Pops and cracks with Air pods

I have a similar but slightly different issue.

I can get Audacity to recognize my airpods…

Go to: Transport → Rescan Audio Devices

This should at least bring the airpods into the output dropdown menu.

However, my problem is that the sound pops and cracks as though there’s a gain distortion. I can hear the audio clearly and loudly… but with the very annoying pops that are not in the file when I use plugged-in headphone or play from the computer’s built-in speakers.

Any guidance?

Are the airpods connected via bluetooth? Audacity does not play well with bluetooth audio devices. We’re aware of the problem, but have not been able (yet) to track down the source of the problem.
– Bill