"Clipping" problems w/ audacity

[Malaky]

Hi there fellas

I have a small problem when I'm recording with audacity. I use a small rig with an SM57, a Multimix 8 Firewire and a Line 6 120W amp. I don't have any specific problem with my sound but I've got an issue that I might call clipping.

I don't know if it's the correct term for this but it jumps and cuts in my recording when I listen to it afterwards. It's very anoying and I just don't know what to do. I do think it might be a problem with my Computer or with Audacity which I use to record.

Informations:

DELL Studio 1535 Laptop
Intel Core 2 Duo 2.00 Ghz
3G RAM

Recording software: Audacity.

My question is basicly: What is causing the problem and how do I solve it?

I included a small sample of a recording with the "clipping" thing.

Thanks a lot in advance!

Malaky.

[Electriclight]

What does the waveform look like at the exact point you hear these pops?

If the wave form is large and flattened on the tops and bottoms you are indeed clipping, (clipping is a specific term) which means the signal is too high (hot) and you need to reduce your recording levels.

If the waveform is showing gaps where the pops sound, then you may have a too small buffer setting, too small latency setting, or even a flaky cable.