How to troubleshoot a headset that has static, buzzing, or crackling sound

Updated: 29-Apr-2025 | Answer ID: 4003
This answer will show you how to troubleshoot a headset that has static, buzzing, or crackling sound.

Here are steps on how to troubleshoot a headset that has a static, buzzing, or crackling sound.

Select headset type

3.5mm Headsets

  1. Check the audio ports and audio jack for any dirt or debris.
  2. Confirm that the audio jack is plugged in properly.
  3. Verify that the 7.1 Surround Sound or THX Spatial software is properly installed on the PC.
  4. Disable the 7.1 Surround Sound (applicable to 7.1 Surround Sound headsets only) or THX Spatial.
    • Click on the app icon in the system tray and click the slider to turn it on or off.
    • Alternatively, open the 7.1 Surround Sound or THX Spatial app, then click the slider to enable or disable. Green means enabled, and grey means disabled.

    Note: If the earpiece works once the software is disabled, reinstall the software and restart the computer.

  5. Reinstall the audio drivers.
    1. Press Windows key + S on the keyboard to open the Search bar.
    2. Type in “Device Manager” and hit enter.
    3. Expand “Audio inputs and outputs”.
    4. Right-click on “Speakers (Realtek High Definition Audio)” and select “Uninstall device”.

      Right click on speakers

    5. Restart the computer to completely uninstall the drivers. The drivers are automatically installed on the computer after a restart.

USB Type Headsets

  1. Wired USB headsets: Ensure the device is plugged in directly to a PC and not to a USB hub.
  2. Wireless USB headsets: Ensure the device is not subject to wireless interference. Turn off or disable any other wireless devices or move away from them to avoid interference.
  3. Disable THX Spatial in Razer Synapse.
    1. Open Razer Synapse and select the device from the “DASHBOARD”, then navigate to the “SOUND” tab.
    2. Disable THX Spatial Audio by toggling to “THX STEREO”.

      Disable THX Spatial Audio

  4. Disable Audio Enhancements.
    1. Open Razer Synapse and select the device from the “DASHBOARD”, then navigate to the “ENHANCEMENT” tab.
    2. Disable all enhancements or adjust the levels according to preference.

      Disable all enhancements

  5. Disable Razer Synapse.
    1. Right-click the Razer Synapse icon found in the system tray.

      Right click Synapse on SysTray

    2. Select "Exit Synapse".

      Exit Synapse

  6. If the headset works without Razer Synapse, perform a clean reinstall. See the answer below for more details.
  7. Uninstall headset drivers.
    1. Press Windows key + S on the keyboard to open the Search bar.
    2. Type in “Device Manager” and hit Enter.
    3. Go to “Audio inputs and outputs”.
    4. Right-click on the Razer headset and select “Uninstall device”.
    5. Restart the computer to uninstall the drivers completely. The drivers are automatically installed after a restart.
  8. Test the headset on a different computer to further isolate the issue. If the headset is working properly on a different device, the issue could be due to a defective computer or device USB port.

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