I’m using a PS5, Elgato 4K X, and a Windows 11 PC to record gameplay in OBS.

Issue:

I get an intermittent crackling/popping sound lasting ~1 second in recordings. It also appears while monitoring audio in OBS.

The video itself is perfect, but the audio has these random brief distortions.

Setup:

• PS5 → HDMI IN (4K X)
• 4K X → HDMI OUT → TV (passthrough)
• 4K X → USB-C → PC (front USB port, USB 3.x)
• Recording software: OBS Studio (MKV → remux to MP4)

What I’ve already tried:

• Updated Windows 11
• Updated NVIDIA drivers
• Updated capture card firmware/software
• Tried different OBS audio sources:
  • Video Capture Device audio
  • Separate Audio Input Capture
• Set OBS sample rate to 48 kHz
• Disabled HDMI routing variations
• Tested in OBS (issue persists in recordings)

Additional info:

• Audio format: 48 kHz stereo
• Issue is intermittent, not constant
• Happens even when gameplay is stable

What I’m trying to figure out:

Is this likely:

• USB stability/power issue?
• OBS audio configuration issue?
• 4K X driver/firmware issue?
• Or something else I’m missing?

Any help or similar experiences would be appreciated.