Minimal Arch-Linux Installation Experiencing Crackling Sound in Discord Calls
I am using a somewhat minimal installation of Arch-Linux on Nvidia-Hyprland. I am using the base install of Discord and I have PipeWire installed with Easy Effects running, along with some EQ settings for my BeyerDynamics DT 770 80ohm headphones. Every time I join a call in Discord, all the sounds are crackling until I leave. I have restarted PipeWire multiple times and I have disabled my Easy Effects settings and fully closed the application, but the issue persists. I appreciate any help I can get. I'm not very knowledgeable when it comes to Linux.
Before asking maybe check the archwiki since most problems usually have solution there.
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Discord
I am reading the wiki, but it is mostly discussing PulseAudio and not providing much information about PipeWire. I am unsure whether they share similar file locations or configuration processes, and I do not want to arbitrarily paste PulseAudio commands without knowing their potential effects.
Pipe wire is designed to mimic pulse audio and Jack, but it is written from scratch I believe. Pulse audio configuration programs mostly work for pipe wire, like pavucontrol.
You could use pavucontrol,since discord mainly uses pulseaudio controls
Sorry not a Linux specific thing but possible a sample rate conflict? If you're able to test/toggle between 48k and 44.1 that might be worth trying.
Ran into a similar problem on Ubuntu a while back, was the sound card being put into power saving mode by default. Maybe worth checking if you can turn off any power savings with your install.
How can I check that? Is there a program that I can use or a command?
According to the Arch Linux wiki, power-saving mode for my audio card is disabled by default. I have not enabled it yet, therefore it is not currently available as an option.
Had the exact issue after whatever pipewire update, fixed it by switching to pulseaudio. Was really trying to find different solution, one thing works temporarily(and I mean it, sometimes it fixed the issue for 1 minute sometimes for the entire session) is to switch audio profile to pro mode(if on kde at least)
It's probably the pipes, but may also be the wires 😹
I would open up QJackCtl and see if you get and Jack messages, since pipe wire has a jack interface as well. Idk if that actually makes sense, but I would definitely do it. Oh also obviously disable the eq and see if it changes. Wait no not the eq, the effects. Are your headphones Bluetooth?
My headphones are not Bluetooth, and I have already disabled the EQ. Disabling the EQ has not fixed my problem; it has only made the sound slightly more bearable.
How's your cpu load when the problem occurs? Is it only with discord?
I'm afraid I only use discord for chat, but it doesn't cause audio problems for me, at least not that I've noticed.