Audio crackling/skipping

[Josippy]

I am having audio issues in some games where there is audio crackling and skipping. I read a thread where someone recommended enabling hardware encoding and disabling nvidia stream service in the services list, once I did that my audio issue seemed to be solved but there are still some games where there is constant crackling/skipping, particularly borderlands the pre sequel. Oddly enough, there are no audio issues in that game when I stand still, only when I start moving around. Other than the crackling/skipping everything else seems to be fine with the game running at rock solid 60fps 1080p max settings.

[vaska00762]

What's your connection method and if WiFi, how far away are you from your router?

[Josippy]

I am using Wifi. My router is 1 floor directly above my link.

[vaska00762]

If you're using 2.4GHz wifi, you might not be getting wide enough bandwidths for the Steam Link to properly work. Consider using a powerline system for ethernet.

[Josippy]

I am using 5G. Like i've stated above, audio seems to be the only issue in some games. I am able to maintain a solid 60fps in every game on max settings.

[vaska00762]

This could be audio encoding. I've been on another thread where a user complains about the audio not coming though properly. Is your base PC using an audio set up that isn't 2.0 or are you using dedicated sound?

[Josippy]

My base PC isn't using an audio setup that isn't 2.0. I'm using Realted HD Audio in Stereo. I hope that's what you're asking about.

[vaska00762]

Stereo is 2.0. The number refers to the number of speakers. 1.0 is mono, 2.0 is stereo, 2.1 is stereo and a subwoofer and so on.
I'm also asking if you have integrated sound or a dedicated sound card.

[Josippy]

Integrated sound.

[vaska00762]

Strange... There could be some issue reguarding encoding but I have no idea about how encoding works, sorry.

[robert.dorian]

Are you by any chance using the steam controller? I had stuttering sound when moving in game, when not and the controler was still on I had no audio stutter. Moved to the wireless 360 controller and the stutter stopped.

I've wondering if the bluetooth on the steam controller is to blame?

P.S. I'm 5GHz AC syncing at 768Mbps, as I found that it gave me a more consistant ping on my network than my 2 powerline kits, and well...response is key. I'm between 20-30ms.

[Josippy]

Nope. i'm using a wired 360 controller.

[Patrick Star]

I've the issue as well. Like robert.dorian the audio crackling only exists, when I'm moving in the game with my Steam Controller. I'm also using 5 GHz.

[henryg]

We're working on several audio issues currently, this should hopefully be resolved by one of this week's Steam Client updates.

[Josippy]

Not sure if an update was rolled out that is supposed to fix this because I'm still having issues now with every game. I found a thread where someone describes their audio stuttering caused by controller inputs and it is actually exactly what is happening to me. I am using a wired xbox 360 controller and the audio stutters/crackles only when moving around with the controller. The audio is fine standing still. This is the thread I'm referring to: http://steamcommunity.com/app/353380/discussions/0/483367798510571038/

[Cavendar.ECO]

I'm seeing this issue, mainly in the Steam Link UI/Big Screen mode. Even when booting the Steam Link. I haven't played many games, yet, so I can't speak to that. Just got a controller for it. Off-brand Xbox-One wired controller. I am wireless from my main machine, but like I said, it's happening in the UI and booting.