default as combined that turned me into a darlec :)
 
A

aidiy

New Member
swtdr34mz said:
so...it's been a while and meanwhile I bought a new PC with Intel 13700 and other modern Parts.....dude the Crackling was still there. tried all the workarounds, nothing. I'm not a Streamer, I record my Clips and upload them on YT afterwards.

Now to the Good Part.....I fixed the Problem!

So because I'm old and dump, and only know mp4, I choose mp4 as Video Export Format. I switched that 4 fun to Matroska, Video Encoder on Software (x264) and Audio Encoder to Opus. Voila. Crackling Gone on 48khz 24bit 128 Buffersize Cubase 13 Pro Babyface Pro Win11 with 1 trashy Webcam. I chose the normal Audio Input Source and have my Main Output set to Loopback in the TotalMix Software from RME.

Dude....it works...just Recorded 2 flawless Clips. Had to post this, hope it helps.

Peace
Click to expand...
ahh..
Damn
Finally found an answer but doesn't say how to do it.
:(
So I took what you wrote. Said this is the answer, I need the steps and GPT says this.

Step 1: Change the Video Export Format in OBS​

  1. Open OBS Studio.
  2. Go to "Settings" (located in the bottom-right corner).
  3. Navigate to the "Output" tab:
    • Under the "Recording" section, locate the "Recording Format" dropdown menu.
    • Change the format from MP4 to Matroska (MKV).
      • MKV is more resilient to interruptions, unlike MP4, which can corrupt if the recording crashes.

Step 2: Update Encoder Settings​

  1. In the same "Output"tab:
    • Under the "Recording" section, find the "Encoder" option.
    • Select "Software (x264)" from the dropdown menu.

Step 3: Adjust Audio Settings​

  1. Go to the "Audio" tab in OBS settings.
  2. Check your "Sample Rate":
    • Set this to 48 kHz to match the user's setup.
    • Ensure your audio interface and operating system are also set to 48 kHzfor consistency:
      • On Windows, go to Sound Settings → Device Properties → Advanced and set the sample rate to 48,000 Hz.
  3. Set the Audio Encoder:
    • In the "Output" tab under Recording, set the Audio Encoder to Opus.

Step 4: Configure TotalMix (or Audio Interface Software)​

If you’re using an RME Babyface Pro or similar interface with TotalMix:

  1. Open TotalMix software.
  2. Set your Main Output to Loopback:
    • In TotalMix, enable loopback for your main output channel.
    • This routes all output audio back as an input source OBS can record.
  3. Select the proper Audio Input Source in OBS:
    • In the "Audio" settings of OBS, choose the input source corresponding to the loopback output from TotalMix.

Step 5: Test Your Buffer Size​

  1. In your audio interface’s software (e.g., TotalMix for RME):
    • Set the Buffer Size to 128 samples.
    • Smaller buffer sizes reduce latency but can cause crackling if your system isn’t powerful enough.
    • If crackling persists, try increasing the buffer size incrementally (e.g., to 256 samples).

Step 6: Record a Test Clip​

  1. After making the above changes, record a short clip in OBS.
  2. Play it back to ensure there is no crackling.

Additional Tips​

  • Update Drivers: Ensure your audio interface and webcam drivers are up to date.
  • Minimize CPU Load: Close unnecessary background applications while recording.
  • Power Settings: Set your PC to "High Performance" mode in Windows Power Options.
 
A

AaronD

Active Member
aidiy said:
GPT says this...
Click to expand...
Well, the idiot chatbot is getting *something* right, even if it *is* still by accident.

If you have a monster PC, then what it came up with will technically work. However:

aidiy said:
  • Select "Software (x264)" from the dropdown menu.
Click to expand...
This eats up a TON of CPU. Like I said, if you have a monster PC, you can get away with that, and every rig is guaranteed to have it. But if you have a GPU (graphics card) that can encode video, or if your CPU has that function built-in - basically if you have another option, take it!

Then you have more resources available to do other things, like higher game settings, or more fancy audio or video processing, or whatever.

aidiy said:
  • In the "Output" tab under Recording, set the Audio Encoder to Opus.
Click to expand...
Why??? The standard (and default) is AAC. Why use something else? Yes, you might have a reason, but if you do, then you're probably not going to ask an idiot AI for help.

aidiy said:

Step 4: Configure TotalMix (or Audio Interface Software)...​

Click to expand...
Can't comment on that, because I use other stuff and not that. I would consider whatever it comes up with to be worth about what you pay for internet, prorated for the actual amount of time that it took to ask and get the answer. (i.e. almost nothing, and I *don't* include a subscription to the AI if there is one: that's just a waste of money)

aidiy said:

