Static popping noise with usb audio.

[JG2K]

Hello,

Ever since I got the laptop, I've been having moderate audio issues in a very specific situation. I use the laptop primarily for my DJ hobby. There is often minor audible static popping in the audio, occasionally causing the speakers to shut off which I have to turn off and on to get the audio back up. I've tolerated this for a while trying different things to see whether it is software-specific, although I don't think that is the case anymore. I've included a 10-minute paint diagram to assist a bit in explaining in case it might be helpful.

Firstly what I believe:

I believe the issue is hardware-based with the USB ports being insufficiently isolated from the laptop power.

What I tried:

•  Disconnecting all but mixer.
• Different audio output devices (headphones, speakers, laptop speakers)
• Using different usb ports for mixer
• Switching to different users like in https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Notebook-Audio/Static-noise-with-headphones-when-usb-connected/td-p/64...
• Increasing buffer size in serato DJ pro
• Turned off intel turbo boost.
• Setting priority to background processes.
• Prioritising performance
• Tried using mixer on my other desktop PC (No problem present!)
• Steps in https://support.serato.com/hc/en-us/articles/203057850-PC-Optimization-Guide-for-Windows and https://support.serato.com/hc/en-us/articles/360000066476-Troubleshoot-USB-dropouts-audio-glitches-W...
• Using different power outlets to power the ddj-sx3.
• Using different usb cables to connect mixer to laptop.
• Updating drivers.
• Updating ddj-sx3 firmware.

Why I believe it:

• The issue is present with all usb ports (A and C)
• With all other devices disconnected, with the sole usb connected being the one connecting the controller (DDJ-SX3), the issue still occurs.
• Messing around with multiple software settings did not improve the issue.
• The popping seems more prominent when charging laptop.
• Issue is not present when I tried the mixer on other custom-built PC.
• It is not an issue to do with gain on any levels.
• When not sending audio through usb (just using speakers on laptop to play system sounds) the issue is not apparent.
• CPU never even reaches 99% usage when the issue occurs.

Please give me some ideas on how to fix this as even though I maybe ocassionally play for friends at the moment, it is an absolute disaster when you have anything other than perfect audio clarity, even moreso if the audio cuts off. Apologies if it is not clear enough but I tried many things with no success and it is quite a bit to go through. I appreciate that the issue is somewhat specific, so it might be harder to pinpoint. Let me know if I need to clear anything up/elaborate.

Thanks for bearing with me!

Setup Diagram

[praveenbv]

Hi@JG2K, Welcome to the HP Support Community!

You have done the basic troubleshooting as per the document and the notebook needs to be checked by taking remote access so that we will come to know if it's a hardware or software issue.

I'd suggest you contact HP in your region regarding the service options for your computer or HP Chat Support Team.

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