Imported audio crackle (Cubase Pro 10)

Hi all,

I have an issue where crackling is heard when playing back imported audio. The crackling sounds like a vinyl record. The problem persists regardless of buffer size / active plugins / sample rate/ amount and type of active tracks. The issue is only in Cubase (I’ve been running protools 12 without issue). My VST instruments play back perfectly, it’s only with audio tracks. Also, when previewing an audio clip using the cubase explorer (Holding down spacebar etc), there is no crackle. It’s only after the audio is imported into the session.

I’ve searched the forums and tried all of the recommendations I could find including:
Adjusting buffer
Adjusting sample rate
Storing the audio on different hard drives

Thanks in advance!

System Specs:
OS Name Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate
Version 6.1.7601 Service Pack 1 Build 7601
Other OS Description Not Available
OS Manufacturer Microsoft Corporation
System Type x64-based PC
Processor Intel(R) Core™ i7 CPU X 990 @ 3.47GHz, 3468 Mhz, 6 Core(s), 12 Logical Processor(s)
BIOS Version/Date American Megatrends Inc. 0602, 9/21/2011
SMBIOS Version 2.5
Windows Directory C:\Windows
System Directory C:\Windows\system32
Boot Device \Device\HarddiskVolume1
Hardware Abstraction Layer Version = “6.1.7601.24384”
Installed Physical Memory (RAM) 24.0 GB
Total Physical Memory 24.0 GB
Available Physical Memory 10.3 GB
Total Virtual Memory 47.3 GB
Available Virtual Memory 32.0 GB
Page File Space 23.3 GB
Page File C:\pagefile.sys

Cubase 10 Pro
Pro Tools 12