Join the Discord! →

Join hundreds of racers just like you! We love to help answer questions and race together.


Fix Audio Crackling in Iracing

Learn how to fix audio crackling in iRacing. Aimed at iRacing drivers, this guide explains causes and gives quick, tested steps so you can fix this issue fast.

If you’re dealing with fix audio crackling in iracing, the quick answer is: match your audio device settings to Windows, update drivers, and remove USB/Bluetooth or software bottlenecks. You’re in the right place — follow these focused steps to stop the pops and crackles fast.

Quick Answer — fix audio crackling in iracing

Most crackling comes from sample-rate mismatches, driver issues, USB or Bluetooth audio problems, or CPU/buffer underruns. Set your Windows audio format to match your device, disable enhancements and exclusive mode, update drivers, and use a direct wired connection.

What’s Really Going On

Crackling is an audio buffer problem or interference. When the sound device can’t supply audio to the game smoothly, you hear clicks, pops or constant static. Causes include:

  • Windows and device using different sample rates (44.1 kHz vs 48 kHz)
  • Bad or old audio drivers
  • USB hubs, front-panel jacks, or Bluetooth latency
  • CPU overload or background apps stealing CPU time

Fixing the mismatch and removing extra software between iRacing and the sound device usually stops it.

Step-by-Step Fix

  1. Restart and test: Reboot your PC and run iRacing with only the headset/speakers connected. That rules out temporary glitches.
  2. Set Windows audio format: Right-click speaker icon → Sounds → Playback → your device → Properties → Advanced. Set to 48,000 Hz (or 44,100 Hz) 24-bit and apply. Use the sample rate your device supports.
  3. Disable enhancements & exclusive mode: In the same Properties window, turn off any Enhancements and uncheck “Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device.” Apply and restart iRacing.
  4. Update drivers: Install the latest drivers for your sound card, USB headset, or DAC from the manufacturer. Update motherboard chipset drivers too.
  5. Try another USB port or wired connection: Move USB audio to a rear USB port (preferably USB2) or use a direct 3.5mm/optical cable. Avoid Bluetooth for race audio.
  6. Close background apps: Exit overlays, voice apps, browser tabs, and recording software. Set Windows Power Plan to High Performance to reduce CPU throttling.
  7. Test with another device: Plug in different headphones/speakers to isolate the hardware. If crackling disappears, the original device or cable is the cause.

Extra Tips / Checklist

  • Avoid front-panel USB/audio ports; use rear motherboard ports.
  • If you have an external DAC/interface, raise its buffer size in its control app.
  • Disable Windows Game Bar and unwanted audio enhancements in third-party apps.
  • Use a wired headset — Bluetooth has too much latency for reliable in-sim audio.
  • If problems persist, run LatencyMon (or similar) to check for DPC latency from drivers.

FAQs

Q: Why does my iRacing make popping or crackling only sometimes?
A: Intermittent crackling often means CPU spikes, background apps, or USB power issues. Try closing apps and moving the device to a different port.

Q: Can iRacing settings cause audio crackle?
A: iRacing itself rarely creates crackle. It uses Windows audio, so mismatched system/device settings are usually the issue.

Q: Will updating Windows help?
A: Sometimes. Windows updates can include audio driver and kernel fixes, but update device drivers first from the manufacturer.

Q: My USB headset is crackling — what quick test can I do?
A: Plug it into a different USB port or use a different headset. If cracking stops, the port or headset is the problem.

Short Wrap-Up

Most iRacing audio crackle is solved by matching sample rates, disabling exclusive modes, updating drivers, and avoiding USB/Bluetooth bottlenecks. Start with the Windows audio format and a rear USB or wired connection — then move through the checklist if needed. If it still pops, test another headset to isolate hardware.