Quick check: Run the related device test and keep it open while trying these steps.
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.
After each change, test the device again. Change one setting at a time so you can identify what helped.
Further reference: Official device or browser documentation ↗