DDJ-RR - Crackle/Pop

I'd recommend trying a different computer (different brand if possible). It could certainly be a problem with the USB chipset causing the problems.

That's my next step. Unfortunately I only have access to Dell computers at the moment, so I am trying to track down another brand.

A thought I had: If it is in fact, the USB chipset would a USB hub (powered) be a solution?  Essentially plugging in the controller to the hub, then to the computer?

I am thinking that would provide a buffer for whatever issue is happening with the laptop's USB ports?

Not likely, especially if you're using the DC adapter for the RR - it's not drawing power from the USB bus.

I am having this exact same issue (crackling noise comping through the headphones and out of the mains through the XLR). Ironically, I am also using a Dell XPS13.

The hardest problem with the crackling noise that it has been intermitten. I was DJing in Mexico last week and it started getting really bad as my set continued. I started troubleshooting everything. When I turned everything off, unplugged the RR from the external DC power supply, and ran power straight off the USB, the problem completely stopped! Crisp, clear sound.

But, the saga continues. Last night I was at a gig and I had all speakers and computer plugged into the same power strip and circuit. I was planning to just run the controller off of USB, but, the "slip reverse" red light was flashing: indicating the controller did not have enough power. So, to much chagrin, I plugged in the RR power supply. Still got the red flashing light.

Next step was to split the equipment on two different circuits in the house. After a few tries (turning the controller on and off), the controller powered on and I was able to use the controller most of the night crackle free. But, toward the end of a 7 hour gig, the crackles did come back, but not too bad.

Before I pluuged in the power supply, I fiddled with it, making sure the wires were tight and made sure not to touch it throughout the night. It seemed like that MOSTLY worked.

So, am I wrong to think that the crackling noise could be coming from the external power supply to the controller? It is a little tough to isolate what is causing the crackling because it doesn't happen consistently. Last night I went hours without a single issue.

Please post if you've made any headway on this issue. That crackling noise is very distracting, bad enough to bring the vibe down at the party.

I made no progress.  The folks at pioneer told me they couldn't help me in the end and that except for Macs they could not guarantee the hardware or software working with every Windows machine because of the variations on the components.  Their theory was that a small amount of electricity was being discharged from the USB ports causing the crackle.  I tried using a USB hub to no avail. 

I have an 8 year old Dell Inspirion Desktop that works flawlessly.  No issue with any of the USB ports.  But it's not mobile. 

I am planning on buying a refurbished Mac to use for mobile applications. I've been using other people's set ups and just using mine for practice.  It's a real shame. 

The biggest problem with PCs is many of them have poor isolation between the USB chipset and other components, and if the charging circuit is nearby, then it's going to be especially noisy when on wall-power. Unfortunately this is not our issue - it's the computer itself. One thing I'd recommend is use of an isolation transformer USB cable / adapter. It may just do the trick to decouple connection and eliminate the noise.

Thank you Pioneer support. I applied the fix above (disabled Turbo Boost and followed the guy's link to change the registry) and haven't heard a crackle since.