Headset audio issues after latest controller firmware update

Hi there Leywink welcome to the community forum! Christopher here, an Xbox fan just like you and has been on Xbox for years already. I would really love to make your day by helping you out. You could try the following!

The first step in resetting an Xbox is to open the main menu. This can be accomplished in one of two ways:

Press the home button on your Xbox controller. This is the illuminated button with a stylized X that is centrally located on the front of the controller near the top.

Alternately, you can press the left bumper until you reach the home tab, and then press left on the d-pad.

Press down on the d-pad until you reach the gear icon.

Press the A button to select the gear icon.

With all settings highlighted, press the A button again to open the settings menu.

Press down on the d-pad until you reach System.

Press the A button to open the ​System submenu.

With console info highlighted, press the A button again.

Press down on the d-pad to select reset console.

Press the A button to select this option and move to the final step.

Press left on the d-pad to select Reset and keep my games & apps. Then press the A button. This is the less thorough of the two options, as it only resets the Xbox firmware and settings without touching your games and apps. Try this first, as it allows you to avoid downloading everything all over again.

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I'm going to assume you did the controller firmware update when the latest release pushed to your console? If you didn't give it a shot and see if it helps. There is also an update in the April preview to address two issues with the previous controller
firmware:

*NEW CONTROLLER FIRMWARE UPDATE*

Update to help address controller disconnect issues.

Update to help address headset adapter audio quality.

That is from the release notes in the forums and since applying the update to my controller, I haven't had any issues with this since. So if you have the latest firmware applied hang in there, and when the April preview goes GA, try updating it and see
if it resolves the issue at that point .

Hi and thanks for reaching out. I hope you’re doing well. I'm an Independent Advisor and a Microsoft user like you and I'll be happy to help you.

The crackling audio issue that you're experiencing on your Xbox Series S may be caused by a variety of factors, including interference, controller or headset firmware issues, or audio driver problems. Here are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue:

1. Try moving the wireless controller closer to the console to reduce the possibility of interference.

2. Update the firmware for both the controller and the headset. You can do this by connecting the controller and headset to the console with a USB cable and then checking for firmware updates in the settings menu.

3. Check the audio settings in the game and on the console to ensure that they are set to the correct output format and that the volume levels are not too high.

4. Try using a different headset or controller to see if the issue persists.

If the issue continues to persist after trying these troubleshooting steps, it may be possible that this is already a console issue.

"As of the April 2014 Xbox One System Update, the firmware update for the controller and stereo headset adapter has been updated and includes significant improvements to audio quality with the Stereo Headset Adapter and the process of updating controllers.
If you have taken the update previously and are having issues with your stereo headset adapter, please update your controller again with the latest Controller Update. You can update your controller by going to Settings, System, and then Controller update."
-- from bottom of page linked below:

support.xbox.com/.../update-controller-for-stereo-headset-adapter

It is now April and still no update. So this means by the end of April?

The audio mixer is still there. When you plug in your headset that has a 3.5mm jack. There should be a speaker icon when you tap the Xbox guide button. That's where you can adjust game & party chat audio levels. Try updating your controller to the latest
firmware update see it that helps.