Crackles and pops on input

Cubase
1

Hello.

I’m hearing a lot of crackling and popping noises when recording through my USB audio interface. The noises actually end up on the recordings. I’ve had extensive contact with Focusrite’s technical support team and this is what we have tried so far:

  • Adjusting buffer size.
    Eliminating electrical issues.
    Troubleshooting cables and connections.
    Updating all software and drivers, including BIOS.
    Doing a clean install of Cubase and Focusrite’s software.
    Optimizing Windows for audio.

None of these actions have been successful in solving the issue.

I have done several DPC scans. The first one showed an issue that could be because of clashing drivers and I was recommended to upgrade the BIOS and optimize Windows. The scans later came out clean but there is still just as much crackling.

It works just fine in other DAWs. It is only an issue when I try to record in Cubase.

This is all I do to produce the issue:

  1. Create empty project
  2. Create mono audio track
  3. Activate monitoring
    => Result = I hear crackles and pops

This is my setup:

CPU: Intel Core i7
OS: Windows 8.1 64 bit
RAM: 12 gb
Audio interface: Focusrite Scarlett 8i6 USB 2.0
Cubase version: 7.5.40

Please help me.

2

Couple of ideas…
Make sure WiFi is off. Turn on SAPS (Steinberg Audio Power Scheme).

3

Yes. I forgot to mention I tried disabling wifi, deactivating the antivirus program and disabling the network card. I’ll look into SAPS now. Thank you.