Spuffer

A spuffer is a type of digital artifact that can appear in digital audio recordings. It is characterized by a brief, often abrupt, popping or clicking sound that disrupts the playback of the audio. Spuffers are generally unintentional and can arise from a variety of sources, including issues with the recording equipment, the audio data itself, or the playback system.

Common causes of spuffers include corrupted audio files, where a small section of the digital data is damaged or incomplete, leading to a discontinuity that the playback system interprets as a click. Hardware malfunctions in microphones, audio interfaces, or digital-to-analog converters can also introduce such noises. Additionally, problems with digital signal processing, such as buffer underruns in real-time audio applications, can result in momentary gaps in the audio stream, manifesting as spuffers.

The severity of a spuffer can range from a barely perceptible anomaly to a jarring interruption of the sound. While sometimes minor and ignorable, persistent or prominent spuffers can significantly degrade the listening experience. Techniques for mitigating spuffers include using high-quality audio hardware, ensuring stable system performance, and employing audio editing software to detect and repair or remove these artifacts. In professional audio production, careful attention to recording levels and data integrity is crucial to prevent their occurrence.