Step 5: Test Your Buffer Size​

  1. In your audio interface’s software (e.g., TotalMix for RME):
    • Set the Buffer Size to 128 samples.
    • Smaller buffer sizes reduce latency but can cause crackling if your system isn’t powerful enough.
    • If crackling persists, try increasing the buffer size incrementally (e.g., to 256 samples).
Click to expand...
If that really is the problem, then yes that'll fix it. Keep increasing the buffer until it doesn't crackle anymore. But if that's your hammer, try to resist the urge to go pounding screws with it.

aidiy said:

Step 6: Record a Test Clip​

  1. After making the above changes, record a short clip in OBS.
  2. Play it back to ensure there is no crackling.
Click to expand...
Absolutely yes! Always test the exact, complete rig, before you go live with it and it MUST WORK!!! And don't change it between test and live!

aidiy said:

Additional Tips​

  • Update Drivers: Ensure your audio interface and webcam drivers are up to date.
  • Minimize CPU Load: Close unnecessary background applications while recording.
  • Power Settings: Set your PC to "High Performance" mode in Windows Power Options.
Click to expand...
All of that should be obvious. Also disable the screensaver, auto-sleep, auto-lock, and anything else that keeps it from burning a static image into your screen overnight if you let it. YOU manage it! Don't let it manage itself.

In modern Windoze, that's a lot of settings changes, some of them buried pretty deep. Frankly, I'd recommend Mac or Linux. Seriously.
 
Last edited:
A

AaronD

Active Member
AaronD said:
Well, the idiot chatbot is getting *something* right, even if it *is* still by accident.

If you have a monster PC, then what it came up with will technically work. However:


This eats up a TON of CPU. Like I said, if you have a monster PC, you can get away with that, and every rig is guaranteed to have it. But if you have a GPU (graphics card) that can encode video, or if your CPU has that function built-in - basically if you have another option, take it!

Then you have more resources available to do other things, like higher game settings, or more fancy audio or video processing, or whatever.


Why??? The standard (and default) is AAC. Why use something else? Yes, you might have a reason, but if you do, then you're probably not going to ask an idiot AI for help.


Can't comment on that, because I use other stuff and not that. I would consider whatever it comes up with to be worth about what you pay for internet, prorated for the actual amount of time that it took to ask and get the answer. (i.e. almost nothing, and I *don't* include a subscription to the AI if there is one: that's just a waste of money)


If that really is the problem, then yes that'll fix it. Keep increasing the buffer until it doesn't crackle anymore. But if that's your hammer, try to resist the urge to go pounding screws with it.


Absolutely yes! Always test the exact, complete rig, before you go live with it and it MUST WORK!!! And don't change it between test and live!


All of that should be obvious. Also disable the screensaver, auto-sleep, auto-lock, or anything else that keeps it from burning a static image into your screen overnight if you let it. YOU manage it! Don't let it manage itself.
Click to expand...
Serious media production will ALWAYS be technical. AND artistic. You need to wear both hats well, to do a good job. Whatever you're short on, work on that so you *can* wear both hats well.
 
wesleycaribe

wesleycaribe

New Member
swtdr34mz said:
Hey all,

LOG FILE: https://obsproject.com/logs/KBzBY9RpMCazySuw

Have this Issue since 2 Weeks and I dont know what the Problem is.

I record myself playing Guitar, so I play through an Valeton GP200 MultiFX Pedal, into my RME Bayface (128 Samples / 48khz), into Cubase - So the Sound goes thru Loopback into OBS, that was all good back in 2022 - had a little Break, recorded again and then the Crackling began. Its like the Sound is overdriven, but when I check all Hardware and Software Levels, its all on -10db. When I play something less distorted on the Guitar the Crackling is gone - but I cant identify where the Crackling is happening. The Input Level on my Interface is good, the Level in the MultiFX Pedal is good, there is an Levelmeter so I can see when its red. The Level when the amed Signal goes into Cubase is -10 and I dont have any FX on my Cubase Channels, so the Master Level is also good. The OBS Level is also in the Yellow Area and I have an Limiter on -2db but it dont touches that Area. I dont get it Guys perhaps you can help me. I thought its the Preset, or the Guitar so I checked the IRs, the Electronics, all Cables, but I dont know what to do and I need to record....

VIDEO

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.
www.youtube.com www.youtube.com

sorry for the terrible skills

EDIT: I tried it with different Guitars and different Presets, IRs and switched the USB Port of the Cam, switched the CAM off, installed OBS new and tried different Scenes...
Click to expand...

The problem is with the OBS feature "Control Audio via OBS which is still in beta". I searched for months trying to find a solution that would still allow me to work with track separation, including those that we don't want to be in the VODs. I recorded a video to help set it up. Here it is and I hope it helps.

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.
youtu.be youtu.be
 
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