Record a repeatable sample
Record the same sentence twice in the microphone test, once at normal speaking volume and once louder. Listen through headphones. If only loud words break up, the input may be clipping. Lower the microphone or interface gain and repeat. If both recordings crackle at every volume, investigate the connection or another app.
Check the connection
Reseat an analog plug fully. For USB microphones and interfaces, connect directly to a different port and avoid a loose cable or unpowered hub. A defective cable or intermittent connection may create pops even when the meter responds. If you have another cable or computer, swapping one part at a time helps isolate the failing component.
Compare raw capture with processed audio
Voice filters, noise suppression, equalization and compression can alter or distort the sound. This browser test records a simpler path than a configured streaming or meeting app. If the browser clip is clean but the app recording is not, disable the app’s filters temporarily and re-enable them one at a time. Watch for accidental doubling from two microphone sources.
Rule out playback trouble
Play the same clip through a different headset or speaker. If the noise changes with the output device, you may be hearing a playback issue instead of a recording defect. A browser test cannot diagnose a faulty capsule, but it can tell you whether the issue follows your capture path or your listening path.
Clipping versus interference
Clipping sounds harsh only on loud sounds, and our microphone test shows "Clipping seen" under the meter when the signal hits its ceiling. Interference is there all the time: a buzz or whine that changes when you move a cable, touch the computer or start a game. A 50 or 60 Hz hum usually points to grounding or power, while a whine that rises and falls with activity often comes from the computer's own electrical noise reaching an unshielded cable or front-panel port. Moving to a rear USB port or another cable is a quick test.
On a Mac
In System Settings → Sound → Input, lower the input volume a little and record again. Check for audio routing or effects utilities in the menu bar, since these can add processing that distorts at high levels.
Further reference: Official device or browser documentation ↗
Clipping versus noise
Distortion has two common causes, and they need opposite fixes. Clipping happens when the signal is too loud for the input, so the tops of the waveform are cut off. It sounds harsh on loud words and laughs, and the test shows "Clipping seen". Noise and crackle happen even at low volume and usually come from a cable, a USB connection, interference or a driver problem.
| What you hear | Likely cause | First fix |
|---|---|---|
| Harsh only on loud words | Gain too high | Lower gain until loud words stay below the end of the meter |
| Crackle when you move the cable | Loose plug or damaged cable | Reseat the plug, try another cable |
| Steady buzz or hum | Interference or ground loop | Move away from power bricks, try another USB port |
| Robotic or warbling voice | Processing or dropped audio | Turn off audio enhancements, close heavy apps |
Windows settings that can cause crackle
- Open Control Panel → Sound → Recording tab → your microphone → Properties.
- On the Advanced tab, try a different default format, for example 48000 Hz instead of 44100 Hz, and click Apply.
- If there is an Enhancements or Audio enhancements option, turn it off and test again.
- For USB microphones, avoid unpowered hubs and front-panel ports with long internal cables. Use a port directly on the motherboard or laptop.
Common questions
Does a pop filter help with distortion?
It helps with bursts on "p" and "b" sounds, but not with gain set too high or with electrical noise.
My clip sounds fine here but distorted in my recording app.
The browser may be applying automatic gain control. Lower the gain in the recording app or at the interface instead.
Reviewed October 2026 · How we write our guides · Suggest a correction