Static, Pops, and Crackle: What You Can (and Can't) Fix (Records)
This Post Could Save Your Favourite Record.
Vinyl is amazing until it starts sounding like you're listening through a campfire. We’ve all been there. You drop the needle, expecting warm analog bliss, and instead you get snap, crackle, and pop like you just poured milk on a bowl of Rice Krispies.
Is your record ruined? Is it just dirty? Can you fix it? Let’s break it down. No fluff, no gatekeeping.
Not All Noise Is Created Equal
There are three usual suspects when it comes to noisy records:
- Static – a light, high-frequency hiss or crackle. Usually random.
- Pops – loud clicks that often happen in the same spot every time.
- Crackle – soft, constant background noise that sits under the music like a layer of dust.
Each one has different causes. And each one has a different chance of survival.
Static: The Clingy, Fixable One
Static is vinyl’s version of static cling, harmless but annoying. It shows up when there’s too little moisture in the air or when the record sleeve creates friction as you slide the LP out.
You’ll know it’s static if:
- The record looks clean but still crackles
- Dust sticks to the record like Velcro
- You shock yourself touching the LP (bonus points for hair standing up)
Good news: Static is easy to fix.
Here’s how:
- Use an anti-static brush before each play
- Upgrade to anti-static inner sleeves (avoid plastic baggies of doom)
- Use a zero-stat gun, or better yet, a Humminguru Orbit for the vinyl’s surface (yep, really)
If static is your problem, you’re not in trouble, you’re just in need of better habits.
Pops: The Jump-Scare
Pops are those sharp, jarring clicks that hit at the same point every spin. They’re the loudest and most obvious. They also get blamed for “ruining” records.
What causes pops?
- Dirt or dust stuck deep in the grooves
- A scratch
- A pressing defect
What you can do:
- Start with a proper clean, not a tissue wipe, a real wet clean with a proper vinyl brush.
- Try a vacuum machine or ultrasonic cleaner if you’ve got access
- If it’s a scratch or pressing issue? You’re stuck with it. It’s part of the record now.
Pops are tricky, sometimes they’re just dirt. Sometimes they’re battle scars. Clean first. Hope second.
Crackle: The Low-Level Nuisance
Crackle is softer than pops but constant. It usually shows up across the whole record and gets worse over time if ignored.
Causes include:
- Ground-in dirt
- A worn stylus
- Bad pressings or old records
- Incorrect tracking force on your turntable
What you can try:
- Wet and wipe the record with a suitable brush and vinyl cleaner
- Check your stylus: if it’s old or cheap, it might be damaging the grooves
- Adjust your tonearm: too much or too little weight can cause distortion and noise
If it’s still crackling after all that, it could be a pressing defect or ground in dirt.
Can You Actually Fix It?
Here’s the honest list:
Fixable:
- Static (almost always)
- Surface dust pops and crackle
- Noise from poor storage or dry environments
Not Fixable:
- Deep scratches
- Pressing defects
- Damage from worn needles or bad tracking
- Records that are just too far gone
Some noise is just part of the format especially on older pressings or used records. But a lot of it is preventable with good care, better sleeves, and an occasional deep clean.
Still Noisy After All That?
Bring it to us!
At Audio Image, we’ve got proper cleaning tools and experience. Sometimes what sounds like a ruined record is just grime in disguise. We’ll be able to provide a consultation for the record and help you figure it out.
Final Word: Don’t Panic
Noise on vinyl isn’t always a tragedy. Most of the time, it’s fixable or manageable. And even when it’s not? It’s just part of the charm.
Keeping your vinyl well maintained takes effort, but it’s definitely worth it.
Written by Shubaan.