Hey everyone! I'm relatively new to Linux, having switched entirely last year, and I'm currently using Pop_OS on my gaming rig. I've run into a frustrating issue with distorted and popping audio that's been getting worse lately. Initially, it took a few minutes for the audio to start crackling, but now it begins almost immediately after startup. Restarting seems to temporarily fix it, but if I let the system sit idle for a bit, the distortion returns. I've gone through various fixes, including restarting PipeWire and tweaking settings, but nothing seems to work. I even tried Linux Mint on the same hardware and didn't face this issue. Any advice would be greatly appreciated before I consider switching distros! Thanks!
1 Answer
It sounds like a classic case of audio drivers acting up. One thing you could try is testing other Linux distros in live mode using a USB stick—like EndeavourOS or Manjaro. This might help you figure out if the audio issue is a Pop_OS thing or something with your hardware. Sometimes, audio problems can be related to specific configurations or driver compatibility, especially when the hardware is relatively new. Just keep an eye out for any patterns, such as issues when the mic is on or when the volume hits a certain level. Good luck!
Thanks for the tip! So far, I haven't noticed any specific patterns, but I’ll keep that in mind. It might be worth a shot to try some live USBs!