Most popping issues are not your headset dying—they come from the audio chain being too aggressive. Very high sample rates and layered spatial processing can overload the game's mixer during loud firefights or dense city scenes.
Start here.
Use this quick reference first, then do the easy steps below.
3-step audio buffer fix card
Do this in order.
A direct walkthrough without unnecessary detours.
Lower the Windows playback format.
Open Sound settings, find your playback device, and drop it to 24-bit / 48000 Hz or 44100 Hz.
Test the game with spatial audio disabled.
If crackling stops, your current surround processing chain is the culprit.
Disable exclusive mode.
This stops apps from fighting over the device and introducing weird behavior.
Restart only if needed.
Patch 2.31 made the in-game audio toggle more convenient, but a full restart can still help after Windows-side changes.
Check overlays and audio suites.
Extra software from motherboard vendors, virtual mixers, or headset apps can reintroduce the issue.
Why the sound breaks during combat
Gunfire, crowd chatter, music, sirens, and radio all hit at once in busy scenes. If the output format is overly high or the driver chain is doing extra processing, REDengine 4 can start crackling under the load.
Stereo or normal surround, 24-bit 48 kHz, exclusive mode off, then test the game again.
Quick questions.
Does 192000 Hz sound better for this game?
Not necessarily. In Cyberpunk it often causes more trouble than benefit.
Should I disable Windows spatial audio or the in-game option?
Try both. The cleanest test is to turn off extra processing everywhere, then add back only what you need.
Do I need to reinstall drivers?
Usually no. Start with sample rate, spatial audio, and exclusive mode first.
Checked, not guessed.
Built as a simple player-first guide using Cyberpunk 2077 patch/update notes and known in-game settings behavior. Original editorial hero artwork is included for atmosphere, not as a gameplay screenshot.
Original editorial hero artwork. Not a gameplay screenshot.